Ashfield F & A C 3 Annbank United 1 , Saracen Park, Glasgow. Kick-Off 1.45pm


Junior Cup Saturday!! and this was an absolute cracker!. Annbank Utd, a league above Ashfield ran onto the park in their away strip off all blue with the 'Field' sporting their black top and shorts sponsored by City Building LLP with Red Socks. The crowd poured into Saracen Park as the anticipated match started. Ashfield started like a 'whirlwind' pushing the visitors back from the off. It was clear to see that the defeat last weekend had sparked the Springburn team into action. Wave after wave the home team pressed forward and it only took nine minutes for the opening goal of the game. Sean Carberry for Ashfield slipped past his marker and whipped in a cross which was met superbly by joint top scorer Craig Smith who powered his header past the Annbank keeper and into the net to set the 'field ' on their way. Ashfield 1 Annbank Utd 0.

This goal settled Ashfield and the Black and White outfit continued the onslaught towards the Annbank goal. Great chances were being created with Ali Martin firing a blistering shot after twelve minutes, only to be denied by the Annbank Keeper. Craig Smith was causing havoc in the Annbank defensive unit and was unlucky not to increase the lead as Carberry sent him through after fifteen minutes only to see his shot flash by the far post.

Still the 'field' pressed forward and should have went further ahead after nineteen minutes with Martin Gault sliding a pass through to Tony Chalmers but his attempt limped wide of the goal. The old 'cliche', 'take your chances' came back to haunt Ashfield though after twenty two minutes when Annbank equalised against the complete run of play. The ball was picked up in Midfield and a high long ball was delivered into the Ashfield box, which was not dealt with properly and the Annbank Forward ghosted in at the back post to Volley it high in the net from six yards. Ashfield 1 Annbank Utd 1.

This was a blow for Ashfield as Annbank gained confidence from this goal and a real 'Cup tie' was now being played. Ashfield kept playing the football and missed numerous chances with Ali Martin and Craig Smith linking up brilliantly. The game was now being played in the Annbank half of the pitch and it was the home team team that went ahead after thirty eight minutes. Alan 'Spider' Smith smashed a high ball forward that was trapped by Craig Smith who slipped round the onrushing Annbank Goalkeeper and stabbed the ball home from close range to the delight of the large Ashfield support. Ashfield 2 Annbank 1.

Craig Smith who was awesome all game was denied a hatrick as the half time whistle approached. Ali Martin weaved past his marker and 'fizzed' a cross to Smith who flicked the ball low into the net, but the Linesman had flagged for offside.


HALF TIME : ASHFIELD 2 ANNBANK UTD 1

It was essential that after dominating most of the first half, Ashfield continued to set the early pace and they did not disappoint as they attacked Annbank at every opportunity. After a flurry of early corners with Alan Smith going close with a glancing header, Ashfield made it 3-1 after 53 minutes giving the visitors an uphill battle to stay in the Cup.

Tony Chalmers picked the ball up just inside the Annbank half and weaved his way past a couple of defenders before cutting back an inch perfect cross to the onrushing Alistair Martin who cooly dispatched the ball low and hard into the visitors net from 8 yards for his 19th goal of the season. Ashfield 3 Annbank United 1.

Craig Smith was first to congratulate the winger as he had levelled the goalscoring stats with him on 19 goals a piece.

Ashfield were not finished there and were keen to put the tie beyond the battling Ayrshire Outfit and after a lovely move on the left, the ball was cut back to Gordon Passmore on the edge of the box, however the Ashfield Midfielder narrowly put the ball over the bar.
Annbank tried to alter proceeding but were left exposed at the back and Ashfield should really have increased their lead further in the 70th Minute when Ryan Cairley was put through one on one. It looked like the Ashfield Midfielder, who had an excellent game, was going to open his Ashfield account, but was denied by the legs of the Annbank keeper.

Ashfield made a number of changes to bolster up the Midfield and Defence to keep any Annbank threat at a minimum. Referee Euan Anderson brought proceedings to an end after disallowing an Ashfield goal in the dying minutes from injury comeback man Paul Maxwell. The larger than average home support were absolutely delighted by the effort, determination and skill that deservedly sent them through to the next round. The game itself was a very sporting one and we wish Annbank well for the remainder of the season.
Ashfield, for only the second time in 33 years find themselves in the draw for the Fifth Round of the Scottish Junior Cup. Well done the `field !

FULL TIME:- ASHFIELD 3 ANNBANK UTD 1

Man of the Match:- An excellent all-round Team Performance with some great individual displays from the `Meninblack` !!
However Craig Smith`s first half Performance was simply awesome and he wins this weeks accolade.

Attendance:- 130

Photographs by:- Inga