Northern Senior Division One
Broadwell 7
Star 3
THE score suggests this was an easy win for the Foresters. In reality, Star contributed much to the game and, but for some sloppy defending early on, could have forced a draw.
Phil Delaney opened the home side's account after just two minutes of play. Keeper Pittaway dropped a cross and Delaney pounced to convert the loose ball.
Five minutes later, Star were awarded a penalty following an Andy Green foul. Lee Harris typified Broadwell's new found confidence by saving Powell's spot-kick.
Broadwell went into overdrive. Ross Scott headed home a Belfitt cross, Guy Jones ghosted in at the far post to hit home a Mike Robbins pass, then Craig Lewis nonchalantly fired a 30-yarder into the top corner to make it 4-0 at half-time.
Star took the game to Broadwell in the second-half and the 6ft 3in Piper proved their best outlet, giving Scott Albon and Andy Green plenty to think about.
Manager Mark Allen sensibly rested Lewis and Belfitt on the hour, replacing them with Evans and Foxwell.
Belfitt got his name on the scoresheet before leaving the field, finishing off a four man move.
Star took advantage of the changes to score through Redfearn.
Their jubilation was short-lived – Foxwell heading home after an Ian Price free-kick hit the underside of the bar and bounced out.
Broadwell introduced new signing Matt Jackson for the final 15 minutes but Star, to their credit, kept attacking.
They scored two consolation goals, before Guy Jones capped an excellent game on the left wing with Broadwell's seventh.
Holding player Carl Adams (pictured) had another sound game in midfield, knocking several 30 yard passes into the paths of Belfitt and Robbins.
Broadwell, top of the league with two games in hand, visit Stroud this week.
Broadwell: Lee Harris, Andy Green, Phil Delaney, Scott Albon, Ian Price, Guy Jones, Craig Lewis, Mike Robbins, Ross Scott, Steve Belfitt, Carl Adams. Subs: Matt Foxwell, Richard Evans, Matt Jackson.