Elliott Star's season got underway with a perfect start on a hot and humid afternoon with a well-deserved win over Cuffley.

Mark Cooper bagged a first half hat-trick and two second half goals from strike partner Stuart Poetker, and a penalty from skipper Stu Love completed the scoring. The scoreline could have been very different. In the first 15 minutes Elliotts were on the back foot, as Cuffley took the game to the hosts.

Gradually Elliotts got a foothold in the game, and after 20 minutes a short free kick found Steve Buss, whose cross was powerfully headed home at the back post by Mark Cooper.

Elliotts' confidence grew, and they tried to get their passing game going with Tommy Flahive and Dean Shuttleworth making inroads down the flanks.

After 30 minutes Elliotts increased their lead when a Buss Corner was again met by the head of Cooper, giving the keeper no chance.

Cuffley kept going forward, and created a few chances. Just before half-time a Cuffley centre forward found himself through clear on goal, but was denied by Chandler in the Elliotts goal.

This proved to be a vital moment, as Elliotts broke away through Taylor, who put Poetker through, and his cross was tucked away at the far post by Mark Cooper to complete his hat-trick.

Elliotts started the second half in full flow, with the midfield taking control. After ten minutes Buss found Shuttleworth down the right, and he found Poetker, who opened his account for Elliotts from 15 yards.

Poetker was then brought down in the area, and Stu Love slotted home the resulting penalty, bringing the score to 5-0. Elliotts' fitness was now coming to the front, with Digweed and O'Connoll joining in attacks at will. With ten minutes left Shuttleworth again found Poetker, who finished the scoring.

It was a good opening day performance for Elliotts, who face a long hard season.

The next games will be at home against Sun Sports on Saturday, August 24, and at home against Hadley on August 28.

ELLIOTT STAR: Chandler, Digweed, Love, Armit, J O'Connoll, Shuttleworth, Buss, Taylor, Flahive, Poetker, M Cooper. Subs: S O'Connoll, Bernstein, J Petit, T Mason.

Elliott Star 6 Cuffley 0

Herts County League Senior Division

August 21, 2002 14:30