Ashfield FC - Match Reports & Pics for Season 2023-2024
Weekly Match Reports and Pictures of all Ashfield Matches for the Season ahead.
Match 1:- Ashfield 3 Irvine Victoria 1 , Pre-Season Friendly - Saturday 8th July 2023 - KO 2.30pm - Stepford Football Centre, 1514 Edinburgh Road, Glasgow G33 4NU.
Ashfield welcomed Irvine Victoria to the Stepford Football Centre to start the Pre-Season off and the good sized crowd were treated to a very enjoyable Match indeed despite all of the substitutes and changes throughout the 90 minutes. The standard of the game considering this was the first outing for both sides was very impressive indeed and after a very even opening where the better chances fell to the visitors with a couple of shots which narrowly missed the upright and a wonder save from Chris Calder, the home side began to dominate after 25 minutes. Two magnificent saves from the Vics Keeper delayed the opening goal from Jonny Black after lovely work down the right. Shortly after a tremendous mazy run from Left Back David Leadbetter saw the ball whipped across the box for Jonny Black to knock in his second of the game. The game ebbed and flowed with the `field utilising the flanks well in what was a very humid and uncomfortable afternoon for Football.
HT:- ASHFIELD 2 IRVINE VICS 0
Both teams made significant changes to their line-ups for the start of the second half and from an Ashfield point of view it was good to see all of the new signings getting a `run out`. It took the home side a good 10/15 mins to find their feet again following the changes and in the interim the visitors pulled a goal back with Savarese lobbing Chris Calder to reduce the deficit. The new signings began to make an impact shortly after however it was the established players in Aiden Quinn and Greg Burns that were `catching the eye` and it was no more than Greg deserved when he broke clear of his marker midway through the half placing a low shot into the far corner of the net to put Ashfield 3-1 up. Further chances fell to the home side however there were no further goals and on a disappointing note, Ryan Sinclair sustained a sore injury breaking his nose however we have just heard that there is no damage to the eye socket which is a relief.
It had been 15 years since both teams had met each other and it was good to see the Vics bringing a decent sized support to Stepford and we wish them well for the coming Season following narrowly missing out on Promotion last Season.
FT:- ASHFIELD 3 IRVINE VICS 1
Ashfield`s Team:- C Calder, R Sinclair, D Leadbetter, L Pearce, S Doherty, J Bradley, B Barr, G Burns, J Black, C Quinn and F Sheridan. Subs:- C Beedham, P Shelley, L Farmer, G Chalmers, S Slaven, A Quinn, L Warnock, R Lochhead (GK) and S Grady.
Referee:- Luke McCauley
Attendance:- 80
Match 2:- Ashfield 4 Clydebank 2 , Pre-Season Friendly - Violet Marshall Memorial Cup - Saturday 15th July 2023 - Kick -Off 3pm - New Western Park, Renfrew.
A really well organised event and well attended day of Football for the Violet Marshall Memorial Cup which concludes with the Final at 3pm on Sunday (16th) afternoon. Renfrew and Kilsyth Athletic (0-1) had served up an enjoyable Match before the `field and Clydebank took to the pitch for the 3pm Kick-Off. The Ashfield Management Team had made a few changes to the Team from the victory last week against Irvine Vics with Lochhead, Maley and Warnock all starting. It was good to see and catch up with a couple of Ex-Ashfield players in Jamie Darroch and Callum Graham who were playing against the `field today.
The Referee got the Match underway with the crowd still streaming in as the Premiership side took the upper hand in the early stages. Ashfield looked extremely dangerous on the break with Jonny Black and Bobby Barr foraging forward at every opportunity however it was the Bankies that started to put the pressure on the Ashfield goal. Despite the early possession chances were at a premium & just as Ashfield thought they had weathered the storm Liam McGonigle picked up the ball just inside the Ashfield box from Callum Graham, finding room for himself before sweeping the ball low and hard into the far corner of the net to the roar of the large Clydebank support. Ashfield 0 Clydebank 1. A snap shot from a Bankies forward shortly after sailed over the bar before Ashfield picked up their game and started to spread the ball about well. Fraser Sheridan was looking lively on the left hand flank and cut in before rifling a shot narrowly over the bar, and on the 24th minute the `field were level. Bobby Barr picked up the ball after a neat exchange of passing and cut in before unleashing a drive into the top corner of the net leaving Hughes in the Bankies goal with no chance. A terrific goal from Bobby. Ashfield 1 Clydebank 1. The game ebbed and flowed after this and chances were prevalent at both ends before Bobby Barr stepped up again on the 40th minute picking the ball up on the edge of the box and with one touch curled the ball into the top corner of the net again to the delight of the Ashfield support. Ashfield 2 Clydebank 1. Two wonder strikes from Bobby now enabling the `field to go in at the interval a goal ahead.
HT:- ASHFIELD 2 CLYDEBANK 1
The second half started off in similar fashion to the first with the Bankies forcing the early play and had a number of corners which were well defended by the Ashfield defence. On the 50th minute a cross to the far post saw the ball played across the Ashfield six yard box however was cleared to safety and immediately after this it was Ashfield who stunned their opponents with a third goal with their first foray up the park in the second half. A lovely move down the right hand side saw Aiden Quinn whip the ball into the box where Lewis Warnock got ahead of his marker and cushioned a volley into the corner of the net. Ashfield 3 Clydebank 1. A great goal from Ashfield and they almost increased their lead when Jonny Black broke clear of his marker after being played in drilling the ball into the net however the Referee disallowed this for Offside. As the sun broke through and the temperature rose, both teams made a couple of changes to freshen things up and Blair Lochhead in the Ashfield goal had to be at his best to save twice low down to thwart Little and McGonigle. Another chance fell to the Bankies when the ball was played to the back post however the trialist chose to play the ball across the goal instead of going himself. In the 79th minute the Bankies pressure paid off after a neat exchange of passes saw the Clydebank trialist played in and he placed the ball out of Lochhead`s reach to reduce the deficit. Ashfield 3 Clydebank 2. It was `game on` now as both teams pressed forward however the play was now more directed towards the Ashfield goal as the Premiership Club saw their opportunity to level things however came up against a really resiliant Ashfield Keeper and defence and on the 90th Minute it was the team in the Black and White hoops that completed the scoring. A long clearance from the Ashfield defence saw the ball land in between the Bankies Centre halves and young Aaron Davies who came on for Jonny Black gathered the ball before being upended in the box with the Referee having no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Dean Farmer stepped up and finished with aplomb to ensure Ashfield will play in the Final on Sunday at 3pm against Kilsyth Athletic. Ashfield 4 Clydebank 2. A terrific Match and a great `work out` for both teams.
FT:- ASHFIELD 4 CLYDEBANK 2
Ashfield`s Team:- B Lochhead, A Quinn, D Leadbetter, R Sinclair, S Doherty, J Maley, B Barr, L Warnock, J Black, G Burns and F Sheridan. Subs:- C Quinn, C Calder (GK), G Chalmers, D Farmer, S Grady, K Miller, A Davis, Carruthers and McLaughlin.
Attendance:- 400
Referee:-
Match 3:- Ashfield 3 Kilsyth Athletic 2, Violet Marshall Memorial Cup Final - Sunday 16th July 2023 - KO 3pm - New Western Park, Renfrew
Both teams met for the first time in their history and what a great occasion to meet in the Final of the inaugural Violet Marshall Memorial Cup which I am delighted to advise made over £2k for the Accord Hospice during the two days in what was a very well managed event and a feast of Football was had in front of large crowds. From an Ashfield point of view they had beaten a very talented Clydebank side yesterday and so it was a first Meeting with Kilsyth Athletic who had progressed following a 1-0 victory over Renfrew.
The `field were enforced into a number of changes due to some tired legs, some knocks and also the chance for some of the new arrivals and fringe players to start a Match. The `field were playing in their away strip of Red and Grey as Referee Barry Cook got things underway at a blustery New Western Park and it was the Glasgow side who started the brightest testing the Kilsyth back four early on. It was clear to see that the Kilsyth Team were extremely organised and were defending extremely well coupled with flashes that they were extremely quick on the break. Ashfield had a half chance after 10 minutes when Jonny Black bulleted a header narrowly past the post as the `field kept on foraging forward. New arrival Sean Grady was next up as he weaved past a couple of defenders before dragging his shot wide. The same result fell to Greg Chalmers who drove the ball wide following a headed clearance from Kilsyth. In the 26th minute however the game changed on its head as following an Ashfield corner, Kilsyth broke out of defence at pace driving into the Ashfield half before the ball was played through to the Athletic`s No 9 who drove the ball only to see Chris Calder block the shot with his legs however the ball broke out to an onrushing forward who despatched the ball into the net despite the attentions of Ashfield defenders. Ashfield 0 Kilsyth Athletic 1. The `field upped the tempo for the next period with Jack Maley prominent in the middle of the park however were finding it difficult to create clear cut chances & when they did the Kilsyth back four were blocking well however with 6 minutes of the half remaining Ashfield were awarded a free-Kick 22 yards out following a push on the back of Jonny Black. Up stepped Left Back David Leadbetter bending the ball into the top corner of the net to the delight of the Ashfield support. Ashfield 1 Kilsyth Athletic 1. The game ebbed and flowed up until the break and the Crowd knew they were in for an enjoyable second half as long as the rain stayed off.
HT:- ASHFIELD 1 KILSYTH ATHLETIC 1
It was a similar start to the second half as in the first with Ashfield having the initial pressure however again clear cut chances were difficult to find and as the half wore on the Kilsyth Team began to grow in confidence, working the flanks extremely well with Aidan Quinn and David Leadbetter having to be at their best. Just after the hour mark, the Ashfield Management Team changed the team bringing on 4 substitutes - 3 of their regular starts and young Keir Miller who is really `catching the eye` and improving game on game. As it was just as the `field were adjusting to the changes Kilsyth carved out a wonderful move down the right with the ball played in behind the left back area with the Athletic`s No 7 driving in on goal before finishing with aplomb leaving Calder with no chance. Ashfield 1 Kilsyth Athletic 2. As in the first half, the `field stepped the tempo up and within a couple of minutes were level when Fraser Sheridan cut the ball back from the bye line with Dean Farmer edging ahead of his marker to guide the ball past the Kilsyth Keeper to level the score. Ashfield 2 Kilsyth Athletic 2. Ashfield had a succession of corners which were well defended however had to contend with sporadic attacks with pace from the Kilsyth team and some last ditch tackling had to be utilised to keep Athletic at bay. Bobby Barr, who scored two wonder goals the day before was getting more and more involved and had already tested the Kilsyth Keeper with a left foot drive. This time the Ex-Livingston & Raith Rovers player whipped the ball into the six yard box which was only partially cleared with the loose ball following to an onrushing Fraser Sheridan who drove the ball low and hard into the net to put the `field ahead for the first time in the game. Ashfield 3 Kilsyth Athletic 2. The game was not over and the young Kilsyth team made it extremely difficult for the `field in the closing stages with this time the `field achieving a bit of success on the break. As Referee Barry Cook brought proceedings to an end, it is Ashfield who would be lifting the Violet Marshall Memorial Cup following a nice presentation from the Family of Violet`s.
It`s back to League preparations again for the `field this week with a home friendly against Maryhill on the Tuesday night (18th) and a trip down to Blair Park next Saturday (22nd) to take on Hurlford United before the League starts in earnest the week after. We wish Kilsyth Athletic all the best for the Season ahead.
FT:- ASHFIELD 3 KILSYTH ATHLETIC 2
Ashfield`s Team:- C Calder, A Quinn, D Leadbetter, R Sinclair, S Doherty, J Maley, D Farmer, G Chalmers, J Black, C Quinn, S Grady. Subs:- B Barr, F Sheridan, L Warnock, G Burns, K Miller, A Davis, Carruthers and McLaughlin
Attendance:- 150
Referee:- Barry Cook
Match 4:- Ashfield 3 Maryhill 1, Pre-Season Friendly - Tuesday 18th July 2023 - Stepford Football Centre, 1514 Edinburgh Road, Glasgow G33 4NU
This was the fourth meeting between the Teams in a year and both teams can be extremely pleased with their contribution in what turned out to be a cracker of a friendly that ebbed and flowed with the standard on show extremely high. Ashfield rested a few `tired` legs understandably after their efforts on Saturday and Sunday in lifting the Violet Marshall Memorial Cup and brought in a couple of trialists together with a mixture of fringe and established players. The Maryhill line up was similar to last Season however it was noticeable the number of new signings in the team who performed admirably on a balmy evening in the East End of Glasgow. The visitors made their intent known early that they were going to take the game to Ashfield and Blair Lochhead had to be at his best to divert a net bound effort from 22 yards over the bar. The visitors continued to spray the ball about well with Ashfield taking time to get to grips with their new line up however after 10 minutes the `field should have been ahead. A short pass-back from the `hill Centre Half allowed Dean Farmer a run in on goal however his lob did not have enough strength and was gathered by the Maryhill Keeper. Next up was Ryan Sinclair who`s tremendous pace allows him to drive up and down the right flank and was a constant menace for the `hill defence as he continually drove the ball into the box.
Ashfield were playing a trialist alongside Lance Pierce at Centre Half and he did very well and looked comfortable on the ball however was certainly `put through his paces` by a lively Maryhill forward line. A well worked free-kick from David Leadbetter on the half hour mark almost brought the opener for Ashfield however Bobby Barr drove the ball into the side netting to the relief of the Maryhill back four. As it was the game continued at great pace until Referee Hughes brought proceedings to a halt with the 50+ Crowd eager for the second half to commence.
HT:- ASHFIELD 0 MARYHILL 0
If the First half had been enjoyable the second half was even better as both teams had a real `go` at each other and the Match went from end to end with some notable performances from certain individuals ensuring that there was never a dull moment. A midfield `trialist` for Ashfield was certainly catching the eye working alongside young Substitute Keir Miller and both of them played extremely well. A number of changes were made on the hour mark by the home side bringing on Fraser Sheridan, Greg Chalmers, Jonny Black and Sean Doherty and just as they were `finding their feet`, it was Maryhill who broke the deadlock. Referee Hughes awarded a free-kick midway inside the Ashfield half which was driven to the far post where Shaun Roberts managed to get ahead of his market and volleyed the ball into the roof of the net to put the `hill ahead. Ashfield 0 Maryhill 1. The `field all of a sudden upped the tempo after this however were extremely wary of the breaks from Maryhill as the game entered the last 20 minutes. Miller and Barr linked well in the midfield area on the 74th minute before Barr himself drove at the Maryhill back four, Barr then played in an onrushing Sheridan with the Ashfield winger cutting in before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the far corner of the net from an acute angle to level the Match. Ashfield 1 Maryhill 1. It was `game on` now as the floodlights came on with the home side looking `in the mood` and within a couple of minutes the `field were ahead. A lovely piece of play on the right hand side saw Jonny Black hold the ball up at the edge of the box before playing in the young trialist and the youngster took one touch before despatching the ball into the corner of the net to the delight of the home support. Ashfield 2 Maryhill 1 . Maryhill foraged forward at every opportunity however found Sean Doherty and his fellow defenders commanding and as we entered the last 10 minutes it was the Ashfield Captain himself who put the `game to bed` so to speak. A corner on the far left of the Stepford Ground was played into Doherty at the front post and the big Ashfield Centre Half swivelled and drove the ball past the Maryhill Keeper to put the field 3-1 up, Ashfield 3 Maryhill 1. The game continued at great pace and was a great advert for Football before Referee Chris Hughes brought proceedings to a halt.
Both teams can be extremely pleased with their performances this evening and augurs well for the Season ahead. Ashfield now head down to Ayrshire to meet Premiership Hurlford United this Saturday (22/07/2023 - 2pm KO) in their last Pre-Season friendly looking to maintain their long unbeaten run stretching back 15 games now.
FT:- ASHFIELD 3 MARYHILL 1
Ashfield`s Team:- B Lochhead, R Sinclair, D Leadbetter, L Pearce, Trialist, C Quinn, B Barr, L Warnock, D Farmer, G Burns and S Grady. Subs:- C Calder (GK), J Black, A Quinn, S Doherty, F Sheridan, K Miller, Trialist and G Chalmers
Attendance:- 60
Referee:- Chris Hughes
Match 5:- Whitletts Victoria 1 Ashfield 4 - West of Scotland League Division 1 - Saturday 29th July 2023 - Kick-Off 2pm - Dam Park, Ayr
The `field arrived to the lush surroundings of Dam Park however due to the Ayrshire Council not lining the Pitch as normal it was left to the Officials and Management of Whitletts to complete the task - Well done lads. The result was that Kick-Off was delayed by approx. 15 minutes while the final preparation was completed. The `field graced the turf at Dam Park in their Red & Grey Away strips with the home team reverting to a Blue & White outfit and as Referee Jamie Andrews got proceedings under way then all the benefits of the Pre-Season preparations would hopefully come to fruition. It was the home side that started well looking the more dangerous in the opening exchanges although the `field held the upper hand on possession. The Vics front two looked extremely lively and after 12 minutes the`field were given a warning when a net bound shot was blocked on the line by Sean Doherty. A couple of minutes later and it was the home side that were celebrating after breaking the deadlock. A lovely move down the left flank saw the Vics No 9 Jordan Baird cut in and evade a couple of tackles before despatching a right foot shot which bulleted low and hard past Lochhead in the Ashfield goal to put the home side 1-0 ahead. Whitletts Victoria 1 Ashfield 0. The `field foraged forward at every opportunity however the tall back four of the Vics were dealing well with cross balls so as the half wore on the Glasgow Team started to play their usual passing football and began to see the benefits.
Bobby Barr and Jonny Black, who terrorized defences in the Second Division last Season scoring 53 goals between them, were linking up well however it was Fraser Sheridan firstly that got on the end of a cleared corner to drill the ball goal-wards only to see the big Vics keeper block well. Next up however the `field were level following another corner which was only half cleared with the ball being gathered by Bobby Barr who drove the ball high into the roof of the net from 16 yards out to the delight of the travelling support. Whitletts Victoria 1 Ashfield 1. A couple of minutes later as the clock ticked towards half time a lovely ball over the heads of the Vics back two saw Jonny Black run through before rounding the Keeper and drilling the ball home to put the `field ahead. Whitletts Victoria 1 Ashfield 2. The home side looked `shell shocked` after putting on such an impressive opening 30 minutes however as Referee Andrews brought proceedings to a close the expectant crowd knew they were in for a lively second half.
HT:- WHITLETTS VICTORIA 1 ASHFIELD 2
There were no changes to the line-ups as the sun welcomed both teams onto the Park and it was the visitors that took the game by the `scruff of the neck` stepping up a gear and putting on a tremendous second half showing. Jonny Black started to win most of the 50-50`s that were played up bringing the wide players into the game. Bobby Barr was finding some space down the right flank cutting in well and delivered a few wicked crosses in before narrowly missing the upright himself with a shot. After an hour the Ashfield Management Team brought on changes to the Midfield and defence and within 4 minutes the `field went further ahead. A lovely move from Jonny Black down the left flank saw the Ashfield forward cut along the bye-line before drilling the ball across the 6 yard box to an onrushing Greg Burns. Greg`s shot was initially blocked however the ball fell to Ex-Petershill man Craig Quinn and with virtually his first touch of the game drove the ball into the net to put the `field further ahead. Whitletts Victoria 1 Ashfield 3. It was pretty much `one way` traffic at this stage and continued with the introduction of Sean Slaven & Shaun Grady who both put on an excellent show in the last 20 minutes. Slaven almost scored with his first touch as his pace drove him past the defenders only to see his lobbed shot narrowly miss the far post. Shaun Grady was driving at the Vics defence and was brought down on a couple of occasions. A lovely worked free-kick with 10 minutes left saw David Leadbetter`s net bound effort blocked by the Vics defence before the Vics Centre Half was booked for scything down Bobby Barr as he ran in on goal. With 6 minutes left on the clock, the home side had a good appeal for a penalty with Shaun Grady being on the wrong side of his marker however Referee Andrews waived away protests. Craig Quinn should have scored his 2nd of the game when Shaun Grady played him in right on the six yard box however his effort was brilliantly saved by the Vics Keeper however this only delayed the final goal when again a move down the left by Leadbetter found Sean Slaven and the big forward showed some great feet-work before drilling the ball underneath the Vics keeper to ensure a memorable start to the Season for the visitors. Whitletts Victoria 1 Ashfield 4. Following the goal, the Vics Centre half was given a second yellow for dissent as a further 4 minutes were played before the game was brought to an end.
An excellent start to the Season for Ashfield at a very tricky venue and the home side can be pleased with their opening period however it is Ashfield who go up the A77 with the three valuable points as they prepare for a home game with Shotts Bon Accord on Tuesday night at Stepford Park (7.45pm Kick-Off) while the Vics travel to Neilston.
FT:- WHITLETTS VICTORIA 1 ASHFIELD 4
Ashfield`s Team:- B Lochhead, R Sinclair, L Pearce, S Doherty, D Leadbetter, J Bradley, B Barr, G Burns, J Black, J Maley and F Sheridan. Subs:- C Calder, S Grady, G Chalmers, S Slaven, A Quinn, C Quinn and C Beedham
Attendance:- 55
Man of the Match:- A great team performance for the starting 11 and the 5 Substitutes who all made a terrific contribution. Special mention to Sean Doherty, Bobby Barr and the two Sean`s who came on in the Second half - Slaven and Grady. Very difficult not to mention every single player but edging this weeks award is David Leadbetter & Jonny Black.
Referee:- Jamie Andrews
Match 6:- Ashfield 2 Shotts Bon Accord 3, Stepford Park, 1514 Edinburgh Road, Glasgow G33 4NU - West of Scotland League Division 1 - Tuesday 1st August 2023 - 7.45pm KO
It had been a while since Ashfield and Shotts had `locked horns` in a League Match and we have to go back to May 2013 for a 1-1 at Saracen Park however both teams would have been buoyant going into this evening`s fixture on the back of two victories against Ayrshire opponents on Saturday. The Ashfield Management Team had `tweaked` the starting line up slightly bringing in the impressive Sean Slaven who had a terrific second half at Whitletts. As it was the home side did not anticipate being 2-0 after 9 minutes to hand a huge advantage to the visitors. The crowd were still entering the Ground when a lofted pass-back from Craig Quinn went over the head of the Ashfield Keeper as he tried to keep the ball out with his head however only directed it into the roof of the net to the delight of the travelling support. Ashfield 0 Shotts B A 1. The `field were struggling in the opening stages and it was the visitors that went further ahead on nine minutes following some neat interplay with Ben Richford finishing well past Blair Lochhead in the Ashfield goal. Ashfield 0 Shotts B A 2. The home side managed to `steady the ship` after this and began to get their passing game together and starting to make inroads at trying to claw back the deficit. The midfield area was congested and the visitors were strong in this area however as the half wore on David Leadbetter on the left and Bobby Barr on the right began to put the visitors under a bit of pressure and on the 20 minute mark a lovely through ball saw Sean Slaven control and drive in on goal before despatching a low shot into the back of the net to the delight of the home support. Ashfield 1 Shotts B A 2. It was `game on` now and the home side foraged forward at every opportunity however the visitors back four were extremely strong and a couple of the home efforts were from long distance. On the half hour following a corner, it was Shotts that increased their lead. A lovely whipped in corner from Ex-Ashfield player Ally Martin was partially cleared to the edge of the box where a Shotts midfielder drove the ball into the six yard box and was diverted into the net by Josh MacDonald leaving Lochhead with no chance. Ashfield 1 Shotts B A 3. A real `blow` for Ashfield however to their credit kept on pushing forward and on the stroke of half time got their rewards from the Penalty spot following an infringement on Greg Burns in the box. Bobby Barr stepped up and drove the ball only to see the Shotts Keeper block well however Barr was quick and guided the rebound into the net to ensure the game was nicely poised going into the Second Half. Ashfield 2 Shotts B A 3.
HALF TIME:- ASHFIELD 2 SHOTTS BA 3
As the players came back on for the second half the rain had started to pour in the east side of Glasgow and unfortunately did not let up for the whole of the second half. It certainly did not affect the proceedings on the park as both teams gave their all. The midfield area continued to be hard fought and as the half wore on it was the home side that began to carve out the better of the openings. On the hour mark nice play down the right flank by Aiden Quinn saw the ball played into Sean Slaven inside the box and the big Centre forward swivelled and drove his shot narrowly past the upright. Bobby Barr was next up as he cut in from the left hand side and again his shot missed the far post by inches. Shotts were dangerous at set pieces and a couple of corners caused the Ashfield back four some problems before being cleared to safety. The home side made a couple of changes bringing on Maley and Sinclair before later on bringing on the pace of Fraser Sheridan as the `field tried in vain to claw back the deficit and with 10 minutes to go should have done so. A lovely move from Ashfield down the left saw the ball played into Slaven who pulled the ball back for an onrushing Jonny Black however the normally reliable forward went for power instead of accuracy and his shot went narrowly over the bar to the anguish of the home support. A couple of minutes later, Bobby Barr tried to weave his way through the Shotts back four however the ball was played out to Fraser Sheridan who drove the ball goal-wards only to see the Shotts Keeper pull off a great save with his legs. The visitors made a number of substitutes late on and held on to secure a valuable three points as Referee Steven McKay brought proceedings to a close.
An enjoyable match with both teams producing some excellent football however Shotts continue their excellent record over Ashfield stretching to 49 years since they last lost to the Glasgow Team. The `field must `dust themselves down` for the trip to Petershill on Saturday and should not be too downhearted as they will probably play worse and win this Season. Shotts welcome Neilston to Hannah Park.
FULL TIME:- ASHFIELD 2 SHOTTS BA 3
Ashfield`s Team:- B Lochhead, A Quinn, D Leadbetter, L Pearce, S Doherty, J Bradley, B Barr, G Burns, J Black, C Quinn and S Slaven. Subs:- C Calder (GK), G Chalmers, R Sinclair, J Maley, F Sheridan, C Beedham and H Granger.
Attendance:- 100
Man of the Match:- A tough encounter for Ashfield and they will be disappointed at not drawing level in the Second Half. Sean Slaven in only his 2nd game for Ashfield acquitted himself very well against a strong Shotts back four scoring a terrific goal and almost drawing the game level in the second half.
Referee:- Steven MacKay
Match 7:- Petershill 1 Ashfield 4 , Saturday 5th August 2023 - Kick-Off 2pm - Petershill Park, Springburn, Glasgow - West of Scotland League Division 1
This is what Promotion last Season provided Ashfield, the chance to play against established Premier & First Division Teams and show how they can compete. The `field coped well last Season in drawing with Cumnock and Troon away over 90 Minutes in the Cups and again only losing out on pens to St Roch`s. Today`s encounter between the two famous North Glasgow Teams was the first in a League Match since March 2013 albeit they have met twice in the Sectional League Cup and both sets of supporters were looking forward to the Game.
Referee Scott Douglas got proceedings underway as the crowd were still pouring in through the turnstiles with the `field making a couple of changes to the team that narrowly lost out to Shotts in Midweek. Ex-Partick Defender Harry Granger made his debut at the back alongside Sean Doherty with Lance Pearce moving to Right back as the game started off at a great pace. It was the home side that were `catching the eye` and especially Ex-Darvel Man Darren Miller with the quality of long range passing however Ashfield were working extremely hard and looked dangerous coming forward. The `field were linking up well down both flanks and began to exert some pressure however were given an early warning of the strength of the opposition when following an Ashfield corner the ball was played out of defence and within a matter of seconds the ball had been played through to Sinclair with Lochhead in the Ashfield Goal having to block well. Next chance fell to Ashfield following another corner. This time the ball was met by Harry Granger and the Ashfield debutant glanced a header from the penalty spot area against the post before being scrambled to safety. Ashfield were cursing their luck as within a minute the home side opened the scoring on the 19th Minute. A tremendous 22 yard shot from Jamie Adam was saved by Lochhead however the Ashfield Keeper was unable to hold the effort and Sinclair was quickest to divert the ball into the net to the roar of the Petershill support. Petershill 1 Ashfield 0. It was imperative that the `field did not let this affect their good start to the game and within 2 minutes of losing the goal they were level. A ball over McCabe at the back for Petershill saw Sean Slaven utilise his pace to come on the blind side of the Petershill defender and gather the ball before poking it under the advancing McAllister in the Petershill goal to level the scores. That was Sean`s 3rd Goal in 3 games and was a vital one. Petershill 1 Ashfield 1. The game continued to swing from one end to another and Referee Scott Douglas was kept busy however was utilising the advantage rule extremely well. A couple of bookings were dished out with Dean McBride guilty of a heavy tackle. Defences remained on top for the rest of the half before the Referee brought proceedings to a halt.
HT:- PETERSHILL 1 ASHFIELD 1
If the 140+ Crowd thought that the first half had been a cracker then they were in for a treat in the Second as initially the home side put the `field under pressure. The Peasy Centre Forward and Ex-Vale of Clyde front man Sinclair was linking up well with the Midfield and within two minutes of the restart gathered the ball 22 yards out before despatching a curling effort which crashed off the underside of the bar before being scrambled away by the Ashfield rear-guard. Next up a wicked cross from the left saw Adam get ahead of his marker however could only guide his effort past the post to the relief of the visiting support. As the half wore on it was the `field that started to put the pressure on with Bobby Barr everywhere and the Midfield duo of Burns and Warnock driving into the home box at every opportunity. David Leadbetter made a terrific run down the left flank before cutting in and delivering a terrific cross which was defended well. Jonny Black was also winning his share of the ball and a couple of shots went narrowly over before the visitors got their reward. An un-necessary tackle from McBride just inside the penalty box on Slaven right in front of the Referee gave Scott Douglas no option but to point to the spot and in addition provide a 2nd yellow Card to the Petershill Right Back. Bobby Barr eventually stepped up to take the award drilling the ball right down the middle to put the `field ahead. Petershill 1 Ashfield 2. The visitors got an enormous lift from the goal and although utilising the `extra man` well were still conscious of the danger that Petershill possess and twice in as many minutes Ashfield Captain Sean Doherty intercepted dangerous balls into the Ashfield box. Jonny Black broke clear of the Peasie defence on 68 minutes however his effort was well saved by McAllister however 3 minutes later and the visitors sealed the Match with again Bobby Barr starting and finishing a lovely move which saw a one-two enabling the Ashfield midfielder to go through on goal and as McAllister advanced he drilled the ball low and hard underneath him to the delight of the travelling support. Petershill 1 Ashfield 3. A couple of substitutions followed with Chalmers , Aiden Quinn and Fraser Sheridan coming on for Ashfield and all three made important contributions. Fraser Sheridan`s pace at this stage of the game was welcome and following a couple of indifferent balls into the middle the Ashfield winger broke down the right flank with 3 minutes to go delivering a wonderful cross to the far post where Aiden Quinn volleyed the ball past McAllister to seal the victory for Ashfield. Petershill 1 Ashfield 4. As Referee Scott Douglas brought proceedings to a close, the `field will be delighted with this result considering the calibre of opposition and can go into the forthcoming games with a great degree of confidence. Petershill will play worse and win and it was a terrific game of Football to watch. Next up the `field welcome Blantyre Victoria to Stepford Park (12/08/2023 - 2pm KO) whilst Petershill head to Neilston next Saturday (12th).
FT:- PETERSHILL 1 ASHFIELD 4
Ashfield`s Team:- B Lochhead, L Pearce, D Leadbetter, H Granger, S Doherty (Capt), C Quinn, B Barr, L Warnock, J Black, G Burns and S Slaven. Subs:- C Calder (GK), G Chalmers, A Quinn, F Sheridan, R Sinclair, J Maley, and C Beedham.
Attendance:- 145
Man of the Match:- Some tremendous performances in the Black and White Hoops today with special mention to the whole `back four` who kept a very impressive Petershill forward line at bay, Greg Burns and Lewis Warnock deserve a mention as well as Jonny Black & Sean Slaven up front however Bobby Barr was everywhere today and was a constant menace to the Petershill rear-guard scoring two goals also.
Referee:- Scott Douglas
Match 8:- Ashfield 1 Blantyre Victoria 2, Saturday 12th August 2023 - Stepford Park, 1514 Edinburgh Road, Glasgow G33 4EG - West of Scotland Division 1
Ashfield and Blantyre Victoria had made a similar start to their League campaigns winning 2 out of their first 3 games and a competitive game was in store for both sets of supporters. Referee Euan Birch got proceedings underway as the rain eventually stopped over the East End of Glasgow with both teams playing in their traditional strips. Blantyre have dominated the last fixtures between the teams albeit the last competitive meeting was back in 2015/16 Season however a couple of recent friendlies had been played. Michael Oliver and his Ashfield Management Team were enforced into a change from last week`s impressive outing at Petershill after losing Captain Sean Doherty due to a hand injury sustained during the week with Ryan Sinclair coming in.
The Match started off at a frantic pace swinging from end to end early on however chances were at a premium as both defences looked in good form. As the half wore on it was the visitors that started to show what they could do working both flanks extremely well and almost went ahead on the quarter of an hour mark after a lovely cross into the box found the Vics Centre Forward however he was unable to test Blair Lochhead in the Ashfield goal. Next up it was Gillespie who tried to weave in between the Ashfield defenders however was eventually closed out. Ashfield were being pressed heavily in the middle of the park however eventually Jonny Black, Sean Slaven and Bobby Barr managed to get involved in the game and after a move in the 20th minute should have been ahead. Bobby Barr linked up well down the right hand wing before despatching a terrific low ball into the six yard box however Jonny Black let the ball under his feet to the anguish of the home support. Jonny Black did not let this affect him and a couple of efforts were well blocked by the resilient Vics defence. The game although extremely competitive and tight was played in good spirits and for the remainder of the half swung from end to end. Just as the support thought the game was going into the break goalless, it was the visitors that struck on the 44th minute. A lovely move down the left hand flank saw the ball played low and hard into the middle where Gillespie was unable to make good contact with the ball however his effort sent Lochhead the wrong way and the ball trickled into the net to the delight of the large travelling support. Ashfield 0 Blantyre Vics 1. The goal would certainly have changed the respective half time team talks as Referee Birch brought proceedings to a halt shortly after.
HT:- ASHFIELD 0 BLANTYRE VICS 1
It was the home side that `came out the traps` quickest and lay siege on the Vics defence from Kick-Off. Bobby Barr broke clear of the visiting defence on the 47th minute and his angled net-bound shot was brilliantly saved by Osinski in the Vics goal. A series of corners were well defended by the Vics defence before Sean Slaven brought out an excellent save again from the Vics keeper however in the 56th Minute the `field got their reward after a lovely move through the middle starting off with Sean Slaven who played in an onrushing Lewis Warnock and the Ashfield Midfielder despatched his shot past the Keeper to the delight of the home support. Ashfield 1 Blanytre Vics 1. It was `game on` now and the hosts were having an excellent spell at this time however as the half wore on it was the Vics who began to utilise the break to good advantage resulting in a couple of bookings for Ashfield midfielders. Sean Grady came on for Craig Quinn and the Ashfield winger made an immediate impression driving hard at the Vics defence and also linking up well with Greg Burns and the wide players. As the game approached the latter stages, the game was turned on its head when Vics Midfielder Bowman picked up the ball in the middle on the 77th minute before making room for himself 25 yards out and despatched a curling shot into the top corner of Blair Lochhead`s goal to put the visitors ahead. It was a tremendous effort from the Vics player & the `field had to claw back a deficit again. Ashfield 1 Blantyre Vics 2. Despite some good offensive play from Ashfield, chances were at a premium as the Vics defence held firm and Referee Euan Bitch brought proceedings to an end after 4 minutes of injury time. A sore one for the `field who had been in command in the early stages of the Second half however will play worse and win this Season. The Visitors were delighted with the victory in this extremely competitive League and as the games are coming `thick and fast`, the `field must `dust themselves` down again for their visit to Somervell Park, Cambuslang on Wednesday (16th) night.
FT:- ASHFIELD 1 BLANTYRE VICS 2
Ashfield`s Team:- B Lochhead, R Sinclair, D Leadbetter, L Pierce, H Granger, C Quinn, B Barr, G Burns, J Black, L Warnock and S Slaven. Subs:- C Calder (GK), G Chalmers, F Sheridan, S Grady, A Callaghan and A Quinn.
Attendance:- 68
Man of the Match:- Some good performances in the Black and White hoops against a very determined and skilful Vics outfit. Greg Burns started many of Ashfield`s moves and worked tirelessly in midfield.
Referee:- Euan Birch
Match 9 - Cambuslang Rangers 0 Ashfield 7 , West of Scotland League Division 1 - Wednesday 16th August 2023 - KO 7pm at Somervell Park, Cambuslang
Ashfield headed over to Somervell Park, Cambuslang looking to `bounce back` from last Saturday against a team who were undefeated so far this Season. As `away` performances` go this was almost as `good as it gets` as the `field playing in their away strip of Red and Grey swept aside Cambuslang in the first 20 minutes. By that time the `field were 4-0 up and Sean Slaven had helped himself to a hat-trick.
Referee McCluskey got proceedings underway with the crowd still pouring in on this balmy evening in Glasgow with the `field making a couple of changes in bringing winger Fraser Sheridan and Jack Maley into the fold enabling a front three of Barr, Black and Slaven to press the Rangers defence straight from the kick off and this they did. A lovely ball on the right was played into Sean Slaven in the 3rd Minute and as he foraged forward he was brought down with the Referee having no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Bobby Barr stepped up and lashed the ball high into the net to the delight of the travelling support. Cambuslang Rangers 0 Ashfield 1. The game was being played at a fierce pace and the home side pressed forward at every opportunity however found Leadbetter and Beedham for Ashfield at the back snuffing out any early chances. On the 6th minute Ashfield went further ahead. Bobby Barr linked up well with Jonny Black before the ball was played to Sean Slaven who drove past his marker before despatching a right foot shot into the far corner of the net. Cambuslang Rangers 0 Ashfield 2. As the away support were still celebrating , Ashfield won the ball back n Midfield before finding Slaven again on the edge of the box and the big Striker weaved past a couple of defenders before drilling the ball low and hard past the Rangers Keeper to make it 3-0. Cambuslang Rangers 0 Ashfield 3. The home side looked `shocked` at the early goals and although they pushed forward in search of reducing the deficit it was Ashfield that continued their relentless forward play and on the 20th minute, Sean Slaven gathered the ball on the edge of the box before again, evading a couple of tackles before despatching a right foot shot past the Keeper to put the `field 4-0 up and in doing so collected his first hat-trick for Ashfield. Cambuslang Rangers 0 Ashfield 4. Harry Granger and Lance Pierce were dominating proceedings on the right hand side of the defence with Lance pushing forward and delivering some excellent through passes. Ashfield increased their lead further on 35 minutes and it was a `carbon copy` of the 4th with Slaven evading a couple of tackles before getting clear and as the Keeper advance he drilled the ball low and hard into the back of the net for Number 5. Cambuslang Rangers 0 Ashfield 5. To the home side`s credit they pushed forward at every opportunity and Blair Lochhead had to look lively on a couple of occasions before the Referee brought proceedings to a halt for Half time.
HT:- CAMBUSLANG RANGERS 0 ASHFIELD 5
There were no initial changes to the visiting line up however Cambuslang Rangers brought on a change who was extremely lively and they put Ashfield under a bit of pressure in the early stages of the half with twice Blair Lochhead saving well to his left. As the half wore on it was Ashfield that began to take control again with Michael Oliver and his Management Team bringing on substitutes periodically throughout the half. The game was still being played at a great pace and also Referee McCluskey did not have to work too hard in terms of player indiscipline either. With the game entering the closing stages it was the `field that increased their lead following a wonderful move. Slaven picked the ball up midway inside the Rangers half and as he advanced forward he played an inch perfect pass to an onrushing Greg Burns who guided the ball past the advancing keeper and into the net for Number 6. A terrific team goal. Cambuslang Rangers 0 Ashfield 6. The `field saw their chance for further goals and foraged forward in good numbers and within 2 minutes went further ahead. A one-two on the edge of the box saw Fraser Sheridan cap off an excellent display with a low shot into the far corner of the net to complete the scoring for the evening. Cambuslang Rangers 0 Ashfield 7. The Referee played a few minutes injury-time before bringing proceedings to a close on a wonderful display from the visitors who now have a free Saturday after receiving a bye in the First Round of the South of Scotland Challenge Cup. Next up for the `field is a trip to New Western Park, Renfrew on the 26th August - 2pm KO.
FT:- CAMBUSLANG RANGERS 0 ASHFIELD 7
Ashfield`s Team:- B Lochhead, L Pierce, D Leadbetter, H Granger, C Beedham, J Maley, B Barr, L Warnock, J Black, F Sheridan and S Slaven. Subs:- C Calder, S Grady, A Quinn, C Quinn, G Chalmers, A Callaghan and G Burns.
Attendance:- 100
Man of the Match:- A complete performance from Sean Slaven this evening , scoring 4 goals, winning penalty and setting up the 6th Goal. Tremendous from Sean. There was not a failure in the Team with all Subs contributing massively to a wonderful team performance. Great to see such a commanding performance from Conor Beedham on his return from Loan and he and the rest of the back four including Blair dealt with a dangerous Rangers Team.
Referee:- James McCluskey
Match 10:- Renfrew 3 Ashfield 1, West of Scotland Division 1, Saturday 26th August 2023 - Kick-Off 2pm - New Western Park, Renfrew
A much anticipated meeting between the teams who finished 1st and 2nd respectively in the West of Scotland League Division 2 last Season. The visitors came into the game on the back of a 7 goal victory away to Cambuslang Rangers with the home side looking for points to claw themselves further up the table. Both teams entered the pitch wearing their traditional strips with a late change to the Referee with Gary Noonan replacing Steven MacKay.
It was the home side that started on the `front foot` foraging forward at every opportunity and putting the `field back four under immediate pressure. A couple of corners in the opening minutes caused alarm with Calder in the `field goal having to push away two net-bound headers as the home side worked up a head of steam. Ashfield were unable to stem the tide and on 4 minutes a ball was played across the park with Dom Lavelle for the visitors lashing the ball into the back of the net from 22 yards to the delight of the home support. Renfrew 1 Ashfield 0. The home side continued with the pressure as Ashfield tried to force the home side out and another cross ball from McKeown on the left was met by McLennan and he guided his header out of Calder`s reach to put the home side 2-0 up. Renfrew 2 Ashfield 0. It was a bad start for the `field however they began to start their normal passing game shortly after and with virtually their first foray into Renfrew`s box, a lovely ball was played across finding an onrushing Jonny Black who drove the ball home. A simple clinical finish from Ashfield and it was now `game on`. Renfrew 2 Ashfield 1. The `field started to press Renfrew hard but the home side held firm with the `frew No 5 commanding in his own box.
David Leadbetter was booked for his first infringement on the 20th minute which was extremely harsh considering the ball was kept in by the hand of the Renfrew winger and within 2 minutes a further foul was given again against Leadbetter with the Referee brandishing a second yellow card in a game that had been played in good spirits. This seemed to change the `mood` of the Match with the Match Official seemingly not willing to converse with the players at all. Six minutes later as both teams were pushing forward a late tackle by the Renfrew winger McKeown saw the Referee produce a straight Red for the tackle to the bewilderment of the home dug-out who followed the Ashfield Dug out in receiving a yellow card. The game ebbed and flowed for the next 20 minutes with the home side extremely dangerous from set pieces whilst Ashfield brought out a couple of excellent saves from the Renfrew Keeper from Pearce and Barr.
HT:- RENFREW 2 ASHFIELD 1
The game restarted off at great pace with Ashfield forcing the early pace and a lovely move on the 47th minute saw Sean Slaven break clear of his marker in a tight penalty box only to be brought down as he advanced on the Keeper. To the visitors astonishment the Referee denied the `field a penalty and booked Slaven. The `field did not let this affect them as they searched in vain for an equaliser. On the hour mark it looked like Ashfield had drawn level when a `dinked` ball over the Renfrew back four saw Jonny Black gather the ball and lob the ball into the net to the delight of the visiting support. The `field`s celebrations however were short-lived as Referee Noonan decided that Black was in an offside position. This trend continued to the annoyance of the visiting bench and Referee Noonan brandished a second yellow to Ashfield Coach Iain Gray before continuing not to have any dialogue with either team. The game itself then for the next period of time started to deteriorate as certain decisions took `Centre Stage`. Ashfield won a corner on the far left hand side with circa 18 minutes to go with Sean Doherty getting on the end of the delivery bulleting a header which was blocked on the line and to Ashfield`s angst the decision was given as a bye-kick. Sheridan was booked for protesting before the Referee raced 20 yards across the park brandishing a Red Card to Sean Doherty leaving Ashfield with nine men. The home side saw their opportunity however a couple of efforts failed to trouble Calder. Ashfield made a number of substitutions bringing on offensive players in Callaghan, Burns and Grady and it was Grady that had a net bound effort blocked before Callaghan showed his skills bringing in Sheridan on the left flank on a number of occasions. With 5 minutes to go a high tackle by Lance Pierce caught the Renfrew substitute McMenemy with the Referee deeming the infringement worthy of a straight Red & the `field were down to 8 men. It was the 8 men however that went up the park and almost equalised with Greg Burns picking up a loose ball before firing the ball narrowly over. Astonishingly a minute later, the Referee awarded the home side a penalty when there was a coming together of Granger and a Renfrew forward with the Referee seeing something that most people did not and ran fully 20 yards to point at the spot. Justice was done as the Penalty hit the base of the post and was cleared to safety. Next up the Referee went over to the Ashfield bench and a straight Red was flashed at Coach Kieran Dougan before the game was restarted. As the 8 men tried to salvage the Match they were hit on the break as a lovely ball was played through to Ben McLernan who finished with aplomb at Calder`s near post to effectively finish the Match. Renfrew 3 Ashfield 1. The Match was brought to a conclusion shortly after with the points going to a good Renfrew side however the Ashfield side were in a `state of shock` at the actions and decisions given against them as they trooped off the Park. The `field now have a `mountain to climb` with virtually the whole back four suspended for upcoming matches. Michael Oliver and his Ashfield Team will `bounce back` from this afternoon however will certainly remember what contributed to the overall statistics of the Match.
FT:- RENFREW 3 ASHFIELD 1
Ashfield`s Team:- C Calder, L Pierce, D Leadbetter, H Granger, C Beedham, J Maley, B Barr (Capt), L Warnock, J Black, F Sheridan and S Slaven. Subs:- A Callaghan, A Quinn, G Burns, S Grady and G Chalmers
Attendance:- 300
Man of the Match:- A disappointing ending for the `field with the game punctuated with stoppages so difficult for any player to get any rythmn going. Despite all going around him Fraser Sheridan worked tirelessly down the left flank and starting many good Ashfield attacks
Referee:- Gary Noonan
Match 12 - Ashfield 1 Drumchapel United 5, Saturday 9th September 2023 - KO 2.30pm - Stepford Park, 1514 Edinburgh Road, Glasgow G33 4EG - West of Scotland League Division 1
This was the first time ever that Ashfield and Drumchapel Utd had met in a competitive game and the large crowd were treated to an excellent Match which swung from one end to another throughout the 90 minutes, The field went into the game after their victory down in Ayrshire in the Scottish Junior Cup however were short of defenders with three out of the usual back four missing due to suspension following the game at Renfrew a few weeks back. The visitors entered the Stepford pitch in their away strip of all purple with the `field playing in their traditional Black & White hoops and as the Crowd poured in it was the home side that started on the front foot forcing the visitors on the back foot early on. An early block from the United Keeper Scully from Lewis Warnock set the tone for his performance as he continually thwarted the Ashfield forwards throughout the Match with some inspired Goalkeeping.
Referee Wallace kept the game flowing and as the half wore on it was the visitors that began to show why they are `tipped heavily` to be one of the Promotion contenders come April as they began to force the `field back four back and gained a number of corners which were well defended by Harry Granger and colleagues Sinclair, Beedham and Aiden Quinn. On the half hour mark Ashfield were awarded a free kick 25 yards out from goal however the delivery was not up to the usual standard and the visitors broke at pace before releasing Hopkirk down the left hand side and as he drove into the box the ball was cut back before only being partially cleared with the loose ball being driven into the back of the net to the delight of the United fans. Ashfield 0 Drumchapel United 1. A bad goal to lose from Ashfield`s point of view as they were on the attack however 5 minutes later they were in deeper trouble when the prolific James Marks made his mark on the game finishing off a lovely move to put the visitors further ahead. Ashfield 0 Drumchapel United 2. The visitors saw their opportunity to `kill the game off` and for the next 5 minutes poured forward at every opportunity however the `field showed excellent resolve and managed to drive themselves up the park gaining a corner on 43 minutes. A lovely delivery from the left was met at the far post by Connor Beedham who guided the ball into the net to reduce the deficit. Ashfield 1 Drumchapel United 2. A great time to score for the home side and as the Referee brought proceedings to a halt for half time shortly after the crowd knew that there were going to be many twists and turns in the second half.
HT:- ASHFIELD 1 DRUMCHAPEL UTD 2
There were no changes in the home side`s line up for the start of the second half as the `field buoyed by their goal before half time set about trying to equalise and for the next 20 minutes had the visitors on the back foot. A lovely move down the left saw Jonny Black break clear of his marker and as he cut the ball across to Bobby Barr it looked a certain goal however Scully in the United Goal pulled off an amazing double save firstly from Barr and then from Jonny Black before the ball was scrambled clear. `Football is a funny old game` as Saints and Greavsy used to say as at this time of the game the crowd could not foresee the eventual score-line to the Match at the end of 90 minutes as Ashfield foraged forward at every opportunity. The back four of United were in mean mood though and began to restrict the home side to long range efforts as the visitors gradually began to get on top again. A 22 yard drive from Jonny Black with 20 minutes to go brought out another wonderful save from Scully before a couple of substitutions were made from both sides. The visitors had a strong bench bringing on Ex-Hearts and Rangers Winger David Templeton and new signing Youcef Narbesla who immediately `caught the eye` with his passing and physical ability. A double save from Blair Lochhead in the Ashfield goal kept the `field in the game however with 7 minutes to go it was the new United signing Narbesla that effectively `killed off` Ashfield`s hopes when a lovely move down the left saw the ball whipped into the front post for Narbesla to guide the ball past Lochhead to the roar of the travelling fans. Ashfield 1 Drumchapel United 3. David Templeton went close after some neat inter-play on the edge of the box with the ball driven narrowly wide with the aid of a deflection and shortly after David Hopkirk pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the box before drilling the ball past a ruck of players and into the back of the net to put the visitors 4-1 up. Ashfield 1 Drumchapel United 4. To make matters worse a couple of minutes later the visitors were awarded a rather soft penalty where it appeared there was not much contact however Referee Wallace had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. The Kick was given to new signing Narbesla who finished with aplomb dinking the ball `Panenka` style into the middle of the goal to put a rather harsh score-line on the `field`s efforts today, however it has to be said that some of Drumchapel United`s play this afternoon was of the highest standard & based on this performance against a good Ashfield side then I am sure that they will be amongst the contenders at the end of the Season.
The `field will `dust themselves` down and now have a break from the League as they take on Oakley United in the South of Scotland Cup - 2nd Round next Saturday. Please note that due to Easterhouse FC having drawn Kirkintilloch Rob Roy at Stepford also, Ashfield`s Match will be played at Petershill Park next Saturday (16/09/23) with a 2pm KO.
FT:- ASHFIELD 1 DRUMCHAPEL UTD 5
Ashfield`s Team:- B Lochhead, A Quinn, C Beedham, H Granger, R Sinclair, L Warnock, B Barr, G Burns, S Slaven, J Black and F Sheridan. Subs:- J Bradley, G Chalmers, A Callaghan, C Calder (GK), C Quinn, D Farmer and J Maley.
Man of the Match:- There were many good performances in the Black and white hoops this afternoon however overall it was a difficult afternoon as the score suggests. Jonny Black stuck to his task manfully and was very unlucky not to get on the scoresheet being thwarted by the excellent United Keeper on a number of occasions.
Attendance:- 200
Referee:- Regan Wallace
Match 13 - Ashfield 4 Oakley United 1, Saturday 16th September 2023 - Kick-Off 2pm - Petershill Park, Springburn, Glasgow G21 4DD - South of Scotland Challenge Cup 2nd Round.
Ashfield welcomed Oakley United to the excellent facility at New Petershill Park for the 2nd Round Tie in the South of Scotland Challenge Cup and both teams were welcomed onto the Park by sunshine which had replaced the incessant rain of earlier. Both teams were in their traditional strips as Referee Conor Greenan got proceedings underway. Michael Oliver & the Ashfield Management Team had again to `tinker` with their formation due to injuries and suspension and it was good to see a start for young Aiden Callaghan on the left hand side of Midfield. The Match started off at a good pace with the `field having a lot of possession however were being closed down very quickly by the hard working Oakley side. Chances were at a premium in the early stages and the `field were having to satisfy themselves with corners. It was not all one way traffic with the fife team having a couple of excellent efforts which flew narrowly past Blair Lochhead`s upright.
As the half wore on the `field began to make some openings and a couple of cross balls started to cause concern in the Oakley back four with Sean Slaven looking extremely dangerous up front. In the 24th minute Ashfield made the breakthrough and it was a very well worked goal indeed. Some neat interplay between Bobby Barr and Aiden Quinn down the right flank saw the latter whip in a lovely ball into the edge of the six yard box finding Sean Slaven who bulleted a header in despite the valiant attempt of the United Keeper. Ashfield 1 Oakley Utd 0. Despite the breakthrough chances still remained at a premium however the game would surely `open up` after the hour mark. The `field exerted further pressure until the half was brought to an end but found the Fife side in good form at the back and it was `all to play for` in the second half.
HT:- ASHFIELD 1 OAKLEY UTD 0
The `field did not make any immediate changes at the start of the half however the Glasgow side certainly moved `up a gear` and put the Fife side under pressure from the Kick-Off. A couple of lovely moves down the right hand side saw Sean Grady and Ryan Sinclair whip in some excellent crosses which agonisingly failed to be converted however in the 54th minute Ashfield increased their lead. A lovely through ball from Harry Granger saw Ryan Sinclair utilise his pace down the right flank and as he cut in he drove the ball low and hard in at the front post only to see the Oakley Centre half divert the ball past his own Keeper to put the `field 2-0 up. Ashfield 2 Oakley United 0. To their credit Oakley never let their standards fall and kept on foraging forward at every opportunity however it was Ashfield who began to find some more space with a couple of `close calls` from substitute Fraser Sheridan and Sean Slaven however in the 68th minute the game was effectively over and in some style. Sean Slaven picked up a loose ball midway inside the Oakley half before taking a couple of steps forward and unleashing a 22 yard drive which crashed off the underside of the bar and into the net to the delight of the home support. A real contender for Goal of the Season. Ashfield 3 Oakley United 0. Both sides made a number of substitutes bringing fresh legs on and it was the visitors who managed to pick up on a loose ball in Ashfield`s box on the 81st minute and drill a shot into the corner of the net to reduce the deficit. Ashfield 3 Oakley United 1. Further subs were made as Ashfield pressed forward again with Sean Slaven looking to get his hat-trick and a lovely move three minutes from time saw Fraser Sheridan utilise his pace again before delivering an inch perfect cross low and hard across the six yard box which saw substitute Dean Farmer knock the ball into the net to finish off the scoring. Ashfield 4 Oakley Utd 1. The game hardly had any stoppage time and Referee Greenan brought proceedings to a close with the `field heading into the next round. A very good game was had and we wish Oakley United all the best for the remainder of the Season.
Next up for the `field is a trip to League Leaders Rutherglen Glencairn in the League in what has all the hallmarks of being a terrific Match.
FT:- ASHFIELD 4 OAKLEY UTD 1
Ashfield`s Team:- B Lochhead, R Sinclair, A Quinn, H Granger, S Doherty, J Maley, B Barr, A Callaghan, S Slaven, J Black and S Grady. Subs:- C Beedham, J Bradley, C Quinn, F Sheridan, G Chalmers and G Burns.
Attendance:- 50
Man of the Match:- Some excellent performances from Ashfield today with Ryan Sinclair, Harry Granger and Aiden Quinn putting in excellent performances however Sean Slaven`s link up play and two goals wins him this week`s accolade.
Referee:- Conor Greenan
Match 14:- Rutherglen Glencairn 1 Ashfield 4 - West of Scotland League Division 1 - Kick Off 2pm - Hamish B Allan Stadium, Toryglen, Glasgow - Saturday 23rd September 2023.
A warm autumn afternoon greeted both sets of players onto the impressive looking pitch at the Hamish B Allan Stadium in Toryglen, Glasgow as both teams were looking to build on excellent Cup victories from last Saturday. The Rutherglen outfit were sitting proudly at the top and undefeated in the West of Scotland League Division 1 so far with the `field looking to climb further up the league to match some of their excellent performances so far this season in the `higher` league.
Michael Oliver & his Ashfield Management Team were able to welcome back Pearce & Leadbetter back from suspension & injury respectively however were missing Bobby Barr & Harry Granger as Referee Steven Clark got proceedings under way. This small write up will not be able to do justice to this excellent game of Football where both teams produced some excellent football and the game was played, albeit fiercely competitive, in a sporting fashion. It was the home side that were first to to create an opening following a succession of early corners when Austin Sime picked up the ball 22 yards out and his curling drive smacked off the face of the crossbar before being cleared to safety. The visitors knew this was going to be a test against the League leaders however began to pick up the pace with Jonny Black prevalent bringing the wide players of Sheridan and young Shaun Grady into the game and with the movement of Sean Slaven the `field managed to cause some danger in the home defence. A couple of half chances fell to Grady on the right hand side before a number of low driven crosses were cleared to safety by the Glens defence. Ashfield`s Captain Sean Doherty almost opened the scoring with a glancing header from a corner kick in the 20th minute as his effort missed the upright by inches.
The game carried on in the same vein for the whole of the first half and on the half hour mark the impressive Mathew Meechan for the Glens picked up the ball on the left hand side of Ashfield`s box before unleashing a terrific shot which Blair Lochhead managed to tip the net bound shot over the bar. An excellent save from the Ashfield Keeper. Shortly after and it was the turn of the Glens Keeper Scott Law who pulled of a terrific save from Greg Burns. A lovely move from Ashfield saw the ball played through to an onrushing Greg Burns with the Glens Keeper deflected the ball narrowly over the bar.
On the 41st Minute it was Greg Burns who managed to break the deadlock following some excellent wing play on the left with the ball being played into the box and after another save the ball broke to Burns and he guided the ball home with his head to the delight of the Ashfield support. R`Glen Glencairn 0 Ashfield 1. The visitors tried to increase their lead before half time before the home side had a couple of late corners however as Referee Clark brought proceedings to a halt the crowd knew there were many `twists and turns` before the eventual outcome.
HT:- GLENCAIRN 0 ASHFIELD 1
The game started off at the same pace however it was the visitors that took an early grip of proceedings. The home side had brought on two substitutes for the start of the second half to try and get back on level terms but found a very determined Ashfield side forage forward at every opportunity. A lovely move down the right wing on 50 minutes saw the ball break to Shaun Grady inside the box however his effort was well saved by the Glens Keeper. The Ashfield Centre Forward Sean Slaven was beginning to give the Glens back four a torrid time and was unlucky on a couple of occasions before eventually scoring a terrific goal on the 60th Minute. Again a wonderful move down the right flank saw Shaun Grady drill the ball low and hard to the front post where Slaven got ahead of his marker to divert the ball into the back of the net for his 10th goal of the Season. R`Glen Glencairn 0 Ashfield 2. It was all Ashfield at this point and 6 minutes later a lovely move started by Fraser Sheridan saw the ball break to Shaun Grady inside the box, the young Ashfield winger showed immense coolness in evading a couple of tackles before despatching the ball past Scott Law to increase the `field`s lead. R`Glen Glencairn 0 Ashfield 3. This had been a terrific opening 20 minutes for Ashfield however to their credit the home side made further changes and set about trying to reduce the deficit. A couple of low driven efforts from the right flank failed to connect with a Glens forward before the home side got a couple of corners. Following the 2nd corner the ball was bouncing about the six yard box and just as Ashfield thought they had cleared the ball, it broke to the Glens Captain McLaughlin who drilled the ball into the net through a ruck pf players to give the home side some hope as they raced back to get the game restarted. R`Glen Glencairn 1 Ashfield 3. Any hopes of a comeback were thwarted 2 minutes later following another lovely move down the right from the visitors with the ball breaking out to Sean Slaven on the edge of the box. The Ex-Cowdenbeath & Brechin City forward barely took a step before despatching a curling effort into the top corner of Scott Law`s net to the delight of the players, Management and supporters of Ashfield. R`Glen Glencairn 1 Ashfield 4. The game still ebbed and flowed for the remainder off the Match and the home side foraged forward at every opportunity before Referee Clark brought proceedings to a close after 4 minutes of injury time.
A tremendous game of Football with both sides deserving of a lot of credit however the `field must be delighted at being the first team to win against the Glens and at the standard of their play. That`s now 20 goals in 5 away Matches for Ashfield which is an impressive statistic and will give Michael Oliver and his Team confidence in going into a busy schedule of League and Cup games.
FT:- GLENCAIRN 1 ASHFIELD 4
Ashfield`s Team:- B Lochhead, A Quinn, D Leadbetter, L Pearce, S Doherty (Captain), J Maley , S Grady, G Burns, S Slaven, J Black and F Sheridan. Subs:- R Sinclair, A Callaghan, C Quinn, J Bradley, D Farmer and L Warnock.
Man of the Match:- Any of the Ashfield players could have won this week`s accolade with some excellent defensive play from Lance Pearce in particular. In the midfield area Greg Burns drove at the Glens defence all afternoon, getting the vital opening goal before being subbed and the front three of Grady, Slaven and Sheridan were immense however it was Jonny Black`s all round performance and in particular his first half display that wins him this weeks award.
Attendance:- 200
Referee:- Steven Clark
Match 15:- Ashfield 3 Johnstone Burgh 3, West of Scotland League Division 1 - Saturday 30th September 2023 - Kick Off 2.30pm - Stepford Football Park, 1514 Edinburgh Road, Glasgow G33 4EG
This game turned out to be everything that was expected of it. Both teams came into the Match on the back of impressive victories and were high on confidence with the Crowd entering Stepford Park eagerly awaiting the outcome. Experienced Referee Barry Cook got proceedings under way with Ashfield playing in their traditional Black & White hoops however the visitors were playing in their new away strip of all yellow as the weather held for the meantime.
The initial phase of the game was like a couple of boxers `sparring` as they ebbed and probed with early chances at a premium however fiercely contested with the game swinging from end to end at this early stage. Ashfield`s midfield were coping well & asserting themselves against a very talented Burgh midfield. It was great to see Gary McCann again, as the Ex-Ashfield player started to make his traditional mazy runs down the right flank which on the whole were well defended. Similar to last Saturday Fraser Sheridan on the left flank and Shaun Grady on the right for Ashfield were making an impression and delivering some terrific balls into the middle. As the game opened up it was McCann on the right that began to make his presence felt , firstly with a lovely cut back which Sean Doherty managed to divert for a corner then it was a deft cross to the far post which was also played out for a corner. On the 28th minute however following an Ashfield attack it was the visitors that broke well and opened the scoring. Ex WBA & Livingston player Graham Dorrans gathered the ball midway inside the Ashfield half before evading a couple of tackles and unleashing a curling shot from 22 yards out which flew past Lochhead and into the top corner of the net to the delight of the visiting support. A wonderful goal from the Ex-Scottish internationalist. Ashfield 0 Johnstone Burgh 1. The goal didn`t let it affect the Ashfield team as they foraged forward at every opportunity and were given their reward 8 minutes later when a lovely through ball found Shaun Grady. The Ashfield winger found space for himself before driving the ball low and hard which was blocked on the 6 yard box only to see it played out to an onrushing Jonny Black and from the edge of the box he drove the ball low and hard through a ruck of players and into the back of the net to level the score. A great finish from Jonny for his 3rd goal of the Season. Ashfield 1 Johnstone Burgh 1. The game was played in good spirits and despite some end to end action before the half time whistle chances were scarce as both defences were on top.
HT:- ASHFIELD 1 JOHNSTONE BURGH 1
There were no changes to either line-ups for the start of the second half and it was the home side that `upped the tempo` and had the visitors under pressure for the first 20 minutes of the half. Fraser Sheridan was first to cause alarm in the Burgh defence as he drove into the box from the left hand side before deftly floating the ball to the far post where Jonny Black`s downward header bounced off the ground and cannoned off the underside of the bar before being cleared to safety. Next up it was Shaun Grady down the right flank whose low drive into the six-yard box saw the ball blocked before Sean Slaven drove the loose ball into the net however his celebrations were short-lived as Referee Barry Cook disallowed the goal for offside, however in the 59th minute after some lovely build up play between Black and Grady, it was Grady`s cross into the middle that found Captain Sean Doherty who diverted the ball into the net to the delight of the home support. It was no more than Ashfield deserved at this point as they had really started the half tremendously well. Ashfield 2 Johnstone Burgh 1. Burgh responded quickly and the experienced Menzies weaved his way past a couple of Ashfield defenders before driving the ball inches wide. A couple of corners from the visitors ensued however were well defended before Ashfield made a change bringing on Bobby Barr to further liven up the attack and the Ashfield midfielder made virtually an immediate impact. The `field broke with pace with 12 minutes to go with the ball played out to Barr on the left flank and as he drove forward he evaded a couple of tackles before driving the ball goal-wards only to see the ball come off the arm of a Burgh defender with the Referee having no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Barr took the award himself and finished with aplomb to put the `field further ahead. Ashfield 3 Johnstone Burgh 1. At this stage there seemed no way back for the visitors however to their credit following some reorganisation they started to pin the `field back. The Ashfield defence however were in a `mean` mood led by Captain Sean Doherty who won some vital headers as the clock ticked towards full time but as the home support looked at their watches the Burgh pulled a goal back on the 90th minute. A lovely move involving some neat passing in and around the box saw a couple of shots blocked, one by their own player Stuart McCann and a great save by Blair Lochhead in the Ashfield goal before the ball was bundled home by Simeon to reduce the deficit. Ashfield 3 Johnstone Burgh 2. Ashfield tried to `stem the flow` at this stage and broke well on the 92nd Minute with Slaven trying to break clear of his marker where the ball appeared to hit the hand of the Burgh defence however the Referee was having none of it and as the ball was whipped in to the Ashfield box and was cleared to the edge it was that man Dale Simeone again who rifled a shot into the far corner of the net to the delight of the visiting support, players and Management. The Ashfield players were aggrieved with the `hand ball` decision however credit to the Burgh for not giving up. Ashfield 3 Johnstone Burgh 3. The Referee brought proceedings to a close shortly after and both sides deserve an enormous amount of credit for their efforts in what would have been a great game for the `neutral`. It was anguish for the `field but they can be proud of their recent performances against some of the top teams.
Cup Action takes over for the next few weeks starting with the Scottish Junior Cup next Saturday when Ashfield welcome Largs Thistle to Stepford in a 2.30pm Kick-Off. This will be the first meeting between the Teams since that `famous` play off Match in 2013 where the aggregate score ended up 7-7 with Largs winning on Penalties.
FT:- ASHFIELD 3 JOHNSTONE BURGH 3
Ashfield`s Team:- B Lochhead, A Quinn, D Leadbetter, R Sinclair, S Doherty, J Maley, S Grady, G Burns, S Slaven, J Black and F Sheridan. Subs:- B Barr, C Quinn, H Granger, J Bradley, L Warnock, D Farmer and A Callaghan.
Man of the Match:- Another excellent performance from the `field today against a talented Johnstone Burgh side. Special mentions to Sean Grady for a great game on the wing however Sean Doherty put in a Captain`s performance at the back and also got himself on the scoresheet too.
Attendance:- 120
Referee:- Barry Cook
Match 16:- Creetown FC 3 Ashfield 4 , Saturday 14th October 2023 - K.O. 2.00pm - Castlecary Park, Creetown, Dumfries & Galloway - South of Scotland Challenge Cup 3rd Round.
The Ashfield `bandwagon` left North Glasgow early yesterday morning for our first visit to Creetown in the Southern tip of Dumfries and Galloway and after a cracking Cup-tie headed back up the road 7 hours later in the hat for the 4th Round of the South Challenge Cup however not without a major scare. The `field entered the lovely surroundings of Castle Cary Park playing in their away strip of Red and Grey with the hosts in their traditional Yellow and Black as Referee Sean Sutherland got the action started. Both sides set off at great pace on the heavy surface and after 5 minutes the `field got an early warning of the threat that Creetown possess up front when Rennie made room for himself just inside the box bringing out an excellent save from Lochhead in the Ashfield goal. The South of Scotland Team currently sit at the top of the League and have not lost a home League game for over a Season so the `field knew the danger that lay ahead. Bobby Barr on the left flank and Ryan Sinclair on the right were foraging forward at every opportunity and it was Barr that tested McCauley in the Creetown goal with an excellent shot, however on the 20 minute mark, a succession of neat passing on the edge of the Ashfield box saw Harry Mitchell played in and his low drive flew past Lochhead into the corner of the net to the delight of the home support. Creetown 1 Ashfield 0. Ashfield were shaken into action and within 3 minutes were level. Bobby Barr picked up the ball on the left flank before playing a lovely one-two with Jonny Black then advanced forward and drilled the ball into the far corner of the net to square the Match. A terrific goal from Bobby Barr. Creetown 1 Ashfield 1. The game ebbed and flowed after this and there were no `quarters` given with the Match being strictly Refereed and a number of yellow cards were produced. Both teams had a succession of corners each which were well defended before the home side shocked the visitors a couple of minutes before the interval. Similar to the opener, neat build up saw the ball played into the box with Harry Mitchell being the first to react guiding a shot under the arms of Lochhead to put the home side ahead. A bad goal to lose from Ashfield`s point of view however the Creetown support were delighted. Creetown 2 Ashfield 1. The `field knew they would have to `up the tempo` in the second half to get back into the game as Referee Sutherland brought first half proceedings to a close.
HT:- CREETOWN 2 ASHFIELD 1
A couple of showers rained down on the Castle Cary Pitch and the expectant Crowd saw no changes to the line ups for the start of the second half however within two minutes of the restart the `field had a `mountain to climb` when a shot from outside of the box was well parried out to the side by Lochhead in the Ashfield goal however it was that man Harry Mitchell again who from a tight angle drove the loose ball into the roof of the net to the delight of the players, Management and support of Creetown. An excellent finish and hat-trick for Harry Mitchell. Creetown 3 Ashfield 1. The `field knew they were up against it however time was on their side and Manager Michael Oliver made a host of substitutes bringing on Sheridan, Burns, A Quinn and Joe Bradley and as the half wore on in this fiercely contested Match it was the visitors that began to exert some sustained pressure. As the clock ticked towards midway in the half Bobby Barr again carved out a wonderful opportunity inside the box before unleashing a net-bound effort which was brilliantly saved by McCauley in the Creetown goal. The `field knew that time was running out and began to step `up a gear` utilising the flanks well. A number of corners from Ashfield began to cause alarm in the home defence and on the 78th minute, Fraser Sheridan, on the left hand side, whipped in a corner which was met brilliantly by the Ashfield Captain Sean Doherty who bulleted his header into the roof of the net to narrow the gap. An excellent finish from the big Ashfield Centre half. Creetown 3 Ashfield 2. It was `game on `now and a couple of substitutes were made by both teams however the flow was still heading towards the Creetown goal with Fraser Sheridan and David Leadbetter delivering some excellent balls in to the middle and with 5 minutes remaining a loose ball was picked up on the edge of the box by Doherty who evaded a couple of tackles and as he stepped up to shoot his feet were taken from him with Referee Sutherland having no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Up stepped Bobby Barr who finished with aplomb sending the Keeper the wrong way to level the scores. Creetown 3 Ashfield 3. It looked like Extra-time was on the `cards` however the `field were not finished. The winning goal came from a Creetown attack where the ball was picked up on the right flank and played through to Bobby Barr who broke with pace and as he advanced on goal he played the ball across the six yard box to an unmarked Greg Burns however before the ball reached him the ball was put into the net by a Creetown defender to the delight of the travelling support. Creetown 3 Ashfield 4. The celebrations on the park were there to see from the Ashfield players and Management as this was a tremendous comeback from the `field. There was barely anytime left before the Referee brought the game to a conclusion with the home side sinking to their knees after putting on an excellent show.
This was a great game, full of excitement and skill and was a great advert for Tier 6 Scottish Football. The `field and Manager Michael Oliver deserve a huge amount of credit for not giving up & can look forward to the 4th Round draw with excitement.
Ashfield would like to thank Creetown FC for their kind hospitality and wish them all the best for the remainder of the Season. I am sure that there will not be many teams taking points off the hosts this Season.
FT:- CREETOWN 3 ASHFIELD 4
Ashfield`s Team:- B Lochhead, R Sinclair, D Leadbetter, L Pearce, S Doherty (Capt), J Maley, S Grady, C Quinn, J Black, B Barr and A Callaghan, Subs:- J Bradley, F Sheridan, G Burns, A Quinn and D Farmer.
Man of the Match:- A real `battle` yesterday to overcome a very good & determined Creetown side at Castle Cary Park. Special mention to Captain Sean Doherty for his terrific 2nd goal & for making the 3rd. The introduction of substitutes in the Second half from Manager Michael Oliver won the Match for the `field, however nothing can take away from the performance of Bobby Barr. The Ex-Livingston & Raith Rovers player was simply outstanding throughout, scoring a great first goal, drilling in the all important equaliser from the Spot and making the winner in injury time.
Attendance:- 50
Referee:- Sean Sutherland
Match 17:- Craigmark Burntonians 3 Ashfield 2, West of Scotland Cup First Round - Station Park, Ayr Road, Dalmellington, SE Ayrshire - Saturday 21/10/2023 - 2pm KO.
Ashfield were on their `travels` again in a Cup competition following last week`s long trip to Creetown. This time they were on more familiar surrounds of Station Park, Dalmellington where both teams `locked horns` last Season in the Promotion race for the First Division. Craigmark welcomed Ian Nixon as their new Manager prior to the game and he will have been delighted at the efforts his `new players` put in during an enthralling Cup tie where the `field will be `kicking` themselves at not converting more of their chances made.
Referee Lewis Barnie got proceedings underway with South East Ayrshire missing most of the severe weather affecting other parts of Scotland. Both teams were in their traditional strips as the `field immediately put the home side under pressure with some lovely passing play resulting in an early corner. It was the home side however that broke quickly down the right flank before a ball was delivered into the box for an onrushing Brandon McEvoy who bulleted a header past the despairing arms of Blair Lochhead to put the home side 1-0 up after 3 minutes. Craigmark 1 Ashfield 0. The `field were back on the `front foot` again after this early set-back and a wonderful move down the right side saw Bobby Barr deliver an inch perfect ball ball across the six yard box for an onrushing Fraser Sheridan however unbelievably the Ashfield winger guided his shot wide of the gaping goal to the relief of the home support. With virtually their second attack of the Match the Burntonians went further ahead after a through ball caught the Ashfield back four square and it was Michael Reilly who raced in on goal before drilling the ball low and hard under the Ashfield Keeper to put the home side further ahead. Craigmark 2 Ashfield 0. Two excellent and clinical finishes from Craigmark now left Ashfield, for the second week in a row, with a `mountain to climb` however to their credit they kept on with their passing game and brought out two excellent saves from Keeper Darren Johnson to deny firstly Jonny Black and then a `piledriver` from Sean Slaven. The `field eventually got their reward after a ball was played into the middle from the right and it was young Aiden Callaghan who pounced on the loose ball and volleyed the ball into the net to reduce the deficit. Craigmark 2 Ashfield 1. For the next 20 minutes the Match swung from one end to another with the home side looking extremely dangerous coming forward. As it was there were was no further scoring however the healthy attendance inside Station Park knew there would be more `twists and turns` in the second half.
HT:- CRAIGMARK 2 ASHFIELD 1
The second half started in similar vein to the first with the visitors applying pressure in a bid to square the Match however the Craigmark back four were proving extremely resilient in the early stages. As the heavy pitch began to take `its toll` on some of the legs chances began to appear with Bobby Barr `pulling the strings` for the visitors. Craigmark were adopting a tight offside trap forcing Ashfield back however after a couple of decisions against the `field they eventually got the `wave on` from the Referee as the ball was played through to Jonny Black on the 68th minute and the prolific Ashfield striker curled a shot into the far corner of the net to the delight of the travelling support. An excellent finish from Jonny Black with the home side appealing in vein for the offside decision. Craigmark 2 Ashfield 2. It was `game on `now and shortly after another `offside` decision was `up for debate` as Bobby Barr played a one two on the edge of the box before delivering a right foot shot into the roof of the net only for the `field`s celebrations to be `cut short`. Both teams made substitutions in the closing stages to freshen their teams as the game began to `open up`. As the clock ticked towards Full time and the prospects of penalties it was Ashfield that almost went ahead with 7 minutes to go following a great stop from the Craigmark Keeper who could not hold the effort and after a `stramash` inside the six yard box the ball broke to Aiden Callaghan who guided a shot inches over the bar with the goal gaping. An almighty `let off` for the home side who within a couple of minutes managed to get their `noses in front`. A lovely ball down the left flank saw the Craigmark forward cut in before delivering a ball to the back post where Jamie Henderson despite the attention of David Leadbetter managed to head the ball in off the post to spark wild celebrations amongst the home support. A real `sucker punch` for Ashfield who had left back David Leadbetter injured following collision with the post & was unable to continue. Craigmark 3 Ashfield 2. There was not much time on the clock for the `field to salvage the Match and it was the home side that defended well in the remaining minutes to secure a home draw against Easterhouse FC in the next round. A cracking Cup tie with the visitors left to `lick their wounds` and head back to League business next week against St Roch`s.
FT:- CRAIGMARK 3 ASHFIELD 2
Ashfield`s Team:-B Lochhead, A Quinn, D Leadbetter, L Pearce, S Doherty (Capt), J Maley, B Barr, A Callaghan, S Slaven, J Black and F Sheridan. Subs:- C Quinn, R Robertson, S Grady, D Farmer and H Granger.
Man of the Match:- A disappointing result for the` field where for the 2nd week in a row they had to comeback from a 2 goal deficit to square things however losing a late goal was a `sore one` considering the chances missed. Many of those chances were made by Bobby Barr. Special mention to young Aiden Callaghan who acquitted himself well in the middle of the Park and scored his first competitive goal for the `field and Jack Maley who put in a tremendous shift in the midfield area.
Attendance:- 120
Referee:- Lewis Barnie
Match 18:- St Roch`s 0 Ashfield 3 , James McGrory Park, Provanmill, Glasgow - West of Scotland League Division 1 - Saturday 28th October 2023 - Kick-Off 2pm
Although both teams had met in Cup Ties over the last decade, this was the first League Meeting since the 2007-08 Season when the `field won 3-0 (a) & 1-0 (h) respectively. Both teams went into today`s game looking to secure a vital 3 points which would hoist themselves further up this incredibly tight table. Despite all the inclement weather last week the Pitch had held up albeit on the heavy side as Referee Steven Spence got proceedings underway. It took a while for both teams to adapt to the strong wind sweeping down the park however one thing for sure it was extremely competitive especially in the Midfield area. It was the home side that threatened first when Eddie Ferns swept down the right hand side before despatching a low ball into the box finding Jordan Thompson who was unable to keep his shot down. Shortly after an in-swinging free-kick midway inside the Ashfield half caused alarm in the box however was well picked up by Lochhead. The game began to open up after 20 minutes and Jonny Black managed to find some room on the edge of the box before unleashing a terrific shot which was brilliantly saved low down by Stark.
Referee Spence was kept busy however the game was played in good spirits and next up it was Bobby Barr, who had been switching wings from time to time. The Ashfield winger cut in twice from the left before firing in a couple of shots which missed the target. Sean Doherty and his fellow defenders were keeping the lively St Roch`s forwards at bay with Harry Granger in particular having a terrific game.
As the game looked like it was heading into the break all square Greg Burns pounced on a loose ball before driving into the box and just as he was about to get his shot away he was `wiped out` from behind by a St Roch`s player with the Referee having no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Up stepped Bobby Barr who drilled the ball home for his 9th goal of the Season to the delight of the travelling support. St Roch`s 0 Ashfield 1. St Roch`s responded immediately forcing a corner in injury time which was well defended by the Ashfield defence before the Referee brought proceedings to a halt. The large crowd knew that there would be lots of twists and turns in the Second half.
HT:- ST ROCH`S 0 ASHFIELD 1
The first half flew by with the home side initially starting the brightest however it was the `field that had stepped up a gear in the last 15 minutes and this carried onto the Second half with Jonny Black and Bobby Barr instrumental in foraging forward at every opportunity. Young Aiden Callaghan playing in only his 3rd competitive game for the `field was working tirelessly in midfield with Joe Bradley and were utilising the flanks well. As the half wore on Ashfield began to carve out some opportunities however were wary of being hit on the break especially as Ben Daily was brought on as substitute on the hour mark. The Ex-Ashfield player looked lively in his opening exchanges as the `Candy Rock` had their best spell however found Sean Doherty and his fellow defenders in a `mean mood`. Bobby Barr was linking well down the right flank with Jonny Black as the half wore on and the home side got a couple of warnings following a couple of efforts which went narrowly over and one saved by the Keeper`s legs however on the 70th minute the `field increased their lead and it came from Black & Barr again. The two Ashfield `front men` who had scored 53 goals between them last season worked well and it was Barr who cut inside the box before guiding a left foot shot in off the far post and into the net to the delight of the travelling support. A great goal from Bobby ! St Roch`s 0 Ashfield 2. The home side made a couple of substitutions and pressed forward at every opportunity however the `field then began to `hit` the home side on the break. A wonderful sweeping move down the right with 10 minutes remaining saw the ball played across the box to an onrushing Shaun Grady and the Ashfield substitute volleyed the ball goal-wards only to see Stark pull off a magnificent save. The third goal was only slightly delayed following an Ashfield break which was initially cleared to the left hand side and a lovely ball into the middle evaded a couple of defenders as Sean Doherty swooped to head in Ashfield`s 3rd and his 4th goal of the Season. St Roch`s 0 Ashfield 3. The `field then almost increased their lead further as the clock ticked towards 90 minutes. Firstly Bobby Barr shot narrowly over before another effort was kicked off the line. Next up was substitute Ryan Sinclair who drove into the home box before unleashing a shot which thundered against the underside of the bar before being cleared to safety. Referee Spence brought proceedings to a close following a corner from the home side however this was not before young Rennie Robertson joined the game as probably one of the youngest players to make a debut for Ashfield at 16 years of age.
FT:- ST ROCH`S 0 ASHFIELD 3
Ashfield`s Team:- B Lochhead, L Pearce, A Quinn, H Granger, S Doherty (Capt), J Bradley, F Sheridan, G Burns, J Black, J Black, B Barr and A Callaghan Subs:- R Sinclair, J Maley, S Grady, D Farmer, C Quinn, L Frame and R Robertson.
Man of the Match:- A terrific all-round team performance against very difficult and talented opponents, however the `field managed their performance brilliantly and produced a mature and outstanding performance. Every Ashfield player contributed to a massive victory however special mentions to the `whole` back four, Joe Bradley and Jonny Black however Bobby Barr `won` the game for Ashfield with his 2nd goal. Bobby is joined this week by a young 18 year old who has played the last three games against very tough opposition and has proved a valuable addition to the Ashfield team - Well done Aiden Callaghan.
Attendance:- 450
Referee:- Steven Spence
Match 19:- Ashfield 1 Largs Thistle 3, Scottish Junior Cup 2nd Round, Saturday 4th November 2023 - Stepford Park, 1514 Edinburgh Road, Glasgow G33 4EG
Ashfield welcomed Largs Thistle to the ever improving facilities at Stepford Park in an eagerly anticipated Scottish Junior Cup tie. There have been some cracking games over the years between these two famous teams and it was good to hear the memories of a 1966 Tie in this same competition which turned out to be Walter Smith`s last game for the `field. Unfortunately that day the `field went down 7-3 at Barrfields Park. Moving onto the current day, both teams came into the Cup tie on the back of good wins against St Roch`s and Benburb respectively as Referee Conor Greenan got proceedings underway. It was the visitors that started the quickest and were extremely lively early on down the flanks with Ashfield trying to get their passing game working however on the 7th minute a terrific strike from David Ramsay following neat build up on the edge of the box saw the ball curled into the top corner to the delight of the large travelling support. Ashfield 0 Largs Thistle 1. Not the start that the `field wanted as they set about getting level in the game. The game was pretty frantic at this stage with both teams battling to gain control, especially in the congested Midfield area however as the half wore on it was Jonny Black and Bobby Barr for Ashfield that started to show their form and began to cause problems in the visiting defence. A couple of snapshots failed to test Wilton in the Largs goal before Frazer Sheridan almost got on the end of a wicked cross from Bobby Barr. Again it was Bobby Barr that was the danger as he weaved past a couple of defenders before `stinging the hands` of the Largs Keeper with a fierce shot. Ashfield got their reward just before the half hour mark following a sweeping move started by Aiden Quinn which saw the ball played quickly to an onrushing Jonny Black who evaded a tackle before driving the ball low and hard towards the goal with the ball taking a wicked deflection off the Largs Centre half to send the Keeper the wrong way to level the scores. Ashfield 1 Largs Thistle 1. A good goal from Ashfield and it was `game on`. Largs looked dangerous from set pieces and a number of corners were won down at the Glasgow end of the ground with the Ashfield defence , ably marshalled by Captain Sean Doherty managing to keep the Ayrshire men out. The game ebbed and flowed after this and was played in good spirits with both teams trying to gain control before the Referee brought proceedings to a close.
HT:-ASHFIELD 1 LARGS THISTLE 1
Ashfield made one change to their line-up for the start of the second half bringing on top scorer Sean Slaven for Fraser Sheridan and from the kick-off set off on the front foot against a very good Largs team and for the first 15 minutes of the half played some terrific football however chances were at a premium due the good defending from the visitors. Lance Pearce almost put the `field ahead with a rasping 22 yard drive which Wilton parried round the post before a couple of `stramashes` in the box were cleared to safety. The `field however were `stopped in their tracks` on the hour mark following a high ball into the edge of the box, Joe Bradley controlled the ball well however as he went to clear a Largs player appeared on the Ashfield midfielders` blind side` & was caught leaving the Referee no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Up stepped William Sewell who drove the ball low & hard passed the despairing arms of Blair Lochhead to put the Thistle 2-1 up. Ashfield 1 Largs Thistle 2. An unfortunately break for Ashfield which galvanised the visitors who went on to have their best period of the Match culminating in a third goal 10 minutes later when the ball was played in from the left to William Sewell who drove the ball low and hard into the same corner as his penalty to put the Ayrshire Team further ahead. Ashfield 1 Largs Thistle 3. A real blow for the `field however to their credit the Glasgow Team drove forward at every opportunity to try and salvage the Match. A lovely move between Jack Maley, Bobby Barr & Jonny Black saw the ball played into the box finding an onrushing Greg Burns and just as he was about to shoot the Largs Centre half Hughes produced a brilliant tackle to avoid a certain goal to the anguish of the home support. Another chance fell shortly to Sean Doherty as the ball `pinged` about the box however his net bound effort was blocked on the six yard box as the clock ticked towards the 90 minutes. As it was the visitors managed to see out the game and progress into the 3rd Round with a trip to Gartcairn next week. The `field will play worse and win this Season and the game highlighted the `fine margins` at this level. We will meet Largs Thistle again in 2 weeks time (18/11/23) in the 4th Round of the South Challenge Cup with the Match being played at Barrfield Park, Largs this time in what I am sure will be another exciting encounter.
The `field are back to League action next Saturday as they welcome Kilbirnie Ladeside to Stepford Park.
FT:- ASHFIELD 1 LARGS THISTLE 3
Ashfield`s Team:-B Lochhead, L Pearce, A Quinn, H Granger, S Doherty (Capt), J Bradley, F Sheridan, G Burns, J Black, B Barr and A Callaghan. Subs:- J Maley, C Quinn, L Frame, R Robertson, R Sinclair, D Farmer and L Warnock
Man of the Match:- A good team performance this afternoon and on another day the `field may have progressed however full marks to Largs for their clinical finishing. The `field were solid at the back despite losing 3 goals and were well marshalled by Sean Doherty who was also dangerous at set-pieces this afternoon. Special mentions to Bobby Barr, Jonny Black and Greg Burns.
Attendance:- 110
Referee:- Conor Greenan
Match 20:- Ashfield 5 Kilbirnie Ladeside 2 , Saturday 11th November 2023 - Kick-Off 2.30pm. Stepford Park, 1514 Edinburgh Road, Glasgow G33 4EG - West of Scotland League Division 1.
Ashfield welcomed Kilbirnie and their supporters to a frosty Stepford Park yesterday in an eagerly awaited League Match. The visitors were on a good run of form after an indifferent start to the Season whilst the `field were looking to climb further up the League and catch the promotion hopefuls. Referee Rasouk got proceedings underway as the crowd filtered into Stepford with the Ayrshire team in their changed strip of light Blue with a yellow & black stripe and it was the visitors that made the dream start before both teams had time to `warm up`. A wicked corner was cleared to the edge of the box in the 2nd minute where Ryan Connelly picked the ball up and despatched a dipping volley which crashed against the underside of the bar and into the net to the delight of the travelling support. This was Connelly`s third goal in three games and the `field remember him from last Season where he scored a hat-trick on the opening day at Saracen Park for Craigmark Burntonians. Ashfield 0 Kilbirnie Ladeside 1. It was not the ideal start for the home side however they foraged forward instantly with some excellent wing play from Shaun Grady and from Ryan Sinclair and Jonny Black on the right however the Ladeside defence were in good form clearing most of the early danger. Following a couple of corners for Ashfield again where Sean Doherty looked dangerous, it was the visitors that broke down the left wing on 21 minutes with Scullion delivering a ball to the far left hand side of the box for the Ladeside No 8 to despatch an angled shot past Lochhead in the Ashfield goal to put the visitors 2-0 ahead. This was a real blow for Ashfield and they knew they had a game on their hands to salvage some points here. Ashfield 0 Kilbirnie Ladeside 2. To the `field`s credit they put the Ayrshire men under some sustained pressure after this with Jonny Black first having a net bound effort blocked on the six yard box before he again delivered a terrific shot which was heading to the roof of the net before Cameron in the Ladeside goal pulled off a terrific one handed save to deny Ashfield. Up next was Captain Sean Doherty and his bulleted header from a corner sailed narrowly over to the anguish of the home support. As it was the game ebbed and flowed with the Ladeside defence holding firm and looking dangerous on the break. As Referee Rasouk blew his whistle the crowd knew there were more twists and turns to this Match.
HT:- ASHFIELD 0 KILBIRNIE LADESIDE 2
Ashfield made a couple of changes early on bringing winger Fraser Sheridan into the fold as they set about trying to rescue the game. The match was fiercely competitive especially in the Midfield area however as the half progressed it was the trio of Barr, Black and Slaven that began to get some joy from their opponents. On the 55th Minute Ashfield won a corner on the far right hand side which was whipped in by Bobby Barr for Sean Doherty to outjump his markers and guide his header into the corner of the net to reduce the deficit. A lovely goal from Sean for his 4th of the campaign. Ashfield 1 Kilbirnie Ladeside 2. It was `game on` now as the `field surged forward with Jonny Black prevalent and midway through the half the game was level . A wonderful move started by Lance Pearce on the right flank which saw the ball threaded through to Bobby Barr who played in Sean Slaven and the big Ashfield striker found room before rounding the keeper and netting his 12th Goal of the Season. A very simple and well worked goal from the home side and the support knew that there was plenty of time to try and secure the three points. Ashfield 2 Kilbirnie Ladeside 2. As it was Bobby Barr was beginning to cause the Ladeside defence some problems with his deliveries and on the 73rd minute the home supporters were in `dreamland` as the `field went ahead. Again a lovely move down the right flank saw Bobby Barr evade a tackle before whipping the ball to the far post for an on rushing Sean Slaven who cushioned a header into the top corner of the net leaving Cameron with no chance. Ashfield 3 Kilbirnie Ladeside 2. A terrific turnaround from the `field however the home side suffered a blow when winger Sheridan fell awkwardly after a challenge on the left hand side & was in serious discomfort and after delay was moved from the Pitch & taken to hospital with a diagnosis of a dislocated shoulder. The `field replaced Sheridan with young Aiden Callaghan and also new signing Josh Winton came on for the home side shortly before the `field added a fourth. Bobby Barr had temporarily switched wings and gathered the ball on the left hand side with 12 minutes to go before weaving past a couple of defenders and drilling a shot which deflected off a Ladeside defender and past Cameron into the net to roar of the home support. Ashfield 4 Kilbirnie Ladeside 2. The `field had upped a gear in the last 10 minutes and the visitors were struggling to deal with the pace of Aiden Callaghan however the home side did manage to escape a very strong Ladeside appeal for a penalty with 8 minutes to go however Referee Rasouk was having none of it and waved play on. The home side then finished the game strongly and a lovely move started with Blair Lochhead`s pinpoint throw out found Bobby Barr who raced down the right flank before delivering an inch perfect cross along the six yard box for an onrushing Josh Winton to cap his Ashfield debut with a goal to the delight of the players, Management and supporters. Ashfield 5 Kilbirnie Ladeside 2. The game was brought to an end shortly after and both teams deserve enormous credit for putting on a great match however it was the `field`s finishing in the second half that was a delight to watch and hauls the Glasgow team up three places in the League.
The League campaign is `interrupted` next week before starting again on the 25th November with a trip to Neilston for the `field however next week is the 4th Round of the South Challenge Cup where the `field `lock horns` again with Largs Thistle, this time with the Match being played at Barrfields Park, Largs.
FT:- ASHFIELD 5 KILBIRNIE LADESIDE 2
Ashfield`s Team:- B Lochhead, L Pearce, A Quinn, R Sinclair, S Doherty (Capt), J Maley, B Barr, C Quinn, S Slaven, J Black and S Grady. Subs:- G Burns, A Callaghan, J Bradley, F Sheridan, J Winton, D Farmer and H Granger.
Man of the Match:- A wonderful second half performance from the `field with special mentions to Aiden Quinn, Ryan Sinclair, Bobby Barr and Jack Maley however Sean Doherty produced a Captain`s performance pulling Ashfield back into the game with the opening goal and regularly setting up moves from the back.
Attendance:- 60
Referee:- Yaser Razouk
Match 21:- Largs Thistle 1 Ashfield 2 - Saturday 18th November 2023 - Kick-Off 1.30pm. Barrfields Park, Largs, SE Ayrshire - 4th Round South Challenge Cup
The lovely surroundings of Barrfields Park was completely shrouded in mist as both teams entered the G4 Surface to lashing rain for the second meeting of the teams in as many weeks. This time it was the last 32 of the South Challenge Cup with Largs reverting to their home strip of yellow & black & Ashfield sporting their new away kit of all Red. Referee Josh Hay got proceedings underway as the home side took an initial grip switching the play impressively from both flanks however were finding chances hard to come by against a resolute and disciplined Ashfield back line. The first chance in this pacy start to the game came from Ramsay who managed to find space 20 yards out after cutting in and his low shot was well saved by Lochhead in the Ashfield goal. Another lovely move down the left flank saw the ball played in by Sewell which was just missed by an onrushing Daryll Duffy. Ashfield started to come in to the game after the first 15 minutes of home pressure and a ball out of defence on the 21st minute found Jonny Black who gathered the ball at pace and foraged forward before despatching a low 22 yard drive into the corner of the net to put the `field 1-0 up. A fantastic finish and it was the `field`s first major attack on goal. Largs Thistle 0 Ashfield 1. The home side were `stung` by the goal as Ashfield surged forward on both flanks. Shaun Grady weaved his way past a couple of defenders before shooting narrowly over and Bobby Barr found space on the right to find Sean Slaven who guided the ball into the arms of Zalewski. The game was played at a ferocious pace despite the lashing rain and just after the half hour mark it was Ashfield that picked up the ball up in Midfield following some neat play. Bobby Barr found Jonny Black moving forward and the Ashfield forward drove at the Largs Defence before passing to Shaun Grady who utilised his pace to make room before drilling the ball low and hard into the far corner of the net to the delight of the travelling support. Largs Thistle 0 Ashfield 2. The home side immediately went on the offensive to try and claw themselves back into the match and set about Ashfield on both flanks. A number of corners were had which had been defended well however on the 36th Minute, a wicked corner to the back post saw the Largs Centre half McCreath power his header past a ruck of players and into the net to bring Largs back into the game. Largs Thistle 1 Ashfield 2. Blair Lochhead in the Ashfield goal was the busier keeper up until half time however despite some sustained pressure chances were at a premium and Ashfield looked extremely dangerous on the counter attack. As it was there was no further scoring before the interval and the players deserved their half time tea and to dry out.
HT:- LARGS THISTLE 1 ASHFIELD 2
There were no changes from the visitors for the start of the second half and the healthy crowd knew that this game would go right to the wire. The home side forced a number of early corners however were caught out a couple of times by Ashfield`s pace coming forward and a lovely move on the 52st minute almost brought a third goal for Ashfield. A lovely move down the right hand side saw the ball whipped into the box where Shaun Grady flicked the ball goal-wards only to see Zalewski in the Largs Goal pull of a great stop with one hand however the ball fell behind him and was scooped away before crossing the line to the relief of the home support. Ashfield were strong in midfield and forced the home side to bring on McMaster & Martin and were restricting the Thistle to shooting from distance and corner kicks. In the 75th minute however Sewell, who had a great game in Glasgow two weeks ago, gathered the ball outside the box before making room for himself and curled a shot into the far corner only to see Lochhead tip the ball narrowly round the post. A terrific save from the Ashfield stopper. The `field were not be outdone and a terrific move down the left involving Ashfield substitute Aiden Callaghan saw Sean Slaven break clear on the left and as he cut in & drove into the box his low shot cannoned off the base of the post. Young Aiden Callaghan was next up as another home attack broke down and the Ashfield youngster found himself through on goal however unfortunately drove his shot wide of the target. Referee Hay was kept busy in the closing stages and a number of cards were issued especially after the home side felt they should have had a penalty when Sewell went down on the edge of the box however Referee Hay was having none of it. Another Sewell effort was parried over the bar by Lochhead however the corner was well dealt with by the back four. The game swung from end to end in the closing minutes & after 6 minutes of added time, the game was brought to an end with everyone associated with Ashfield absolutely delighted at the performance and result against a very good side indeed. This is the second season in a row that the `field have taken the `scalp` of a Premiership Ayrshire Team and go into next week`s draw with excitement and confidence.
We thank Largs for their excellent hospitality and wish them all the best for the remainder of the Season.
FT:- LARGS THISTLE 1 ASHFIELD 2
Ashfield`s Team:- B Lochhead, L Pearce, A Quinn, R Sinclair, S Doherty (Capt), J Maley, B Barr, C Quinn, S Slaven, J Black and S Grady. Subs:- D Farmer, A Callaghan, H Granger, G Burns, L Frame, R Robertson and L Pierotti
Man of the Match:- A wonderful team effort today against a strong Largs side and the `field did not have any failures. Special mention to J Black and S Grady for their excellent finishes and for the whole back four together with Sean Slaven & Bobby Barr however it was the Quinn Brothers that deserve this week`s accolade - Aiden and Craig Quinn
Attendance:- 230
Referee:- Josh Hay
Match 22:- Ashfield 4 Petershill 3 , Stepford Park. 1514 Edinburgh Road, Glasgow G33 4EG - Saturday 16th December 2023 - West of Scotland League Division 1.
The famous `Springburn` Derby was upon us again albeit in a different location this time with the `field now playing their home games in the East Side of Glasgow. This was Ashfield`s first game since their terrific victory over Largs Thistle at Barrfields Park on the 16th November whereas Petershill had played a number of crucial games culminating in them `topping` the League by 5 points after a large victory last midweek against Kilbirnie Ladeside. The Crowd was slow to arrive due to the dreadful weather however a last minute rush almost took the crowd to three figures as both teams entered the Park with the `field playing in their traditional home strip of Black & White hoops & the visitors in their away strip of all Blue. Referee Steven Spence got the proceedings under way with the wind sweeping down from West to East and it was the home side that started on the front foot utilising the flanks well and after one minute and 42 seconds the `field were ahead. A lovely move down the left wing by Shaun Grady saw the ball played across the goal to an onrushing Bobby Barr who drilled a low shot past the Petershill Keeper to put the home side ahead. Ashfield 1 Petershill 0. A great start from Ashfield and for the next 10 minutes were on top however as the half wore on the strong Petershill Midfield with Captain Darren Miller at the forefront began to come in to the game. The Petershill No 9 PJ McGiff was certainly `catching the eye` as he tested Lochhead in the Ashfield goal with a couple of fierce shots and within a couple of minutes were level. A lovely cross from the right hand side was met by McGiff and his glancing header sailed past Lochhead in the Ashfield goal and into the far corner of the net to the delight of the travelling support. Ashfield 1 Petershill 1. The `Peasy` got a lift from the goal and put the `field under a bit of pressure however Sean Doherty and his back four were in good form with the `field looking extremely dangerous on the break. Following a Petershill attack after half an hour Shaun Grady, who was utilising his pace broke free of his marker before playing in Slaven however the big Ashfield Striker saw his effort well saved by McAllister in the Petershill goal. The `field were left to rue that miss as the visitors went up the park and scored. PJ McGiff picked up the ball on the edge of the Ashfield box before evading a couple of tackles and thundered a shot which started low and rose into the net above a diving Lochhead to the roar of the Peasy support. Ashfield 1 Petershill 2. The goal did not affect the Ashfield team as they foraged forward at every opportunity utilising both flanks well in search of an equaliser and within 3 minutes were level. Again it was Shaun Grady down the left that caused the Peasy back four problems with his pace before drilling the ball low and hard across the face of the goal for an onrushing Sean Slaven. The Ashfield Centre cut inside before driving the ball into the net to the delight of the Ashfield following and it was back to all square. Ashfield 2 Petershill 2. The game ebbed and flowed and certainly had been a great spectacle despite the strong wind and as Referee Spence brought proceedings to a halt, the crowd knew that there would be more `twists and turns` in the second half.
HT:- ASHFIELD 2 PETERSHILL 2
There was no change to the Ashfield line up for the start of the second half however Petershill brought on Jamie Adam and straight from the Kick-Off he was involved and it proved to be an interesting tussle between Adam and David Leadbetter throughout the second half. Both teams were `having a go` at each other and were determined to grab the crucial three points and in the 53rd minute it was Petershill that struck first in the second half. Peasy Sub Jamie Adam picked up the ball on the edge of the box and before he could be closed down he unleashed a ferocious drive which went underneath Lochhead in the Ashfield goal to put the visitors ahead. Ashfield 2 Petershill 3. This is how the game stayed until the closing stages of the Match with Ashfield pushing for an equaliser however at same time aware of the dangers of the Petershill attack. Greg Burns and Aiden Callaghan came on for Ashfield and both players made an immediate impact with Greg Burns in particular looking to get himself on the scoresheet. The game was fiercely contested and Referee Spence was required to utilise his cards for a while in the second half. As we entered the closing stages it was Ashfield that were finding room, especially down the left wing where the wind was also driving into with Grady and now Callaghan operating a two pronged attack from the left and with just over 15 minutes remaining Ashfield got their reward. The ball was played in from a corner on the right and was only partially cleared to the edge of the box where Greg Burns drove the ball low and hard into the far corner of the net to the delight of the Ashfield Management and supporters. It was `game on` now. Ashfield 3 Petershill 3. Again the game went from one end to another and with 5 minutes remaining Ashfield got their `noses in front`. It looked like McCabe had controlled the ball inside his own box however Shaun Grady `ghosted` in behind him before being caught with Referee Spence having no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Up stepped Bobby Barr who placed the ball past McAllister for his 12th Goal of the Season. Ashfield 4 Petershill 3. Petershill tried in vain to force another goal however the Ashfield back four were in good form and the `field continued to hit the Peasy on the break before Referee brought proceedings to a close.
An excellent victory for Ashfield which leaves them only four points off the Promotion places with games in hand. Petershill will play worse and win this Season and based on the standard of play today I believe both teams will be involved in the Promotion race right up to the end of the Season,
The `field do not play now until visiting Castle Park to play Blantyre Vics on Saturday 30th December (1.30pm KO) however they do have a couple of friendlies against Royal Albert and Maryhill at Stepford on the 19th (8pm ko) and 23rd (12 Noon) respectively
FT:- ASHFIELD 4 PETERSHILL 3
Ashfield`s Team:-B Lochhead, A Quinn, D Leadbetter, R Sinclair, S Doherty (Capt), J Maley, B Barr, C Quinn, S Slaven, J Black and S Grady. Subs:- G Burns, A Callaghan, R Robertson, L Warnock, D Farmer, J Winton and H Granger.
Man of the Match:- A tremendous performance from Ashfield against a very good Petershill side with everyone making a valuable contribution however Bobby Barr was everywhere today from opening the scoring in the first minute to whipping in crosses in the last minute and fully deserves this week`s accolade with his 2 goals also. Special mention however to Shaun Grady for his performance today.
Attendance:- 80
Referee:- Steven Spence
Match 23:- Ashfield 1 Cambuslang Rangers 1 - Stepford Park, 1514 Edinburgh Road, Glasgow G33 4EG - Saturday 6th January 2024 - Kick-Off 1.30pm - West of Scotland League Division 1.
Ashfield welcomed Cambuslang Rangers to a chilly Stepford Park yesterday and the `hardy souls` that braved the cold were treated to an intriguing Match which swung one way and another. The hosts were on a rich vein of form however had not played much in the last two months with only one game since the 16th November and it took the `field a wee bit time to get going against their determined and pacy opponents who were beginning to climb the League table after a slow start to the Season. With Matches off throughout Central Scotland, Ashfield knew that a win would hoist them up 3 places in the League & within touching distance of the promotion places however it was not to be after a lacklustre second half performance.
The opening stages of the match belonged to Cambuslang as they hemmed Ashfield back with their spirited opening utilising the flanks well and had a couple of shots which went narrowly past the upright however as the half wore on Ashfield began to get into their stride and their passing was impressive in this tight fixture. Shaun Grady was regularly switching wings causing alarm in the Rangers back four before the `field made the breakthrough on 20 minutes. Bobby Barr picked up a loose ball on the right flank before delivering a tremendous cross to the far post for an onrushing Shaun Grady to bullet a header home to the delight of the home support. Ashfield 1 Cambuslang Rangers 0. This was Shaun`s 4th goal of the Season and an important one to put the `field ahead. The `field continued their attacks and as the half wore on it looked like another goal was inevitable however the Rangers back four and Keeper held firm. A brilliant parried save denied Sean Slaven on the half hour mark before Bobby Barr curled an effort narrowly past the far post. Next up was a free kick just outside the Rangers box. Up stepped Bobby Barr however his driven effort cleared the cross bar by inches. The visitors sporadically broke and looked lively when they did however the last 5 minutes of the half belonged to Ashfield after a `stramash` in the box saw first the Keeper block a net bound effort from Slaven again before Grady drove through a ruck of players only to be denied by a goal line clearance. To make matters worse for the visitors, they then proceeded to lose their right midfield player to a second yellow card before Referee Denholm brought first half proceedings to a close.
HT:- ASHFIELD 1 CAMBUSLANG RANGERS 0
It would be interesting to find out how the second half would go with the visitors now down to 10 men however the Rangers made their intentions known on the 47th minute when a run down the left flank by the Rangers No 11 saw him cut in and drive a curling 22 yard shot which cannoned off the bar to the relief of the home support. The visitors were adopting a very disciplined 4-2-3 formation and fought for every ball against the `field. The home side struggled to work up any concerted pressure however were utilising the flanks well with Barr & Grady delivering some dangerous crosses. Ashfield`s left back David Leadbetter drove forward on the hour mark before unleashing a shot which stung the hands of the Rangers Keeper with the rebound by Greg Burns also going close. On the hour mark It was Leadbetter again who foraged forward and another shot, this time deflected, bounced off the top of the Rangers Bar for a corner. An in-swinging corner was well cleared by the Rangers and the visitors broke at pace before finding Alman on the left hand side of the box. The Rangers midfielder made room for himself and drove the ball into the far corner of Ashfield`s net to level the score. The home side were disappointed at losing a goal from their own corner however it was a pacy break from the visitors. Ashfield 1 Cambuslang Rangers 1. The game ebbed and flowed after this with the `field bringing on substitutes Aiden Callaghan, Craig Quinn and Josh Winton in a bid to win the Match however had to be `on their guard` as the visitors were beginning to hit Ashfield on the break. With 12 minutes to go, Ashfield almost went ahead when Bobby Barr was played through however the Keeper angled his position well and the Ashfield winger`s effort narrowly missed the far post. Next up was Captain Sean Doherty who got on the end of an in-swinging corner however couldn`t force the ball over the line. As the game went into injury time, it was the visitors that put some pressure on the home defence before efforts were saved by Lochhead and scrambled to safety. As it was Referee Denholm brought proceedings to a close with the visitors the happiest of the two teams walking off the park. This game highlighted how tough this League is where nothing can be taken for granted. The `field will regroup and prepare thoroughly for their tricky trip to Maybole next Saturday however can be buoyed that they have won on their last 3 visits there.
FT:- ASHFIELD 1 CAMBUSLANG RANGERS 1
Ashfield`s Team:- B Lochhead, A Quinn, D Leadbetter, R Sinclair, S Doherty (Capt), J Maley, B Barr, G Burns, S Slaven, J Black and S Grady. Subs:- L Pearce, A Callaghan, J Winton, R Robertson, A Tierney, C Quinn and D Farmer
Attendance:- 70
Man of the Match:- A tough and uncomprising Match at Stepford today however Aiden Quinn won more than his fair share of his tackles and foraged forward at every opportunity to start attacks.
Referee:- Thomas Denholm
Match 24:- Maybole 0 Ashfield 3 , Ladywell Stadium, Maybole - West of Scotland League Division 1 - Saturday 13th January 2024 - Kick-Off 1.30pm.
A big game for both teams as the `field made their way down the M77 to Ladywell Stadium, Maybole where the home side have to be commended on the amount of hard work that has gone inside the Stadium. Ashfield, looking to get nearer the promotion places and to continue their 6 game unbeaten League run, which was almost halted by an excellent performance last week from Cambuslang Rangers, made a couple of changes to the Team bringing in Josh Winton and Craig Quinn. Whilst Maybole , who made an excellent start to the Season, have hit a bad run and were looking to win to avoid 7 League defeats in a row.
The weather was kind to us yesterday albeit freezing cold as Referee Conor Greenan got proceedings underway with both teams in their traditional strips and it was the home side that started on the front foot causing the `field to concede a number of early corners which were well defended by Sean Doherty and his back four however in the 8th Minute following a corner the ball was played out finding a Maybole midfielder 22 yards out and his volley narrowly missed Blair Lochhead`s upright. Ashfield all of a sudden picked up the pace utilising the flanks extremely well with Josh Winton on the left and Bobby Barr right and it was the latter who picked the ball up on 20 minutes before cutting inside and drilling the ball to the bottom left of the goal which produced a brilliant save from the Maybole Keeper. Josh Winton delivered some excellent crosses which found the head of Greg Burns and Sean Slaven but neither troubled the home No 1 however the breakthrough came 5 minutes later and it was a terrific move from the `field. Maybole were on the attack however Ryan Sinclair intercepted a pass before utilising his pace foraging forward before delivering an inch perfect pass behind the Maybole defence with Sean Slaven latching on the ball before side footing the ball past the advancing Keeper to put the `field ahead. Maybole 0 Ashfield 1. A lovely goal from Ashfield and this was Slaven`s 15th Goal of the Season. The `field continued to press and a glancing header from Jonny Black missed the upright by inches. Maybole tried to push forward at every opportunity before the break however Ashfield were working the ball around the park extremely well and Greg Burns and Craig Quinn were linking up well in Midfield alongside David Leadbetter. As the Referee brought proceedings to a close, the expectant crowd knew that there were probably more twists and turns to come in the second half.
HT:- MAYBOLE 0 ASHFIELD 1
No changes were made to the Ashfield side however the home side had made a couple as the game restarted and unlike the first half it was Ashfield who seized the initiative early on and started to dominate proceedings with their pace and urgency coupled with some excellent passing which the home side struggled to cope with. A blocked shot on the right hand side from Greg Burns signalled Ashfield`s intentions early on and within 8 minutes of the second half starting the `field went further ahead. A foraging run to the edge of the box from Bobby Barr found Sean Slaven with his back to goal however the big Striker swivelled and again placed his shot into the corner of the net to the delight of the travelling support. Maybole 0 Ashfield 2. The home side were struggling at this stage as Ashfield through everything forward in a bid to win the Match and the third came on the 65th Minute. A corner was won on the right hand side which was well delivered in from Bobby Barr. Sean Doherty leaped up however was well marked and was unable to get his head to the ball however Greg Burns had made a last minute run and bulleted a header into the corner of the net leaving the Maybole Keeper with no chance. Maybole 0 Ashfield 3. At this stage the home side looked to be struggling however fair credit to them as they clawed themselves back into what was a competitive last half hour. The `field made a number of substitutions bringing on Shaun Grady, whose pace was to cause the Maybole right back a difficult 20 minute period. In addition to Shaun, Aiden Callaghan and Dean Farmer came on for last period and despite the fact there was no further scoring the game ebbed and flowed from one end to another before Referee Greenan brought proceedings to a close. A very good performance indeed from Ashfield at a difficult venue and both teams will be sore after their efforts on the heavy pitch.
This win hoists Ashfield up two places in the League and would have been three apart from Glencairn`s late goal against Petershill in this terrific league. The form teams of Whitletts Victoria and Kilbirnie Ladeside continued their winning run and the next three months is going to be a fantastic watch at whatever game a supporter goes to.
FT:- MAYBOLE 0 ASHFIELD 3
Ashfield`s Team:- B Lochhead, A Quinn, D Leadbetter, R Sinclair, S Doherty (Capt), C Quinn, B Barr, G Burns, J Black, J Winton & S Slaven. Subs:- A Callaghan, J Maley, A Cameron, L Pearce, S Grady, D Farmer and A Tierney.
Man of the Match:- A great all-round team performance. From Sean Doherty & Ryan Sinclair at the back to Jonny Black, Sean Slaven & Bobby Barr up front however the midfield area was extremely congested and Craig Quinn & Greg Burns were immense at starting Ashfield attacks to restricting Maybole midfielders any time on the ball.
Attendance:- 100
Referee:- Conor Greenan
Match 25:- Ashfield 3 Renfrew 2 , Saturday 20th January 2024 - KO 2.30pm - Stepford Park, 1514 Edinburgh Road, Glasgow G33 4EG - West of Scotland League Division 1
The freezing temperatures of the week had subsided to a slightly warmer temperature however the wind made it still uncomfortable for the healthy crowd inside Stepford Park. The large travelling support must have thought it had been a `wasted journey` as the home side produced a tremendous opening 30 minutes, carrying on from where they left off at Maybole the previous week, and found themselves 3-0 up and could have been more up at this stage. Renfrew and Ashfield have built up a healthy rivalry recently due to the amount of times they have played each other including last Season`s title race and from an Ashfield point of view it was good to see them well ahead as up until this game, Renfrew have been close to being Ashfield`s `bogey team` and are the only team to beat Ashfield on their travels this Season.
To the game itself it was the home side that opened up well and were utilising the flanks well with Bobby Barr on the right and Shaun Grady on the left and after a couple of close efforts from Sean Slaven, who was holding the ball up well, the `field eventually got their noses in from after 12 minutes. The opening goal was a terrific effort from Shaun Grady who picked up the ball n the left hand side before running at the Renfrew defence, cutting in and delivering a curling effort into the far corner of the net to the delight of the home support. Ashfield 1 Renfrew 0. The visitors responded well and almost equalised a couple of minutes later when McKenna weaved past a couple of defenders in the box before eventually being crowded out in the six yard box. A couple of minutes later and the `field went further ahead after some lovely play down the left flank saw the ball played out to Bobby Barr on the right hand side of the box and his dipping shot cannoned off the junction of the bar and post and into the net to put the `field 2-0 up. Ashfield 2 Renfrew 0. The home side were relentless at this stage and chances fell to Sean Doherty and Greg Burns before Shaun Grady added his 2nd of the game and his 5th of the Season when he pounced on the ball from an acute angle and drilled the ball low and hard into the far corner of the net. Ashfield 3 Renfrew 0. At this stage of the Match you could not see any way back for the visitors however that all changed in the 35th minute when following a coming together of Andrew Wright & Sean Slaven, the aftermath saw the Ashfield player retaliate and Referee Euan Birch immediately produced a Card denoting an `early bath` for Sean. The visitors saw their opportunity to try and claw themselves back into the Match and as the `field were still reorganising positions the `frew pulled a goal back on 42 minutes when the ball was cleared to the edge of the box finding Cammy Kerr who controlled the ball and despatched a low drive past Blair Lochhead in the Ashfield goal to bring a `ray of light` to the visitors. Ashfield 3 Renfrew 1. The game was brought to a halt shortly after for half time and the expectant crowd knew there were more twists and turns to come before the points would be won.
HT:- ASHFIELD 3 RENFREW 1
The `field did not make any changes in personnel at this point but rearranged positions with Jonny Black up front by himself and for the first 15 minutes of the second half Renfrew threw all they had at Ashfield. Backed by the wind the visitors lay siege on the home side and some last minute tackles were the `order of the day` for the Ashfield back four ably marshalled by Sean Doherty who put in a Captain`s performance at the back however eventually Renfrew got their reward in the 58th minute. A cute ball through a ruck of players saw Andrew Skinner make room for himself and the `frew Centre forward finished with aplomb placing his shot wide of the advancing Lochhead to reduce the deficit further. Ashfield 3 Renfrew 2. The `field made a couple of changes shortly after bringing on Josh Winton on the right and Aiden Callaghan in the middle as they tried to stem the flow. A couple of tight offsides went in the home side`s favour before the `field gradually got back into the Match and foraged forward at every opportunity. As the game became embroiled in a midfield battle chances were now at a premium and apart from some dangerous cross balls and long range shooting, the `field`s lead remained intact and after 6 minutes of injury time, Referee Birch brought proceedings to a close in an excellent Match which was the proverbial game of `two halves`. This was an important win for Ashfield and hoisted them 2 places further up the table. For both teams it was a case of `ifs, but`s and maybe`s` and the home side will be delighted about their opening spell of the game whilst the visitors will be happy at the way they clawed themselves back into the game. Matches are coming thick and fast now and for the `field it is a trip to Castle Park, Blantyre next week whilst Renfrew visit Hannah Park to take on Shotts Bon Accord.
FT:- ASHFIELD 3 RENFREW 2
Ashfield`s Team:- B Lochhead, A Quinn, D Leadbetter, R Sinclair, S Doherty (Capt), C Quinn, B Barr, G Burns, S Slaven, J Black and S Grady Subs - L Pearce, A Callaghan, J Winton, A Tierney, L Warnock, D Farmer, G Cameron
Man of the Match:- A very difficult choice this week especially after the tremendous show for the first 30 minutes from the front three of Slaven, Grady and Barr however Sean Doherty marshalled his defence well and Ryan Sinclair at the back was outstanding utilising his pace and height to great effect in the second half.
Attendance:- 100
Referee:- Euan Birch
Match 26:- Ashfield 6 Neilston 3 , Saturday 17th February 2024 - Kick-Off 2.30pm. West of Scotland League Division 1 - Stepford Park, 1514 Edinburgh Road, Glasgow G33 4EG.
A game on at last for Ashfield and it was a very warm welcome to the Management, Supporters and Players of Neilston FC as it had been a very long time since both teams had `locked horns` on League Business (2008/09 Season). Despite the incessant rain as we approached Kick-Off the loyal band of supporters for both teams had turned up and as Referee McLaughlin got proceedings underway an eagerly anticipated game was upon us. With both teams in their traditional strips, it was the home side that started on the front foot, showing no sign of rustiness from their month of postponements, with Barr on the right flank and Shaun Grady on the left causing early problems for the visitors. A lovely move after 5 minutes saw Shaun Grady drive at the home defence before finding Bobby Barr at the edge of the box and his low drive missed the far post by inches to the relief of the visiting support. Next up and it was Grady again this time cutting in and driving goal-wards only to see his net bound effort blocked. The home side did not have long to wait as the danger came in from the left hand side this time with the ball breaking to the centre of the box where Greg Burns drove the ball low and hard with the aid of a deflection into the bottom corner of the net to put the `field 1-0 up. Ashfield 1 Neilston 0. The visitors did not let this affect them and for the next period of time, despite Ashfield looking dangerous on the break, took the game to the `field working extremely hard in midfield and playing further up the park. A number of corners kicks were had by the visitors and on the whole Sean Doherty and his back four managed to cope with them apart from one delivery which evaded everyone and saw the Neilson forward drill a header over the bar. Chances were at a premium for a while as the game became embroiled in midfield however the next chance came to the visitors with the ball being played through by ex-Ashfield player Luke Crerand to an onrushing Del McNab who drove the ball goal-wards as the Ashfield Keeper advanced, however it was the Ashfield Keeper Cameron, making his debut for the Club, that brought off a magnificent save to keep the game all square. Despite the efforts of both sides before the interval there were no more chances and the crowd knew that there would be a lot to see in the second period.
HT:- ASHFIELD 1 NEILSTON 0
The rain unfortunately showed no sign of abating as the second half kicked off with no changes to either line up. As was the case in the first half it was Ashfield that started on the `front foot` and again were utilising the flanks with Jonny Black more prevalent utilising his strength against Donnelly and Hewitt at the back for Neilston and within five minutes of the half starting the `field went further ahead. A lovely move down the left involving Greg Burns and Shaun Grady saw the Ashfield winger drive clear of his marker before whipping the ball into the box for an onrushing Jonny Black to knock in his 7th goal of the Season to the delight of the home support. Ashfield 2 Neilston 0. The visitors pushed forward at every opportunity and the `field had to defend extremely well to keep the `farmer boys` at bay however the Ashfield pressure was becoming more sustained and within 8 minutes Jonny Black showed tremendous skill collecting a loose ball on the edge of the box, following another sweeping move from Grady on the left, before driving a low shot passed the despairing arms of Nathan Bogle in the Neilston goal. Ashfield 3 Neilston 0. A great finish from Black ! As the home support were still celebrating and updating friends on `Whatsapp` and `Twitter` the visitors found room in the box with Cameron in the Ashfield goal diving at the feet of McNab and Referee McLaughlin had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. The Neilston No 10 Darren Jones stepped up for the penalty and sent Glen Cameron the wrong way to bring a glimmer of hope to the visitors. Ashfield 3 Neilston 1. The game continued to be fiercely competitive in the middle of the park and Ashfield made a couple of changes bringing on the experienced Lance Pearce and young Josh Winton as the game ebbed and flowed. The next goal was going to be decisive and on the 68th minute it was Ashfield that further increased their lead with a tremendous left foot drive from Greg Burns that found the top corner of the net. Ashfield 4 Neilston 1. This started a `crazy`20 minute period where the game started to `rain goals` and saw some lovely play from the home side for the next 10 minutes. Dean Farmer was brought on for Bobby Barr and the young striker was keen to show his skills however it was Shaun Grady that was `stealing the show` today with continued wing play and got himself on the scoresheet two minutes later. A ball broke out to Craig Quinn some 22 yards out and the Ashfield Midfielder steadied himself before whipping the ball goal-wards only to see Bogle block his net-bound effort with his legs however it was Grady that was first to react and found the net with the rebound to put the `field 5-1 up. Ashfield 5 Neilston 1. The home support did not have long to wait for another goal as within 9 minutes following again wonderful wing play down the left flank the ball was played low and hard into the six yard box for an onrushing Dean Farmer who showed terrific skill in lofting the ball high past Bogle for Number 6. Ashfield 6 Neilston 1. A tremendous period for the home side however the score-line was pretty harsh on the visitors who had contributed to a really tough and competitive Match and to their credit they did not let the score-line affect them and continued to forage forward at every opportunity and pulled a goal back with a couple of minutes to go following a fierce strike from Daryl Convery. Ashfield 6 Neilston 2. As the game headed for full time again it was Neilston that refused to allow Ashfield much room and another shot from Convery fell to the Ashfield Centre Back Lance Pearce who unfortunately slipped knocking the ball high in the air with the ball bouncing off the post and it was Luke Crerand who was first to react to touch the loose ball into the empty net to bring a fairer score-line to proceedings. Ashfield 6 Neilston 3. A great game of Football for the supporters and both teams deserve enormous credit based on the overhead conditions. The `field`s games are now coming `thick and fast` following postponements and firstly welcome Kennoway Star Hearts on Tuesday night (20th) to Stepford Park - 7.45pm KO in the Fifth Round of the South Challenge Cup before welcoming St Roch`s on League Business to Stepford next Saturday (24th) while Neilston entertain Kilbirnie Ladeside at Brig `o lea.
FT:- ASHFIELD 6 NEILSTON 3
Ashfield`s Team:- G Cameron, A Quinn, D Leadbetter, R Sinclair, S Doherty, J Maley, B Barr, G Burns, J Black, C Quinn and S Grady. Subs:- D Farmer, F Sheridan, A Callaghan, B Lochhead, L Pearce, J Winton and L Warnock
Man of the Match:- A real match winning performance from Shaun Grady this afternoon who terrorised the Neilston back four and the visitors right back would have been delighted after the Ashfield winger was eventually substituted. Shaun scored Ashfield`s 5th Goal and made another 2 or 3 ensuring he wins this week`s Man of the Match.
Attendance:- 70
Referee:- Chris McLaughlin
Match 27:- Ashfield 3 Kennoway Star Hearts 1 - Tuesday 20th February 2024 - Kick Off 7.45pm - South Challenge Cup 5th Round - Stepford Park, 1514 Edinburgh Road, Glasgow G33 4EG
The long awaited Fifth Round tie between Ashfield and Kennoway Star Hearts finally kicked off last night in the East Side of Glasgow amid blustery conditions at Stepford Park. Referee Kieran O`Reilly started proceedings against two teams that have not played a huge amount of Football lately albeit managed a game last Saturday. Ashfield were in their changed strip of All Red with the visitors in an Orange and Black outfit and as it was in last Saturday`s game Ashfield started on the front foot against the East of Scotland Division 1 Side with Shaun Grady causing early problems for the Hearts back four. A lovely move on 5 minutes saw Grady cut in after evading a couple of tackles with the ball breaking to Jonny Black 22 yards out. The Ashfield striker made some room for himself before despatching a dipping shot which crashed off the crossbar and was cleared to safety. Just as Ashfield were beginning to get into their stride, the visitors opened the scoring following some poor defending from Ashfield with a pass being intercepted by the Hearts forward Dylan Walker who despatched the ball past Blair Lochhead to put the Fife side 1-0 ahead. Ashfield 0 Kennoway Star Hearts 1. This goal gave the visitors a huge lift and they started passing the ball well however as the half wore on it was the `field who started to put the pressure on albeit many of their efforts were shots from distance. The `field had made a number of changes due to suspensions to top scorers Sean Slaven and Bobby Barr however the replacements in Dean Farmer and Lewis Warnock were equipping themselves well until the unfortunate Warnock had to go off with an injury to be replaced on the 20 minute mark by Greg Burns. The game was ebbing and flowing from one end to another as the half wore on and the `field were beginning to find some space behind the Hearts defence and on the half hour mark were level. A lovely threaded ball through the Hearts defence saw Dean Farmer break clear of his marker and guide the ball past the advancing keeper to the roar of the home support. Ashfield 1 Kennoway Star Hearts 1. The game continued to go from end to end up until the half time whistle where the support were glad of a warm beverage to stave off the cold of the evening.
HT:- ASHFIELD 1 KENNOWAY STAR HEARTS 1
Ashfield were now playing against the wind and found this to be a better advantage with the ball holding up for the wingers and forwards. After a competitive initial phase it was the home side that began to dominate with some sustained pressure and a number of corner kicks. A few `melee`s` around the six yard box almost brought Ashfield joy however the Hearts defence were determined to keep the Glasgow side out. On the hour mark following a lovely move down the left involving Aiden Callaghan the ball was cleared to the edge of the box where Jonny Black thought he had done everything right with his curling effort only to see it crash off the underside of the bar and was cleared to safety. Next up was a disallowed goal for the ball going slightly over the bye line before Farmer knocked the ball in. On the 65th minute however, Ashfield made the all important breakthrough following a cross to the far post which was palmed into the air by the Hearts Keeper and Jonny Black was there to sweep the ball into the net to put the `field 2-1 up. Ashfield 2 Kennoway Star Hearts 1. The home side made a couple of substitutions bringing Fraser Sheridan and David Leadbetter on and also a debut to young striker Aiden Tierney who has been scoring plenty goals in the U20`s side. The `traffic` remained towards the Kennoway goal however a couple of long range efforts from the visitors tested Lochhead in the Ashfield goal and the `field knew they would need another goal to secure passage into the next round. This was highlighted when a long ball into the edge of the Ashfield box was met again by Walker and his volley narrowly missed the far post. Tierney and Farmer were next up and were closed down when in good positions however with 10 minutes to go a lovely through ball from Jack Maley found Sheridan through on goal and the Ashfield winger lofted the ball over the advancing Hearts Keeper and into the net to the delight of the home support. Ashfield 3 Kennoway Star Hearts 1. Both teams continued to forage forward at every opportunity before Referee O`Reilly brought proceedings to a close. A good performance from Ashfield against difficult opponents and can now look forward to Lowland `table toppers` East Kilbride coming to Stepford in the Quarter Finals a week on Saturday (2/3/24). A big well done to Ashfield Management Team and players in reaching the Quarter final and we would like to take this opportunity to wish Kennoway all the best for the remainder of the Season.
FT:- ASHFIELD 3 KENNOWAY STAR HEARTS 1
Ashfield`s Team:- B Lochhead, R Sinclair, A Callaghan, L Pearce, S Doherty (Capt), J Maley, D Farmer, C Quinn, J Black, L Warnock and S Grady. Subs:- G Cameron, A Tierney, R Robertson, F Sheridan, A Quinn, D Leadbetter and G Burns.
Man of the Match:- Another victory for Ashfield with a slightly different formation due to suspensions however Jonny Black still led the line brilliantly and was a constant threat to the Hearts rearguard scoring the all important 2nd goal.
Attendance:- 70
Referee:- Kieran O`Reilly
Match 28:- Ashfield 0 St Roch`s 1 - Saturday 24th February 2024 - K.O. 2.30pm - Stepford Park, 1514 Edinburgh Road, Glasgow G33 4EG - West of Scotland League Division 1
When the tranche of fixtures were announced, this game was always earmarked as being a challenge against a very talented and hard working St Roch`s side and the game turned out this way. The weather at last was dry and the visitors brought a huge travelling support from the North of the City and there was a great deal of anticipation in the air as Referee Gary Train got proceedings under way with both teams in their traditional strips. Ashfield had not been defeated in the League since September last year and had progressed into the Quarter Finals of the South Challenge Cup last Tuesday and started this game on the `front foot` however as they foraged forward Shaun Grady and Bobby Barr in the wing areas were well marked and closed down at every opportunity. Ex-Ashfield player Joe Bradley was up against his old team mates in the middle of the park and was still showing his skills as the visitors came into the game after the first 10/15 minutes and a couple of cross balls were well dealt with by Sean Doherty and his back four. Chances were at a premium as the game became rather scrappy with neither side being able to retain possession however it was certainly competitive without being physical. The first chance of the Match came from the visitors with Duncan picking up a loose ball 22 yards out and before the Ashfield midfield could close him down he made room for himself despatching a net bound effort only to see Glen Cameron in the Ashfield goal pull off a terrific one handed save to push the ball out for a corner. Next up it was Ashfield`s chance following a lovely move starting with Jonny Black who drove down the left flank before playing in Shaun Grady who then in turn found Bobby Barr in the box and the Ashfield winger drove the ball low and hard only to see Stark pull off a magnificent save in what was his 200th appearance for the Club. Both sides had a number of corners and spells of pressure but despite half chances falling to Jordan Thompson who shot over and Shaun Grady who had his effort blocked the teams went in at the interval all square.
HT:- ASHFIELD 0 ST ROCH`S 0
The game itself carried on in the same vein for the first 10 minutes however the home side then brought on top scorer Sean Slaven who had an immediate impact ensuring that he commanded two markers around him at all time. Slaven `wrestled` with the `Candy` defence as the visitors tried to keep Ashfield `at bay` during the middle period of the half however it was disappointing for the home fans that Stark was rarely tested as St Roch`s held firm. The game again became rather scrappy and substitutes were regularly made and it was the visitors that began to look the more dangerous of the sides when coming forward and Glen Cameron in the Ashfield goal was called into action on a couple of occasions. With under 10 minutes to go on the clock, the visitors were awarded a free kick 30 yards out. Joe Bradley whipped the ball in to the far post and all of a sudden Sam Duncan found himself unmarked as he guided his header to the far post and into the net to the delight of the travelling support. A blow for Ashfield after looking extremely solid at the back and it was the visitors that now had their `tails up`. Ashfield 0 St Roch`s 1. Despite foraging forward at every opportunity the `field were unable to make much impact on John Stark`s goal and after a couple of minutes of injury time the Referee brought proceedings to a close to scenes of celebration from the travelling support. A sore one for the `field to lose the game so late and end their terrific run however the visitors were difficult opponents today and taking the full game in probably deserved their victory and their second clean sheet in a row. The `field will `dust themselves` down for the Quarter Final of the Cup next Saturday against East Kilbride and Michael Oliver and his Management Team will be ready for the visit of the Lowland League Leaders with the hope of another big crowd at Stepford Park. St Roch`s welcome Rutherglen Glencairn to the James McGrory Stadium next Saturday (2/3/24).
FT:- ASHFIELD 0 ST ROCH`S 1
Ashfield`s Team:-G Cameron, A Quinn, D Leadbetter, R Sinclair, S Doherty (Capt), J Maley, B Barr, G Burns, J Black, C Quinn and S Grady Subs:- B Lochhead, L Pearce, F Sheridan, A Callaghan, D Farmer, S Slaven and J Winton.
Man of the Match:- A disappointing day at the Office for the `field and they will be annoyed at losing such a bad goal so late on in the Match. Sean Doherty had led the Ashfield back four extremely well and was everywhere for the `field during the Match. Although questions mark for the visitors goal, the Ashfield Captain was a tower of strength throughout and started a number of the Ashfield attacks.
Attendance:- 280
Referee:- Gary Train
Match 29:- Ashfield 2 East Kilbride 3 , South Challenge Cup Quarter Final, Saturday 2nd March 2024 - Kick-Off 2.30pm - Stepford Park, 1514 Edinburgh Road, Glasgow G33 4EG
Ashfield welcomed the Management, Committee, Players and supporters of East Kilbride FC to Stepford Park for the first ever meeting between the teams. Both Management Teams are familiar with each other having `crossed swords` in the Amateur levels with AFC Harestanes and Colville Park. It is fair to say that both teams are having an excellent Season so far however both teams endured a rare defeat in their last outing against St Roch`s and Hearts B respectively. Another interesting Stat was that Ashfield`s failure to score last weekend was the first time that they have failed to score in a competitive game since Michael Oliver and Jamie Broadfoot took over in June of 2022.
At last we had an afternoon without rain and although extremely cold it certainly helped boost the attendance figure for today`s eagerly awaited Quarter Final tie. Referee Andrew Craven got proceedings under way with the Lowland Team playing in their traditional Navy Blue & Gold with Ashfield changing to their second strip of all red and straight from the Kick-Off it was the lowland leaders that showed their intent as they lay siege on Ashfield`s goal. The `field had adjusted the line-up slightly bringing in Lance Pearce to full back and pushing Ryan Sinclair into a midfield berth as the hosts defended the early pressure well. The midfield player of East Kilbride Robertson was certainly `catching the eye` with his skills and was causing alarm in the `field back four as he weaved past players on the edge of the box and on 5 minutes played in the EK right winger who drove the ball low and hard to the far post which hit the unfortunate Lance Pearce before crossing the line to put the visitors ahead. Ashfield 0 East Kilbride 1. A very unfortunate goal however the `field had to `dust themselves` down and put it behind them to get back in the game and this they did. After some end to end action Ashfield were awarded a free kick on the right after 10 minutes. David Leadbetter whipped the ball into the box where Jonny Black got in front of his marker to glance his header into the far corner of the net to pull the `field level. Ashfield 1 East Kilbride 1. A terrific goal from Jonny and now puts him in double figures for the Season. The goal jolted the visitors into action and it was again Robertson who was proving a real handful and the Ex-Edinburgh City player picked the ball up on the edge of the box on 14 minutes before weaving past a couple of tackles and foraged into the box before despatching a left foot shot which flew past Lochhead in the Ashfield goal with the aid of a deflection to the delight of the large travelling support. Ashfield 1 East Kilbride 2. The game was being played at some pace and Ashfield would have been delighted at their response to going behind again as they almost pulled level midway through the half following terrific play on the right. It was Ashfield top scorer Sean Slaven who shielded the ball well before playing in Jonny Black on the right hand side of the box and the Ashfield striker crossed low and hard to on an rushing Greg Burns who was unable to get a proper contact on the ball and the ball was cleared. Next up was at the other end with that man Robertson again picking the ball up in the box following a corner before despatching a shot which was brilliantly stopped by Lochhead however the ball broke out to Robertson again & his 2nd net bound effort was also stopped by the Ashfield Keeper. As the clock ticked towards the 45 minutes, East Kilbride picked the ball up 22 yards out before despatching an effort which Lochhead saved but was unable to hold however the onrushing forward was unable to capitalise due to the attentions of Lance Pearce and Sean Doherty at the back for Ashfield. Shortly after Referee Craven brought proceedings to a halt and the Crowd eagerly awaited the next 45 minutes
HT:- ASHFIELD 1 EAST KILBRIDE 2
It had been a very enjoyable first half and Ashfield had done well to keep the visitors within `striking distance` and started the second half slightly the better team. Robertson had been replaced for EK due to injury and Ashfield had brought on young Aiden Callaghan in the left hand side of midfield replacing left winger Shaun Grady. Chances were less prevalent in the opening exchanges with the game becoming a bit bogged down in midfield which suited the hosts and within 7 minutes of the restart the `field were level. A lovely through ball from Leadbetter saw Callaghan first to react and his `cushioned` volley crashed off the crossbar before being scrambled for a corner. From the resultant corner whipped in by Craig Quinn, it was Sean Doherty who glanced the ball to the far post where an old fashioned `stramash` ensued before the ball broke to Slaven who poked the ball home for his 17th goal of the Season. Ashfield 2 East Kilbride 2. It was `game on` now as the visitors foraged forward at every opportunity however the `field back four were in excellent form and the EK were forced into a substitute bringing on forward Thomson who replaced Biggar. The substitute made a difference with his physicality and was holding the ball up well however the `field defence held firm and as the hosts were beginning to exert some sustained pressure they were hit with a `sucker punch` as EK showed some lovely movement playing the ball into Substitute Thomson with 15 minutes to go and he made space for himself at the edge of the box before drilling a low shot into the far corner of the net leaving Lochhead with no chance. Ashfield 2 East Kilbride 3. A real blow for Ashfield and the `field made a substitute shortly after bringing their talisman winger on Bobby Barr who made an immediate impact picking the ball up on the left hand side before cutting on and despatching a net bound effort which was blocked by a header on the six yard line. Barr began to switch wings as the clock ticked towards full time and became embroiled in a conversation with the far side Assistant Referee which resulted in the AR raising his flag. After discussion Referee Craven produced a Red Card to the Ashfield Winger.
Despite being down to 10 men the home side continued to press however after 4 minutes of injury time the game was brought to an end and it is East Kilbride that head into a Semi Final game against Tranent at the end of the Month. It had been a great game of Football and was played in a good spirit and the 140+ crowd certainly got value for money.
Ashfield, although disappointed at not making the Semi can be proud of their performance against a very talented team and this will provide additional confidence going into the next tranche of fixtures starting with a tricky game on Tuesday (5/3/24 - 7pm KO) at the Donald Dewar Stadium against Drumchapel United. We wish Mick Kennedy and his Team all the best for the remainder of the Season and in their pursuit of Scottish League Football.
FT:- ASHFIELD 2 EAST KILBRIDE 3
Ashfield`s Team:- B Lochhead, A Quinn, D Leadbetter, L Pearce, S Doherty (Capt), C Quinn, R Sinclair, G Burns, S Slaven, J Black and S Grady. Subs:- B Barr, F Sheridan, A Callaghan, D Farmer, D Frater, A Tierney and J Maley.
Man of the Match:- A great team performance from Ashfield against a very talented and impressive East Kilbride outfit. Special mentions to Jonny Black and Sean Slaven up front who were a real handful today for the EK defence with young Aiden Callaghan putting in a good shift in the 2nd half however despite putting through his own net after less than 5 minutes, Lance Pearce was immense throughout and deserves this week`s accolade.
Attendance:- 140
Referee:- Andrew Craven
ARs 1 & 2:- James Quinn and Paul Salina
Photographer:- Many thanks to Gavin Ross for taking the Pictures this afternoon @Glasgow_football_photography
Match 30:- Drumchapel United 2 Ashfield 0 , Tuesday 5th March 2024 - KO 7pm - West of Scotland League Division 1 - Donald Dewar Stadium, 220 Garscadden Road, Glasgow G15 8SX.
It was back to League business for Ashfield following the excitement of the Cup and a crucial away trip to the Donald Dewar Stadium to play Drumchapel United. The weather was not kind during the opening phase of the Match and the healthy crowd were slightly subdued by the `murky` conditions. As it was the opening 20/25 minutes were played at a fierce pace with neither side `giving an inch`. Bobby Barr was restored to the Line up with Glen Cameron taking over in Goal again for Ashfield however it was Jonny Black that was causing the United defence some alarm early on with his runs into the box. At the other end, the home side had a succession of corners which had to be well defended however this looked an area where the home side were strong in. Chances were at a premium with the Referee letting the game flow and there were certainly some competitive challenges prevalent during the half. Ashfield were forced into making a change when Ryan Sinclair `pulled up` and was replaced by Fraser Sheridan.
As the half wore on the home side began to exert some sustained pressure on the `field defence with David Templeton putting some excellent balls through to Hopkins and Love however Sean Doherty marshalled his troops well and the home side were restricted to shots from outside the box which Glen Cameron did very well on pushing aside two low net bound efforts however just as it looked the game would go in at the interval all square, the home side were awarded a free-kick 20 yards on the right hand side of the box. Again it was Templeton and the Ex-Hearts & Rangers midfielder whipped in a lovely free kick which was met by Centre half Martin McNiff and the Ex-Dumbarton player bulleted a header past Cameron to the roar of the home support. Drumchapel United 1 Ashfield 0. A bad time to lose a goal for the `field as the home side pushed forward in the closing minutes for a 2nd and it was the visitors that were glad to hear the Referee`s whistle for half time.
HT:- DRUMCHAPEL UTD 1 ASHFIELD 0
There were no changes to either line up as Referee Jamie Andrews got proceedings under way and at last the incessant rain had subsided and it was the visitors that started on the `front foot`. A lovely move within 5 minutes almost got the `field their reward as Bobby Barr picked the ball up on the edge of the six yard box before rifling in two shots both which were blocked by the United Keeper. A let-off for the home side as the game continued at a fierce pace. Ashfield were utilising the flanks well at this stage however were unable to make any clear chances as the home defence stood firm and as in the first half the home side began to exert some pressure themselves. Again chances were at a premium however Lance Pierce had to clear a net bound effort after a collision between the Ashfield Keeper and Jordan Love. Midway through the half and it was the home side who increased their lead when Referee Andrews blew for a foul on the edge of the Ashfield box to the angst of the visitors. It took a lot of time to rearrange the wall and satisfy the Referee`s demands before David Templeton whipped the ball over the wall and into the far corner of the net leaving Glen Cameron with no chance. Drumchapel United 2 Ashfield 0. Ashfield made an immediate change to try and salvage something from the game with Shaun Grady coming on for Greg Burns and the pacy winger made a couple of runs into the box before being unable to get a shot away. Glen Cameron in the Ashfield goal was called into action a couple of times as the clock ticked down and despite Ashfield pressing forward at every opportunity were restricted to very few clear cut chances with a free kick 5 minutes to go on the edge of the box being the best however the wall did its purpose and Leadbetter`s net bound effort was blocked. Shortly after Referee Andrews brought proceedings to a close as the home side moved into 2nd place in the League. The `field will have to `dust themselves` down for another stern test this Saturday against in-form Thorniewood United at Stepford Park - 2.30pm Kick Off however a couple of wins and Ashfield will get their season `back on track` again in this highly competitive League.
FT:- DRUMCHAPEL UTD 2 ASHFIELD 0
Ashfield`s Team:- G Cameron, A Quinn, D Leadbetter, L Pearce, S Doherty (Capt), C Quinn, B Barr, G Burns, S Slaven, J Black and R Sinclair. Subs:- F Sheridan, B Lochhead, J Maley, A Callaghan, J Winton, S Grady and D Farmer.
Man of the Match:- A tough evening against one of the top teams in the League and despite some decent performances in the Black and White hoops it was young Glen Cameron in the Ashfield goal that produced a very polished performance making a number of important saves and had no chance with either goals.
Attendance:- 220
Referee:- Jamie Andrews
Match 31:- Ashfield 2 Thorniewood United 3 , Saturday 9th March 2024 - KO 2.30pm - Stepford Park, 1514 Edinburgh Road, Glasgow G33 4EG - West of Scotland League Division 1.
HT:- ASHFIELD 1 THORNIEWOOD UTD 1
Ashfield scorer:- Sean Slaven
FT:- ASHFIELD 2 THORNIEWOOD UTD 3
Ashfield scorer:- Bobby Barr
Ashfield`s Team:- G Cameron, Quinn, D Leadbetter, L Pearce, S Doherty (Capt), J Maley, B Barr, G Burns, S Slavem, J Black and S Grady. Subs:- F Sheridan, B Lochhead, J Winton, A Callaghan and C Quinn.
Man of the Match:- Again another excellent performance from Lance Pearce
Attendance:- 60
Referee:- Conor Greenan
Match No 32:- Kilwinning Rangers 1 Ashfield 2 , Saturday 16th March 2024 - Kick-Off 2pm. The Buffs Park, Kilwinning Sports Ground, Pennyburn Road, Kilwinning, Ayrshire KA13 6LF - West of Scotland League Division 1.
It`s a while since the `Buffs` and Ashfield locked horns and we have to go back to 2015 for a tremendous Scottish Junior Cup 2nd Round Tie played at Abbey Park where the home side eventually overcame Ashfield by 4-2. Ashfield scorers on that day were Jordan Brown and Michael Giblin. Since then Kilwinning have moved to the new Buffs Park at the Kilwinning Sports Centre and this was the `field`s first visit to this impressive Ground and facility.
We are now getting to the business end of the Season and this was an extremely important Match for both sides as the Promotion and relegation places have still to be determined. There appears to be around 10 teams still in contention for the three places to the Premier Division so every point and goal is valuable.
To the game itself the visitors made two changes to the side that lost narrowly to Thorniewood United and graced the Buffs Park turf in their away strip of all Red with black trim with the home side in their traditional Blue and White hoops. Referee O`Reilly got proceedings underway in front of a healthy crowd and it was the home side that made their intentions clear from the Kick-Off playing with pace and urgency and forced a number of early corners which were well defended by the Ashfield defence. One of the corners saw Centre half Blair McIntyre`s downward header cleared off the line. In addition to the aerial threat of the Buffs they were also utilising the flanks well however to the Ashfield defence`s credit chances were at a premium. As the half wore on the Glasgow Team started to forage forward and Sean Slaven was holding the ball up well ably supported by Jonny Black and Bobby Barr. A break on 25 minutes saw the home side almost break the deadlock however a last gasp tackle from the Ashfield Captain Sean Doherty blocked a net bound effort from Mark Lamont. Bobby Barr had a chance on the half hour mark as he broke clear in midfield however his 22 yard shot sailed narrowly over but on the 36th minute of an extremely competitive half it was Ashfield that opened the scoring and a great goal it was. A lovely through ball from Harry Granger saw Sean Slaven drive in on goal on the right hand side, evading a tackle, before the top scorer in the League drilled the ball home from a narrow angle to put the `field 1-0 up. Kilwinning Rangers 0 Ashfield 1. Ashfield gained confidence from this and put the Buffs back four under a bit of pressure before the pendulum switched to the other end and the game became rather open for a while before Referee Kieran O`Reilly brought proceedings to a halt as the rain battered down on Ayrshire.
HT:- KILWINNING RANGERS 0 ASHFIELD 1
The incessant rain welcomed both teams back onto the park and the visitors buoyed by their goal before half time started on the `front foot` and took the game to Kilwinning and within 6 minutes of the restart went further ahead . A lovely move down the right hand side saw Bobby Barr played in on the edge of the box with the Ex-Livingston and Raith Rovers player drilling the ball low and hard across the six yard box only to see the unfortunate Centre Half from Kilwinning divert the ball into the net to put Ashfield 2-0 up. Kilwinning Rangers 0 Ashfield 2. The `field continued to press and a couple of snap shots from the edge of the box failed to trouble George O`Connor in the Buffs goal. The home side were trying to forage forward at every opportunity however were dealt a further blow on the hour mark following a challenge by Keiran Wood on David Leadbetter. It was a high tackle and initially a yellow card was produced however this changed after Referee O`Reilly examined the player and then changed his decision to a Red to the angst of the home bench. The game restarted and the break in play was around 6 minutes as the home side changed a couple of personnel and as the half wore on the 10 men of Kilwinning started to grow into the half and started to pin the `field back. This was helped by one of the Buffs substitutes who carried one of the longest throws seen at this level with his first attempt causing mayhem in the six yard box. The `field had to reorganise slightly following an injury to Harry Granger and on the 76th minute one of the long throws following a header found its way to the edge of the six yard box where substitute Cammy McNair volleyed the loose ball into the roof of the net to the roar of the home support. Despite being down to 10 men it was `game on` now. Kilwinning Rangers 1 Ashfield 2. The `field knew they would have to work extremely hard to keep a buoyant Buffs side at bay and this they did despite a number of balls thrown into the box and following an additional 9 minutes of play Referee O`Reilly brought proceedings to a close and the `field went back up the A737 with 3 valuable points. A great effort from both sides who will be `in the mix` right up to the end of the season.
We would like to thank Kilwinning for their kind hospitality.
FT:- KILWINNING RANGERS 1 ASHFIELD 2
Ashfield`s Team:- G Cameron, L Pearce, D Leadbetter, H Granger, S Doherty (Capt), C Quinn, B Barr, G Burns, S Slaven, J Black and A Quinn. Subs:- B Lochhead, J Winton, S Grady, A Callaghan, F Sheridan, D Farmer and L Warnock.
Man of the Match:- A great all round team effort from Ashfield where we could not afford any failures against tough opposition and everyone produced the `goods` when it mattered. Special mention to Harry Granger and the Ashfield back four and Sean Slaven & Jonny Black who worked tirelessly up front however Bobby Barr was everywhere today and put in a tremendous shift before being substituted.
Attendance:- 300
Referee:- Kieran O`Reilly
Match No 33:- Ashfield 0 Rutherglen Glencairn 1 , Saturday 23rd March 2024 - KO 2.30pm - Stepford Park, 1514 Edinburgh Road, Glasgow G33 4EG. West of Scotland League Division 1.
Ashfield welcomed Rutherglen Glencairn to Stepford Park with both teams on the same numbers of points for the Season albeit the `field had played three games less. Both teams were buoyed by excellent victories last week against Kilwinning Rangers and Neilston respectively so a close encounter was predicted in this incredibly competitive League. Unfortunately as has been the case for a fair part of the Season, the inclement weather was having a `say` on things as a really strong wind was blowing down the park towards the east and after Referee Hay had completed his requirements it was the Glens that would have the ferocious wind at their back for the first half.
Virtually straight from the kick-off it was the visitors who were coping with the conditions better playing neat intricate passes and pushing the `field back four back and allowing no space at all for Ashfield`s `playmakers` to get involved and the home side were at times in the opening exchanges struggling to get out of their own half. The visitors were also utilising their flanks well with right back Fitzpatrick and Woodhouse on the left prevalent as the `field tried to forage forward at every opportunity. To their credit however Ashfield were limiting chances in the opening half hour however after that chances began to appear and Harry Granger and Lance Pearce were called upon for some last ditch tackles. The `field were rarely seen up front as Bobby Barr tried to link in with his fellow forwards utilising both flanks with the best chance for the `field being a whipped in cross from David Leadbetter which saw top scorer Sean Slaven guide his effort past the post.
At the other end Fitzpatrick had an effort brilliantly blocked by Glen Cameron in the Ashfield goal who again was called into action 5 minutes before half time when a wayward Sean Doherty clearance against the wind broke to a Glencairn forward who ran in on goal only to be thwarted by the legs of Cameron again. The visitors also had a number of shots from outside the box which were well dealt with by the Ashfield Keeper before Referee Josh Hay brought proceedings to a halt.
HT:- ASHFIELD 0 R`GLEN GLENCAIRN 0
Ashfield made a significant change in their line up for the Second Half with Centre half & Captain Sean Doherty being replaced by winger Shaun Grady with Jonny Black moving into midfield as the `field made their intentions known. However as in the first half the opening phase, despite the wind, belonged to Glencairn as they continued their excellent passing game and were winning the battle in midfield and Ashfield were guilty of giving away possession and a couple of free-kicks. In the 58th minute an Ashfield move broke down with the resultant attack from the visitors being brought to a halt by a Lance Pearce tackle which earned the Ashfield defender a booking. Ashfield set up their wall however Roan Fitzpatrick had other ideas and bent the ball around the wall and into the far corner of the net despite the valiant attempt of Glen Cameron to the delight of the large visiting support. Ashfield 0 Rutherglen Glencairn 1. Ashfield were up against it now however to their credit stepped up a gear and should have been level on the 70 minute mark when a lovely floated ball from substitute Kenny Marshall found Bobby Barr on the edge of the box who crossed the ball to an onrushing Jonny Black and the normally reliable attacker volleyed the ball over with the goal gaping. The `field continued to press with Shaun Grady whipping some excellent balls in however were well defended before Ashfield had a succession of corners which on the whole again were dealt with well by the Glencairn defence with substitute Lewis Warnock almost converting one however his header went narrowly passed the upright.
Despite Ashfield`s forward play the moves lacked continuity due to some excellent defensive work from the visitors and some wayward passing and the home side were struggling to make any clear cut chances as the clock ticked towards full time and it was Glencairn who almost increased their lead late on when Dylan Collins picked up a loose ball running in on goal however again Glen Cameron produced an excellent save. As it was the visitors held out to go above the `field in the League with the hosts left to `lick their wounds` as the League `bandwagon` rolls onto Shotts and Kilwinning for both teams with both Ashfield and Glencairn knowing that they cannot afford many `hiccups` in their `run in` to the end of the Season if they are going to be in the promotion places come 11th May.
FT:- ASHFIELD 0 R`GLEN GLENCAIRN 1
Ashfield`s Team:- G Cameron, L Pearce, D Leadbetter, H Granger, S Doherty (Capt), C Quinn, B Barr, G Burns, S Slaven, J Black and A Quinn Subs:- B Lochhead, L Warnock, J Winton, K Marshall, S Grady, A Callaghan and F Sheridan.
Man of the Match:- A difficult day in the windy conditions with Ashfield unable to produce the form of the previous week against a very good performance from Glencairn. The defence, particularly in the first half had to be at their best facing the wind and the Glencairn attack with Harry Granger standing out and not putting a foot wrong all day.
Attendance:- 100
Referee:- Josh Hay
Match No 34:- Shotts Bon Accord 0 Ashfield 1 , Saturday 30th March 2024 - Kick-Off 2pm. West of Scotland League Division 1 - Hannah Park, Shotts, Lanarkshire ML7 4EY
Another crucial League Match was in store for the `field as they headed along the M8 to the impressive surrounds of Hannah Park which used to have the largest playing surface in Scottish Junior Football. The park hasn`t changed too much since the `field last visited on League business which was the 24th August 2013 in a League opener won by the home side 2-1. The term `Bogey team` is far too often used these days however Shotts Bon Accord are an exception to this for Ashfield with the `field not winning a game again the Lanarkshire outfit since the 1974/75 Season - almost 50 years ago. There have been plenty draws and losses on penalty shoot outs coupled with a League Cup Final defeat at Fir Park, Motherwell during this spell but not one Ashfield victory. Could it change today, well the up to date form showed that it would be extremely difficult with the hosts winning their last six games and not conceding in their last three however Ashfield have shown a great resolve with notable `bounce backs` wins at Largs Thistle and Kilwinning Rangers this season.
Referee Robert Thomson was the man in the middle and had been at the venue earlier in the day performing a pitch inspection due to the incessant rain of the last week. As it was the game was passed fit albeit a heavy pitch and both teams started the game off at a great pace. The `field had made a couple of changes from the Glencairn Match bringing in the pace of Aiden Callaghan and there was also a place for new signing Darren Miller. Shotts were on familiar lines with Ex-Ashfield player Ally Martin captaining the team in Maroon. The opening phase saw both teams closing each other down and chances were at a premium however as the half wore on it was Shotts that started to ask questions of Ashfield down the right hand side of the defence where the Shotts No 9 Burns was occupying a wing position. The big centre was proving a handful as he gathered the ball well and foraged into the Ashfield box on a number of occasions before being crowded out. Next up was young Aiden Callaghan on the left hand side for Ashfield who effortlessly drove into the Shotts box twice, evading a number of tackles before delivering low hard crosses which were well defended by the Bon Account back four.
On the half hour mark the hosts started to put the `field under a sustained amount of pressure via corner kicks which were well delivered into the box however Sean Doherty and Harry Granger were in top form as was Goalkeeper Glen Cameron in thwarting any danger. The best chance of the half fell to Jonny Black who was played through shortly after and as he bore down on goal was closed down by the Shotts defence however it did not stop the Ashfield forward from getting a shot away which went narrowly past the far post. The game ebbed and flowed right up until the half times whistle with the home side probably edging possession.
HT:- SHOTTS B A 0 ASHFIELD 0
The `watery` sunshine greeted both teams back onto the pitch and there were no changes for either side as the game set off again at a furious pace. It was the visitors that began to enjoy more of the possession and new signing Darren Miller was `catching the eye` spreading the ball well about the heavy pitch. Referee Thomson was kept busy however the tackling was hard and fair but again as in the first half chances were at a premium in the early stages. Glen Cameron in the Ashfield goal had to be alert to a number of cross balls but was not called into any clear cut saves as the visitors grew in confidence. With 20 minutes to go, Michael Oliver made a change by bringing on top scorer Sean Slaven for Bobby Barr and the big striker started to cause the Bon Accord back four some problems with his neat touches and hold up play. As the clock ticked towards the final phase the home side made a number of substitutes which gave them a spark and as we entered the last 5 minutes the best chance of the Match was had. A wicked ball to the far post from the Shotts Centre back was headed back into the box and a hooked shot went inches past Glen Cameron`s upright to the relief of the travelling support. A couple of minutes later and a terrific run and cross from a Shotts player saw the ball driven into the far post however Burns was well marked by Aiden Callaghan and the danger was thwarted. The Referee had signalled three additional minutes as the `field won a throw-in on the half way mark. The ball was then played into Sean Slaven who completed a lovely 1-2 with Darren Miller on the edge of the box with Slaven getting ahead of his markers before drilling a curling left foot shot past the advancing McLean in the Shotts Goal and into the back of the net. Shotts Bon Accord 0 Ashfield 1. The celebrations were there to see mirrored by the away support in the covered enclosure. As it was the home side had barely time to centre the ball before the game was brought to a halt and an end to the massive hoodoo that the Bon Accord had over Ashfield. This was a massive result for Ashfield in that it keeps them in the `mix`. As for the home side they will play worse and win this season and will be formidable opponents for anyone coming to Hannah Park.
We would like to thank Shotts for their kind hospitality.
FT:- SHOTTS B A 0 ASHFIELD 1
Ashfield`s Team:- G Cameron, A Quinn, D Leadbetter, H Granger, S Doherty (Capt), K Marshall, B Barr, D Miller, J Black, L Warnock and A Callaghan. Subs:- B Lochhead, F Sheridan, J Winton, S Slaven, C Quinn, G Burns and J Maley
Man of the Match:- A tremendous team performance from Ashfield this afternoon against very tough opponents. Special mentions to Glen Cameron and all of his defenders in front of him. Darren Miller had an excellent debut and was ably supported by Lewis Warnock and Jonny Black had another excellent performance. Sean Slaven notched up his 20th goal of the Season with a composed finish however young Aiden Callaghan was immense throughout the whole 90 minutes and dealt with the physical test tremendously well.
Attendance:- 250
Referee:- Robert Thomson
Match No 35:- Johnstone Burgh 3 Ashfield 2, Saturday 6th April 2024 - Kick-Off 2.30pm - New Western Park, Renfrew. West of Scotland League Division 1.
At last the rain had stopped ! Unfortunately however it had been replaced by gale-like winds which looked ominous ahead of Kick-Off as the arriving crowd watched the planes struggle to land at nearby Glasgow Airport. Onto the Football and this was an eagerly awaited Match as we entered the final tranche of fixtures. Both teams were buoyed by their recent results with Johnstone Burgh winning comfortably against Cambuslang Rangers in midweek while the `field recorded a magnificent victory away to Shotts last Saturday and as a result the Ashfield line-up remained unchanged.
Referee Chris McLaughlin led both teams onto the pitch sporting their traditional strips as the big crowd poured into New Western Park, Renfrew. There was only one other Match in Division 1 that survived the weather resulting in many `neutrals` turning up to see this Match unfold. Ashfield started the Match with the wind sweeping across the pitch however they certainly had the advantage in the opening 45 minutes and set off the game at a great pace with young Aiden Callaghan on the left causing some initial problems to the Burgh back four. Jonny Black & Bobby Barr were also looking lively up front and after a competitive opening it was the `field who carved out the first chance. A lovely move saw the ball played through to Jonny Black who raced in on goal only to see his net bound effort blocked by the legs of Smyth in the Burgh goal. Graham Dorrans for the Burgh was finding some space in the middle of the park as the home side responded and within a couple of minutes of Black`s effort, a `piledriver` from Dale Simeon on the right hand side brought out a terrific one handed save from Glen Cameron as the game swung from end to end. Next up was the best chance of the half and again it was Aiden Callaghan on the left that caused the Burgh`s defence problems as he weaved past a couple of tackles before delivering a ball into the box however Bobby Barr`s hooked shot went narrowly over the bar to the anguish of the away support. As the half progressed it was the `home` side that started to show their passing ability and the `field were guilty of giving free-kicks away on the edge of their box however on the whole they were well defended.
The Burgh should have gone ahead on the half hour mark when a wicked cross found Stuart McCann virtually in the six yard box however his header was brilliantly blocked by Cameron in the Ashfield goal before another effort, this time by Dorrans took a wicked deflection before crashing off the post. The game became a bit tousy for a while with Referee McLaughlin brandishing a number of yellow cards however there was not a bad tackle in the 90 minutes. As it was the game went into the interval all square with the home crowd eager to see how they play would play with the wind behind them in the second half.
HT:- JOHNSTONE BURGH 0 ASHFIELD 0
There were no changes to either line-up for the start of the second half as the wind showed no sign of abating. The `field were beginning to struggle to `clear their lines` without finding an Ashfield player as the home side stepped up a gear with the wind behind them. Chances were still at a premium due to the excellent defending of the Ashfield back four with Harry Granger and Glen Cameron in goals showing great form. A couple of efforts from outside the box brought some excellent stops from the Ashfield keeper as the pressure began to intensify with the Burgh beginning to get a control of the Midfield area and on the hour mark the deadlock was broken. The ball was picked up following an Ashfield clearance to an onrushing McGlinchey on the right hand side and as he drove into the box he drilled the ball with the aid of a wicked deflection past Cameron at his near post and into the back of the net to the roar of the Burgh support. Johnstone Burgh 1 Ashfield 0. The `field tried to forage forward at every opportunity following this however kept on losing possession as the pressure showed no sign of ceasing. Michael Oliver and his Management Team made a couple of changes to `stem the flow` bringing on Craig Quinn and Ryan Sinclair however within a minute disaster struck when Centre Forward Jonny Black made a pass back to his Keeper which was way short and was intercepted by substitute Ally Small who had his first shot blocked by Cameron however scooped in the rebound to the delight of the home support. Johnstone Burgh 2 Ashfield 0 . A minute later and it was 3-0 following some lovely play in an around the Ashfield box by Johnstone Burgh with Glen Cameron having no chance of Ross McKenzie`s effort on 79 minutes leaving the `field with a `mountain to climb`. Johnstone Burgh 3 Ashfield 0. To their credit Ashfield made a couple of offensive substitutes bringing on top scorer Sean Slaven and winger Shaun Grady as they tried to show some attacking prowess and it was Sean Slaven who made an immediate impact by holding up the ball for support and with five minutes to go it was Slaven to Jonny Black who played in Bobby Barr on the right hand side of the box with the Ashfield winger driving the ball low and hard past the despairing arms of Smyth in the Burgh goal to reduce the deficit. Johnstone Burgh 3 Ashfield 1. Ashfield then saw a glimpse of hope with Ryan Sinclair driving forward on the right hand side and with three minutes left on the clock the game was `turned on it`s head` when a cross into the box by Sinclair was gathered by Slaven who shielded off tackles before lofting the ball over the advancing keeper and into the back of the net. Johnstone Burgh 3 Ashfield 2. An excellent goal from Slaven and surely the `field could not salvage the game ? As it was they forced the play as much as possible however the home side held on for a deserved three points and close the gap to within 2 points of Ashfield with 2 games in hand. That`s 11 goals in the two League games between the teams this Season and certainly highlighted the value for money at `Tier 7`of the Scottish Football pyramid with a lot of good football on show despite the terrible weather conditions.
The games are coming `thick and fast` now with Johnstone Burgh entertaining in-form Thorniewood United at the `K` Park on Wednesday night whilst the `field welcome Maybole to Stepford Park next Saturday as the `jostling` for League positions continues.
FT:- JOHNSTONE BURGH 3 ASHFIELD 2
Ashfield`s Team:- G Cameron, A Quinn, D Leadbetter, H Granger, S Doherty (Capt), K Marshall, B Barr, L Warnock, J Black, D Miller and A Callaghan. Subs:- C Quinn, B Lochhead, S Grady, S Slaven, G Burns, L Pearce and R Sinclair.
Man of the Match:- Chances were at a premium for our Strikers however two excellent goals from Bobby Barr and Sean Slaven reduced the deficit late in the second half. Glen Cameron was kept busy in the Ashfield goal for the whole 90 minutes pulling off some superb saves and commanding his box well.
Attendance:- 400
Referee:- Chris McLaughlin
Match No 36:- Ashfield 4 Maybole 1, Saturday 13th April 2024 - Kick-Off 2.30pm - West of Scotland League Division 1 - Stepford Park, 1514 Edinburgh Road, Glasgow G33 4EG
Ashfield welcomed Maybole and their loyal band of supporters to Stepford Park, Glasgow for their first visit here in what was a crucial League game for both teams. The `field were looking to `bounce` back from a narrow defeat to Johnstone burgh last Saturday with Maybole looking to carry on where they left off against Neilston two weeks ago.
Referee Barry Cook got proceedings underway however the early rain had subsided leaving a 50 mph gale which again, similar to last week, played `havoc` with the game. With many games on in Glasgow and the inclement weather the crowd took a while to filter into the ground and any latecomers missed an excellent start from the home side. Ashfield were playing against the wind in the first half however started off on the front foot keeping the ball `on the carpet` and within 5 minutes were ahead. A lovely through ball saw Sean Slaven beat the offside trap and similar to his goal last week lofted the ball over the advancing Keeper and into the net to the delight of the home support. Ashfield 1 Maybole 0. This was Sean`s 22nd goal of the Season and he was causing the Maybole defence a lot of problems. The visitors were struggling to adapt to the conditions and it was Ashfield that struck on the 16th minute following a lovely passage of play started by Bobby Barr. The Ashfield Captain for the day in the absence of Sean Doherty drove the ball low and hard across the face of the goal which was picked up by Sean Slaven who played he ball into an onrushing Jonny Black who drove the ball past Corey Armour in the `bole goal to put the `field 2-0 ahead. Ashfield 2 Maybole 0. The `field kept foraging forward at every opportunity however as the half wore on the visitors began to feel their way into the game and started to take advantage of the ferocious wind. On the half hour mark Robertson picked the ball up 25 yards out and drove goal-wards which was caught by the wind and crashed off Glen Cameron`s Bar before being cleared to safety. The visitors then started to utilise the wind to good effect challenging the `field Keeper and back four and a couple of chances fell to Maybole which saw Glen Cameron come to the rescue with a couple of stops with his legs. As it was the `field managed to keep their goal intact before the Referee brought proceedings to a halt.
HT:- ASHFIELD 2 MAYBOLE 0
The wind had failed to subside during the interval and if any it`s velocity had increased as both teams started the half. Again, similar to Maybole in the first half it took the `field a good 15 minutes to adapt to playing with the wind behind them often guilty of overhitting their passes and crosses and it was the visitors who were playing some nice football however to be fair chances were at a premium and when they came along the efforts failed to `hit the target`. Slightly against the run of play the `field sealed the Match on the hour mark and it was a tremendously worked goal by the home side started off by David Leadbetter with the ball eventually being played through to Sean Slaven on the left hand side of the box and similar to his winner at Shotts a couple of weeks ago his first touch took him away from the defenders and then with his left foot curled the ball into the roof of the net to the delight of the home support. Ashfield 3 Maybole 0. A great goal from Ashfield`s point of view however the disappointment was etched on the Maybole team`s faces as they now had a `mountain to climb`. Ashfield began to move the ball about well with Darren Miller instrumental in a lot of the starting moves. Sean Slaven almost completed his hat-trick however failed to connect properly with a cross from Bobby Barr before Darren Miller produced a piece of `magic`. With 15 minutes to go the Ashfield midfielder picked the ball up midway inside his own half before unleashing a shot at the Maybole goal which caught the wind`s trajectory sailing over Armour in the Maybole goal and into the back of the net to put Ashfield 4-0 ahead. This was some strike by the Ex-Darvel and Petershill Midfielder. Ashfield 4 Maybole 0. Both teams made a number of substitutions and from an Ashfield point of view it was good to see Fraser Sheridan back playing following injury and the speedy winger almost got himself on the scoresheet driving at the visiting defence before cutting in and drilling the ball narrowly wide. From Maybole`s point of view they brought on Peacock up front and with 8 minutes to go a lovely threaded ball found Peacock ahead of his marker and as Cameron advanced to narrow the angle the `bole forward placed the ball into the corner of the net to reduce the deficit. Ashfield 4 Maybole 1. The match swung from end to end until the full time whistle and this was a good three points for Ashfield which takes them into the Top five positions . Next up for both teams see Ashfield visit Brig o` lea next Saturday to play Neilston whilst Maybole host Cambuslang Rangers in a crucial encounter.
FT:- ASHFIELD 4 MAYBOLE 1
Ashfield`s Team:- G Cameron, A Quinn, D Leadbetter, R Sinclair, L Pearce, D Miller, B Barr (Capt) , C Quinn, S Slaven, J Black and G Burns. Subs:- B Lochhead, A Callaghan, F Sheridan, L Warnock, H Granger, S Grady and K Marshall.
Man of the Match:- Some excellent individual performances from Ashfield yesterday at a gusty Stepford Park. Darren Miller was prominent in starting many Ashfield moves scoring a tremendous 4th Goal for the `field. He was ably backed up by Bobby Barr. Goalkeeper Glen Cameron was impressive again especially against the corners and long throw-ins which were wind-assisted however Sean Slaven scored two excellent goals and made the second for Jonny Black and picks up this week`s accolade.
Attendance:- 40
Referee:- Barry Cook
Match No 37:- Neilston FC 1 Ashfield 2 , Brig `o Lea Park, Neilston G78 3LB - West of Scotland League Division 1 - Saturday 20th April 2024
At last we had something resembling a bright and sunny Spring afternoon as both sides entered the very impressive looking pitch at Brig O`Lea Stadium in Neilston and the Ground itself was looking in excellent order as Referee Gary Train got proceedings underway. It had been a cracker of a Match earlier in the Season at Stepford with Ashfield winning an exciting Match by 6-3 and it was the visitors playing in their traditional black and white hoops that started off on the front foot. Straight from the kick-off they made their intentions known as they drove forward in numbers with young Aiden Callaghan on the left flank `catching the eye` already as he weaved past a couple of defenders before driving the ball low and hard across the face of the goal. Bobby Barr was looking lively up front beside the League`s Top Scorer Sean Slaven and the early pressure continued with a tremendous effort by Darren Miller being pushed aside by Nathan Boyle in the Neilston goal. However the travelling support did not have long to wait as following some lovely inter passing on the edge of the box it was Craig Quinn who seized his chance by firstly pushing the ball to the side to make room for himself before despatching a curling shot which cannoned off the post and into the net to put the `field 1-0 up. A great goal from the Ashfield midfielder whose last goal was on the opening game of the Season down at Ayr. Neilston 0 Ashfield 1. The pressure continued to come for the Neilston back four however they were on the whole restricting Ashfield`s chances however the `field should have gone further ahead after Bobby Barr was played through by Darren Miller however his shot was delayed too much and eventually he was closed down by the Keeper.
As the half wore on the home side began to get their passing game together and the `field were given a warning on the half hour of a game that they had dominated so far when a lovely cross from the left saw Del McNab outjump his marker to bullet in a net-bound header only to see Glen Cameron pull off a stunning one handed save. The `field still foraged forward utilising the flanks well with some excellent passing in Midfield from Darren Miller and with Aiden Callaghan causing the home side angst down the left however as the half approached the end it was the `field that were given a second scare when again the home side played the ball in from the left finding an onrushing McNab again and the big Centre`s header crashed off the crossbar before being cleared to safety. As it was Referee Gary Train brought first half proceedings to a close with the travelling fans knowing that their team should have been well ahead before Neilston came into the game however fair credit to the home side who ensured that the second half would be eagerly awaited.
HT:- NEILSTON 0 ASHFIELD 1
The catering facilities at Brig O`Lea had done a roaring trade during the interval as both teams entered the pitch without any changes to their line-ups. The game was more even at the start of the half with the `field forcing the play and with the home side utilising their height to advantage at set-pieces. Bobby Barr was first to test the home defence however his strong shot was blocked with the `Farmer Boys` responding with a header from a corner which went narrowly over. As the half wore on the `field started to exert some sustained pressure and on the hour mark Aiden Callaghan was brought down in box with Referee Train having no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Up stepped Bobby Barr lashing in his 16th Goal of the Season to put the `field further ahead. Neilston 0 Ashfield 2. The away supporters were still celebrating when the home side won a corner on the left hand side. The corner was whipped in and it was McNab again who rose highest to bullet a header past the flailing arms of Glen Cameron in the Ashfield goal to the roar of the home support and to reduce the deficit. Neilston 1 Ashfield 2. It was `game on` now and as we approached the last 20 minutes the `field were forced into a substitute due to an injury to Aiden Callaghan. Aiden was replaced by Shaun Grady and it was the Ashfield winger who immediately drove at the home defence shooting narrowly past the far post. The game was pretty open now and the game swung from end to end. Ashfield then brought on Captain Sean Doherty who was a match for McNab in the air with David Leadbetter heading to left back. With 5 minutes to go Ashfield almost capped the game off with a lovely goal following a tremendous run from Grady. The pacy winger drove at the Neilston defence before cutting in and driving the ball across the goal with Sean Slaven being first to react `back-heeling` the ball which hit the base of the post before being cleared to safety. As it was following a few minutes of injury time the game was brought to a close with the `field delighted at securing a valuable three points which hoisted them further up the League into 4th position. This was Ashfield`s first visit to Brig O`Lea since August 2009 however this was their first victory at the Ground since a 2-1 victory in the League 39 years ago (1984/85 Season).
The `field now head down to Valefield Park this Wednesday (24th) to take on in-form Kilbirnie Ladeside whilst Neilston welcome Johnstone Burgh on the same evening.
FT:- NEILSTON 1 ASHFIELD 2
Ashfield`s Team:- G Cameron, A Quinn, A Callaghan, L Pearce, D Leadbetter, K Marshall , B Barr, C Quinn, S Slaven, D Miller and G Burns. Subs:- F Sheridan, S Grady, B Lochhead, R Robertson, S Doherty, C Gibb and L Pierotti
Man of the Match:- A vital three points for the `field in their bid for back to back promotions and started the game off on the front foot against Neilston. Young Aiden Callaghan was instrumental in the performance early on completely terrorizing the Neilston back four and making chances for Barr, Slaven and Miller. In the second half he continued to produce the `goods` until he was subbed with Cramp. Special mentions to Goalkeeper Glen Cameron, Darren Miller and a great performance also from Lance Pearce.
Attendance:- 100
Referee:- Mr Gary Train
Match No 38:- Kilbirnie Ladeside 2 Ashfield 3 , Wednesday 24th April 2024 - Kick-Off 6.45pm. Valefield Park, Kilbirnie, North Ayrshire KA25 6HU - West of Scotland League Division 1
Ashfield headed down in the Spring evening sunshine to the neat surroundings of Valefield Park knowing that that their opponents would be a `tough nut to crack` on their home ground based on recent results however the `field could take confidence from their own recent form and victory earlier in the Season at Kilbirnie in the Scottish Junior Cup. The `field made two changes to the team that won at Neilston on Saturday with Ryan Sinclair returning to the heart of the defence alongside Lance Pearce and also Jonny Black was back to partner Sean Slaven up front and it was the `field that started the Match on the front foot. Aiden Callaghan received the plaudits on Saturday and rightly so after his excellent wing play on the left however this time the `trouble` for the hosts was eminating from the right side and in particular Aiden Quinn who foraged forward at every opportunity. An early chance fell to Ashfield with the ball being driven in from the right and was played back across the goal for an onrushing Jonny Black who failed to connect properly and the ball sailed past the post however on the 14th minute Ashfield got their reward for their opening play when Aiden Quinn drove into the box before the ball breaking back to him allowing the Ashfield right back to drive the ball low and hard across the Keeper and into the far corner of the net to the delight of the travelling fans. Kilbirnie 0 Ashfield 1. A great start for Ashfield as the game continued at 100mph. The Ladeside looked lively up front too however were well marshalled by the `field defence with Craig Quinn also keeping a `close eye` on the Ladeside playmaker Jon Scullion. A couple of corners for the home side were well defended however the second goal for Ashfield came from a breakaway as the ball was played through just inside the Kilbirnie half to Darren Miller. The Ex-Irvine Meadow, Darvel & Queens Park player drove forward towards the goal and as the Keeper advanced off his line he brilliantly curled the ball over McGowan and into the net to put the `field 2-0 ahead. Kilbirnie 0 Ashfield 2. The hosts were shocked and despite trying to force their way back into the Match it was Ashfield that continued to look extremely dangerous when coming forward and the game should have been `put to Bed` when a lovely ball from Bobby Barr found Aiden Quinn on the right hand side of the box and his net-bound effort was brilliantly saved by the Kilbirnie Keeper who tipped the ball over the bar. This was a crucial save as shortly after the hosts were awarded a penalty when Centre Forward Alan Frizzel was adjudged to have been brought down in the box and Referee Menzies had no hesitation in pointing to the spot despite the visitors protests. Up stepped Scullion who lashed the ball low and hard past the despairing arms of Glen Cameron to reduce the deficit. Kilbirnie 1 Ashfield 2. The home crowd were getting behind their team however were silenced within two minutes when a lovely cross found Jonny Black in the penalty box. The Ashfield striker gathered the ball before volleying the ball into the roof of the net to restore Ashfield`s two goal cushion. Kilbirnie 1 Ashfield 3. This was turning into some game and the same player almost made it four shortly after however was thwarted by the legs of McGowan as he looked `odds-on` to score. The `field were made to `pay for this` as on the 44th minute the home side were awarded a corner on the right hand side which was well delivered into the front post. Glen Cameron in the Ashfield goal tried to fist the ball away however was unable to get much connection and the ball fell to the feet of Frizzel who poked the ball into the net through a ruck pf players to bring the home side back into the game. Kilbirnie 2 Ashfield 3. The first half was turning into an absolute cracker of a Match however it wasn`t finished there and as the legendary STV Football Commentator would say `sensationally` Sean Slaven picked the ball up on the edge of the box and as he went away from his marker he was brought down and another penalty was awarded. Up stepped Bobby Barr to try and restore Ashfield`s two goal cushion but unfortunately for Bobby and the Ashfield Support the Ladeside Keeper pulled off a brilliant saved and both sides went in at half time to gather their thoughts and take a breather.
HT:- KILBIRNIE 2 ASHFIELD 3
The phrase a `game of two halves` is a term often used in Football and this sums up this game well. Just as Ashfield did in the first half in controlling the opening proceedings, it was the home side that started on the front foot passing extremely well and utilising the flanks well. The cross balls that were delivered into the box were well managed by the `field back four as Kilbirnie tried in vain to to source out an equaliser. Jon Scullion had a fierce shot from the edge of the box on the hour mark which was well held by Cameron before a cut back on the edge of the box was driven wide of the upright. The `field `bolstered` up their defence as the Match entered the closing stages bringing on Sean Doherty and Greg Burns into Midfield and the `field had their best spell of the second half however with 5 minutes of normal play to go a lovely cross on the right from Nathan Wade found the head of Frizzel and his looping header from inside the box was brilliantly tipped over by Glen Cameron in the Ashfield goal. The `field had to withstand more pressure as 5 minutes of injury time was added however chances were at a premium and as Referee Menzies brought proceedings to a halt the reaction of the Ashfield players said it all. A tremendous three points for the `field against a very good and in-form Kilbirnie side now hoists the `field into 2nd place in the League with four `Cup Finals` to go. It has been some League this season and there will be plenty of `twists and turns` before everything is established for next Season.
FT:- KILBIRNIE 2 ASHFIELD 3
Ashfield`s Team:- G Cameron, A Quinn, D Leadbetter, R Sinclair, L Pearce, C Quinn, J Black, D Miller, S Slaven, B Barr (Capt) and A Callaghan. Subs:- G Burns, S Doherty, S Grady, K Marshall, B Lochhead and H Granger.
Man of the Match:- Some excellent individual performances from the `field with special mentions to Lance Pearce, Ryan Sinclair and Darren Miller however Aiden Quinn started the good work early on in the Match and never lost a 50-50 ball all evening scoring a terrific opening goal.
Attendance:- 220
Referee:- Ross Menzies
Photographs by:- Inga Murray
Match No 39:- Ashfield 3 Kilwinning Rangers 0 - Saturday 27th April 2024 - Kick-Off 2.30pm - West of Scotland League Division 1 - Stepford Park, 1514 Edinburgh Road, Glasgow G33 4EG
It was a quick turnaround for the players following the effort put into Wednesday night`s victory down in Kilbirnie and Michael Oliver and his Management Team kept faith with virtually the same team with Kenny Marshall coming in for Darren Miller being the only change as Referee Broadfoot got proceedings underway in the sunshine at Stepford Park. There was a large crowd in by Kick-Off time which saw the visitors make an early impression working hard in midfield closing down Ashfield well and a couple of dangerous corners had to be well defended by the Ashfield rear-guard.
The game was played at a ferocious old pace and `no quarters` were given in the early stages however chances were at a premium. A reverse low shot from just inside the box troubled Glen Cameron in the `field goal as the ball cannoned off the outside of the post on 15 minutes. Next up was Bobby Barr who picked the ball up midway inside the Rangers half and curled a right foot shot which also made contact with the outside of the post as the game began to open up. Another shot from outside the box following a corner saw the ball go narrowly by Glen Cameron`s goal. The Ashfield front three were also looking lively with Jonny Black linking up well with both Sean Slaven and Bobby Barr and as the half wore on chances began to happen for the home side and with 10 minutes of the first half remaining Ashfield made the breakthrough and a great goal it was. A lovely run again from Bobby Barr saw the Ex-Livingston and Raith Rovers player play in an onrushing Jonny Black with the Ashfield Striker foraging in on goal before despatching a well placed shot wide of Craig Gordon and into the net to the delight of the home support. That was Jonny`s 13th goal of the Season and an extremely valuable one to break the deadlock. Ashfield 1 Kilwinning Rangers 0. The game swung from end to end for the period up until the half time whistle with the Rangers trying to get the equaliser however Lance Pearce and Ryan Sinclair at the heart of the Ashfield defence were immense and `snuffed out` any danger very well. As it was the home side went into the interval a goal up with an expectant crowd looking forward to the next 45 minutes.
HT:- ASHFIELD 1 KILWINNING RANGERS 0
There were no changes to either line-ups as the game followed a similar pattern to the first half with the visitors pressing forward at every opportunity to pull back a goal and a couple of dangerous crosses were on the whole well dealt with by the `field defence. As the half wore on however Ashfield started to find joy down both flanks with again Bobby Barr `pulling the strings` from midfield. The visitors were given a warning on the hour mark when the ball was played in quickly to Slaven and Ashfield`s top scorer drove at goal, evading a tackle before driving the ball against the underside of the crossbar before being cleared to safety. Greg Burns came on shortly after for Kenny Marshall as the home side upped the tempo and were rewarded on 72 minutes when a lovely curling free kick from Bobby Barr to the back post was met by an onrushing Ryan Sinclair who volleyed past Gordon in the Buffs goal to put the `field 2-0 up. This was Ryan`s first goal of the Season and a very valuable one too. Ashfield 2 Kilwinning Rangers 0. The `field continued to press forward as the visitors for the first time in the Match began to struggle and with 10 minutes to go substitute Fraser Sheridan played a lovely `one-two` with Sean Slaven and as he was just about to be closed down he cushioned a shot over the Keeper and into the top corner of the net to the delight of the home support. A great finish from Sheridan in what was his 3rd goal of an injury-hit Season. Ashfield 3 Kilwinning Rangers 0. The game ebbed and flowed right up until the final whistle and the home side were delighted when proceedings were brought to an end. An excellent performance from Ashfield against difficult opponents who worked extremely hard however probably fell short in the final third. Three different scorers again for Ashfield as the Promotion `bandwagon` rolls on to the KG Stadium, Blantyre on Wednesday night (1/5/24).
FT:- ASHFIELD 3 KILWINNING RANGERS 0
Ashfield`s Team:- G Cameron, A Quinn, D Leadbetter, R Sinclair, l Pearce, K Marshall, B Barr (Capt), C Quinn, S Slaven, J Black and A Callaghan. Subs:- B Lochhead, S Doherty, F Sheridan, G Burns, S Grady, H Granger and J Winton.
Man of the Match:- Another excellent victory for Ashfield against a really hard working Rangers Team with everyone playing `their part`. The defence had to be on good form especially in the opening phase of each halves however as the game wore on the `field really put on the style with Bobby Barr at the heart of all the moves. Special mentions to Lance Pearce and Ryan Sinclair and with the latter scoring an excellent goal.
Attendance:- 130
Referee:- Stuart Broadfoot
Photographs by:- Gavin Ross & Ewan Murray
Match No 40:- Blantyre Victoria 3 Ashfield 0 , Wednesday 1st May 2024 - Kick Off 7pm. West of Scotland League Division 1 - KG Stadium, Blantyre G72 0JP
The `field headed over to the KG Stadium last night full of confidence following four straight victories however knew they were up against a very good team in Blantyre who had won at Stepford in the early part of the Season. Ashfield reverted to their changed strip of Red & Grey as Michael Oliver and his Management Team named an unchanged side for the third game `on the trot`. Referee Connor Ashwood got proceedings underway as the crowd were still streaming into the KG and with 5 minutes gone the attendance was approaching the 200 mark. It had been a lovely day in the west however the mist had set in and there were concerns that it might get pretty dark by the final whistle time. As it was the game set off at a great pace on a slightly bumpy park and the `field were wary after giving their Keeper a pass back which took a large bobble before being eventually cleared however apart from that the Ground has seen some excellent alterations and a lot of hard work has gone into this.
Ashfield were trying to get into their passing rhythm and tried to utilise the flanks however were well closed down and balls into Jonny Black & top scorer Sean Slaven were well competed and the Ashfield front two were finding space difficult to find. A lovely move on the quarter hour mark saw Slaven swivel in the box however his net-bound effort was deflected wide. Young Aiden Callaghan was looking lively again down the left wing however like the front two he was `well marked` and welcomed the support from Bobby Barr who was playing well. Chances were at a premium as the visitors were also keeping things tight at the back with Lance Pearce and Ryan Sinclair dealing with Scott Jarvie and his playing partners well. A lovely ball midway through the first half from Darren Miller found Aiden Quinn on the right hand side and the big defender glided past a couple of defenders and was clean through on goal. Instead of electing to shoot he cut the ball back to an onrushing Slaven however the Striker was closed down before he could despatch the ball into the net. A couple of free kicks were given to the home side on the edge of the box as the Vics showed their `metal`. A looping header caused alarm in the `field goal however the ball sailed narrowly over with Cameron scrambling back as the game approached the half time whistle.
Just as it looked the game would go in all-square, the Vics won a corner after a `coming together` with Leadbetter and Jarvie with the Referee awarding a corner despite Ashfield`s protests. A curling corner was delivered to the far edge of the six yard box and from an acute angle Kyle MacDonald drilled the ball into the net through a ruck of players to put the home side ahead. Blantyre Vics 1 Ashfield 0. A bad goal from an Ashfield point of view and probably changed Michael Oliver`s half time team talk as the Referee brought proceedings to a halt shortly after.
HT:- BLANTYRE VICS 1 ASHFIELD 0
The `field made their intentions known straight from kick-Off as they foraged forward in numbers to try and pull the Goal back and it was Bobby Barr on the left hand side that was weaving in around the box however again was closed down well by the Vics defence and a couple of cross balls failed to find the Ashfield front men. Aiden Quinn and Ryan Sinclair were trying to initiate the attacks on the right hand side however again the Vics defence stood firm and on the 50th minute a lovely break down the left hand side by Kyle MacDonald saw the Vics forward drill the ball low and hard into the box to an onrushing Scott Jarvie who just got ahead of his marker to guide the ball into the far corner of the net to the delight of the home support. Blantyre Vics 2 Ashfield 0. A real blow for the `field who had looked extremely lively since Half time. The game became embroiled in midfield for a while as the visitors tried to `claw` their way back into the game however their moves were breaking down at the final hurdle and on 65 minutes the game was effectively ended as a contest and how. A lovely move again down the left hand side of the `field box saw that man Kyle MacDonald again cut in before despatching a net-bound shot which was brilliantly parried out by Glen Cameron in the Ashfield goal with the ball breaking out 25/30 yards to an onrushing Lee Sharp and the Vics substitute rattled in a shot which crashed off the underside of the bar and into the net as the Blantyre players went wild with delight. Blantyre Vics 3 Ashfield 0. A real `sickener` for the visitors with Michael Oliver immediately making a couple of substitutes bringing on Greg Burns and pacy winger Fraser Sheridan. Aiden Quinn found some room for himself on the edge of the box with 20 minutes to go and his shot missed the upright by an inch as the `field swarmed forward but as had been the trend throughout the Match chances were few and far between with Black and Slaven calling Orr into action latterly however the Vics defence held firm despite Ashfield pressure with the home side looking dangerous on the break. A couple of minutes of injury time was played before Referee Ashwood brought proceedings to a close as the `field players trooped off the Park. A very good performance from the home side will give them confidence going into their final three games of the Season. The `field will have to `dust themselves` down for a trip to Robertson Park, Tannochside on Saturday to play Thorniewood United..........`mon the `field !!
FT:- BLANTYRE VICS 3 ASHFIELD 0
Ashfield`s Team:- Glen Cameron, Aiden Quinn, David Leadbetter, Ryan Sinclair, Lance Pearce, Craig Quinn, Bobby Barr, Darren Miller, Sean Slaven, Jonny Black and Aiden Callaghan. Subs:- Blair Lochhead, Fraser Sheridan, Shaun Grady, Sean Doherty, Greg Burns, Harry Granger and Kenny Marshall.
Man of the Match:- It was just one of those nights for Ashfield when nothing went their way and they also met a Team who performed extremely well. The `field either chose the wrong option or missed their chance and came up against two clinical strikes in the second half from the home side. Special mentions to Lance Pearce and David Leadbetter however Aiden Quinn was Ashfield`s best player on the night foraging forward at every opportunity and almost getting his name on the scoresheet on a couple of occasions.
Attendance:- 185
Referee:- Connor Ashwood
Match No 41:- Thorniewood United 2 Ashfield 1, Saturday 4th May 2024 - Kick Off 2pm - Robertson Park, Uddingston G71 6HQ - West of Scotland League Division 1
Ashfield headed over to Robertson Park, Uddingston this afternoon looking to shake off the `hangover` from defeat on Wednesday night and try and build up the points tally further. The `field had made one change from the Blantyre Match bringing Harry Granger into a Midfield berth as the `field entered the pitch in their traditional Black and White hoops. Due to a `Colours clash` between the teams, Thorniewood played in their third strip of Yellow and Black as Referee Chris Hughes got the game underway in front of a healthy crowd.
It was the home side, after an initial period of cancelling each other out, that began to exert some pressure on the Ashfield goal as the `field were finding it hard to hold onto possession and for a twenty minute period in the first half were struggling to break out of their half as the Lanarkshire Team played some good football utilising the flanks well.
Chances were still at a premium but a couple of shots went by the upright and a couple of blocks on the right hand side from David Leadbetter kept the game all square. However midway through the first half the home side eventually made the breakthrough when a floated ball over Sinclair on the right hand side saw winger Blair MacDonald take advantage of an uncharacteristic short pass back from the Ashfield defender to pounce on the ball and round Glen Cameron in the Ashfield goal before drilling the ball into the net from an acute angle to put the hosts 1-0 ahead. Thorniewood United 1 Ashfield 0. A bad goal to lose from Ashfield`s point of view however an excellent finish from the `wood winger who was impressive throughout the whole 90 minutes. Ashfield responded well to going a goal down and stepped up a gear as the game went into the latter stages of the half. Darren Miller was first up to test the home Keeper and he certainly made the Keepers hand sting with a rasping shot from 25 yards which was well parried to safety. Jonny Black was foraging down the right hand side but was finding chances hard to come by before Aiden Quinn appeared late into the box following a cross from Bobby Barr to drill a shot which went into the side netting. As Chris Hughes brought proceedings to a close the travelling support were a bit more encouraged by the finish to the half.
HT:- THORNIEWOOD UTD 1 ASHFIELD 0
Michael Oliver and his Management Team made 3 changes at the start of the half bringing on Captain Sean Doherty, Greg Burns and top scorer Sean Slaven and all of a sudden the `field managed to put the hosts under some exerted pressure as they searched an equaliser. It was very competitive in Midfield and the `field had to be wary of being hit on the break however the visitors should have been level on the hour mark following a lovely move. A ball was played through to Jonny Black who evaded the tight Thorniewood offside trap and as he advanced in on goal drove the ball which crashed off the underside of the bar with Sean Slaven being first to react however he was initially closed down before swivelling and drilling a net bound shot which was blocked on the line. Aiden Callaghan was next to find some space with 22 minutes to go as he raced into the penalty box and just as he was about to get his shot away he was fouled with Referee Hughes having no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Darren Miller, who worked tirelessly throughout the afternoon, stepped up sending the Keeper the wrong way to haul the `field level and ensure `game on`. Thorniewood United 1 Ashfield 1. The `field upped the tempo again and a couple of `stramashes` in the box failed to go Ashfield`s way with Centre Half Sean Doherty unlucky to have a couple of shots blocked before the home side broke on the left flank before coming into the middle and winning a foul 25 yards out. Glen Cameron in the Ashfield goal looked comfortable with his `wall setting` as Ross Forbes stood over the ball for the home side. The Ex-Motherwell, Partick & Dumbarton Midfielder stepped up and curled the ball into the top corner of Glen Cameron`s net leaving the Ashfield Keeper without a chance to the delight of the home support. Thorniewood United 2 Ashfield 1. A tremendous goal from the experienced player and this `Rocked` the visitors for a while before they managed to exert some sustained pressure in the closing moments and should have been level with a couple of minutes to go as the ball was played through to Sean Slaven and the normally reliable Centre forward failed to connect properly with his lob over the Keeper and the danger was cleared before the `field pushed Sean Doherty into an extra forward. As it was there were no further chances and Referee Hughes brought proceedings to a close and with the scores coming from the other grounds it was a `bad day at the Office` for Ashfield as they go into their last game of the Season next Friday night (10/5/24) against Whitletts Victoria at Stepford - Kick Off 8pm.
The `field will `dust themselves` down for their final game and can be extremely proud of their performances this Season and it is great credit to the Management and players that they are still be in the promotion mix at this stage of the Season.
FT:- THORNIEWOOD UTD 2 ASHFIELD 1
Ashfield`s Team:- G Cameron, A Quinn, D Leadbetter, R Sinclair, L Pearce, H Granger, B Barr, D Miller, J Black, C Quinn and A Callaghan. Subs:- B Lochhead, S Doherty, S Grady, F Sheridan, G Burns, S Slaven and J Winton.
Man of the Match:- A tough 90 Minutes for the `field in which they will be `kicking themselves` at leaving Robertson Park `empty handed` after missing a good few chances and being hit by a `wonder goal` after drawing level. Darren Miller was instrumental in most of Ashfield`s moves this afternoon and he was unlucky with a couple of efforts before scoring from the spot. Special mention to Aiden Callaghan and Jonny Black in what was a disappointing afternoon for the `field.
Attendance:- 80
Referee:- Chris Hughes
Photographs:- Gavin Ross
Match No 41:- Ashfield 4 Whitletts Victoria 4 , Friday 10th May 2024 - KO 8pm - West of Scotland League Division 1 - Stepford Park, 1514 Edinburgh Road, Glasgow G33 4EG
It was ironic that our opening day of the Season was away to Whitletts Victoria and from that game at Dam Park, Ayr in July of last year both teams have had contrasting Seasons with the Ayrshire men now preparing for Division 2 Football and a good preparation job they have done about it. Since the turn of the year and the appointment of Ex-Maybole player Mick McCann, Whitletts have not only moved back to New Voluntary Park beside where their `old ground` used to be but are one of the in-form teams of the second part of the Season. As it was the games have run out for them similar to the `field`s dream of `back to back` promotions which unfortunately has seen them lose their last two games after an excellent run.
It was pleasing to get a lovely balmy evening to finish the Season with as more often than not this Season it has been very wet and often very windy. As Referee Traynor got proceedings underway with the hosts in their tradition Black & White hoops and the visitors in their changed strip of Blue and White you could see from early on that both sides were fully focused on winning the Match. The `field started the game very well utilising the flanks with Bobby Barr on the right and Fraser Sheridan on the left stretching the Vics back four and after five minutes could have been ahead when a cross to the back post by young Aiden Callaghan cannoned off the post before being scrambled to safety. A couple of blocked shots were had before the visitors grew into the game and the introduction of a very long throw-in caused some problems in the `field defence. Whitletts were impressive with their set pieces and following a corner on the 15 minute mark the ball broke down to Ewart who drove a volley low and hard into the back of the net to put the Vics ahead. Ashfield will be disappointed at the room the Vics player had however it was certainly `game on` now. Ashfield 0 Whitletts Vics 1. To their credit Michael Oliver`s men drove forward at every opportunity to try and claw back the deficit with Sean Slaven being unlucky with a couple of efforts which were blocked. Craig Quinn almost got himself on the scoresheet when the ball broke out to him on the edge of the box however his shot was deflected wide for a corner. Greg Burns was beginning to get some joy and was causing the Vics defence problems however on the half hour mark Sean Slaven got ahead of his marker just inside the box before being brought down with Referee Keiran Traynor having no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Bobby Barr stepped up and sent the Keeper the wrong way to level the game. Ashfield 1 Whitletts Vics 1. The game was played at a fierce pace and swung from end to end for a period however just as it looked like the game would go in all level at the interval a ball was played out to the left wing which was gathered by Baird and the pacy winger drove at the Ashfield defence before cutting in and despatching a curling shot into the far corner of the net to the delight of the travelling support. Ashfield 1 Whitletts Vics 2. A blow for the `field however the Vics forward was not closed down quick enough as the Referee brought the game to a halt for Half time shortly after.
HT:- ASHFIELD 1 WHITLETTS 2
As the second half got underway the `field knew that their slim hopes of catching Shotts Bon Accord would require a big effort and from the start of the half were on the `front foot` and got their reward within a minute of the restart albeit with a touch of fortune. Harry Granger picked up the ball on the edge of the box before drilling the ball goal-wards only to see it taking a wicked deflection as it sailed past the Vics Keeper to level the score. A dream start to the second half for the `field and everything was to play for. Ashfield 2 Whitletts Vics 2. The game became rather open after this and the `pendulum` swung from one end to another. On the hour mark a lovely run into the box by Baird saw the Vics defender fouled by Aiden Quinn with the Referee immediately pointing to the spot. Up stepped Ex-Irvine Meadow player Louis Kerr however Glen Cameron pulled off a tremendous save to ensure the game was level. The Vics were left to rue that miss as shortly after a lovely move at the other end saw Greg Burns get ahead of his marker firstly being unable to make proper contact and his initial effort was blocked by the Keeper however the Ashfield midfielder pounced on the rebound to put Ashfield ahead with 10-15 minutes of the game left. Ashfield 3 Whitletts Vics 2. This was the result that the `field and their supporters wanted and left a glimmer of hope should Shotts slip up however as the game headed towards full time a cross into the middle of the Ashfield box saw Glen Cameron look to take to ball comfortably however immediately dropped it as he writhed in agony with the loose ball being driven home by Baird again. Ashfield 3 Whitletts Vics 3. The Ashfield Keeper struggled to continue after lengthy treatment and as such the `field were forced to bring an `outfield` player on as replacement due to not listing Blair Lochhead as a substitute this evening and it was Josh Winton that took over in goals. The visitors sensed victory after this and it was Baird that broke through on the left again shortly after as the clocked `ticked down` and his net bound effort was brilliantly saved by Josh Winton however shortly after the Vics won a corner on the far side in the 90th Minute which was whipped into the front post hitting an Ashfield player before going into the net to the delight of the travelling support. Ashfield 3 Whitletts Vics 4. Ashfield had brought on Darren Miller and Shaun Grady and the latter was played in well by Bobby Barr before cutting in and driving a net bound shot which was deflected agonisingly wide as the game finished at a frantic pace. In the 5th minute of injury time, the `field were awarded a free-kick which was almost on the edge of the box but at an acute angle. Up stepped Darren Miller who curled the ball into the top corner of the net to salvage the Match and a point. Ashfield 4 Whitletts Vics 4. The injury time continued and the `field almost had an opportunity when Jonny Black was played in and as he drove goal-wards he lost his footing and the Referee brought proceedings to a close shortly after.
What an exciting game of Football with many of the neutrals who were there stating it had been one of the best games they had seen recently. Overall a draw was a fair result with both teams effectively throwing away 2 points from winnable situations however can take the plaudits for their forward play. The `field are now unable to catch Shotts in the League and it is only Rutherglen Glencairn that can mathematically pip the Lanarkshire outfit but it has been a great Season for Ashfield and to finish 4th or 5th in the Table in what was one of the most competitive Leagues I can recall and on the back of Promotion last Season is a sterling effort from Michael Oliver, the Players and his Management Team. In addition to a Quarter Final berth in the South Challenge Cup and only losing narrowly to Lowlands League Winners East Kilbride.
I am sure on this performance that Whitletts will be amongst the challengers for Promotion next Season and we wish them well.
FT:- ASHFIELD 4 WHITLETTS 4
Ashfield`s Team:- G Cameron, A Quinn, A Callaghan, H Granger, D Leadbetter, C Quinn, B Barr (Capt), G Burns, S Slaven, J Black and F Sheridan. Subs:- J Winton, D Miller, K Marshall, S Grady, L Pearce, R Sinclair and S Doherty.
Man of the Match:- A great game for the `neutral` as both sets of fans were put through the `ringer` this evening in this `topsy turvy` end of Season Match. Some excellent individual displays from both teams and it will be both sides who will feel they should have won with Ashfield leading 3-2 going into the last 10 minutes and then Whitletts leading 4-3 going into injury time however from an Ashfield point of view Bobby Barr was everywhere tonight scoring the opening goal and making a good few chances for his team mates.
Attendance:- 80
Photographs:- Ewan Murray
Referee:- Keiran Trayner
