Ashfield F & A C 2 Clydebank 1 , Saracen Park, Glasgow - Kick-Off 7pm

Overcast skies welcomed Clydebank to Saracen Park this evening for a vital match. Ashfield only requried a point to qualify for the Quarter Finals whilst the visitors needed a win, so it was all to play for as the teams entered the pitch.

A very large crowd watched as the game commenced with Ashfield in their Black and White Hoops and Clydebank in their away strip of Red with Black flashes. The early stages were keenly contested with the best chance falling to Clydebank's Stevie Dallas who shot wide after six minutes.

The match moved from end to end but neither side could create a clear cut chance. Both midfield's were cancelling each other out with Jim Smith marshallling the Ashfield rearguard superbly.

Clydebank had the better of the first half hour but it was Ashfield that broke away to score the opener after thirty one minutes. Chalmers was released on the right wing, who then swung over a cross that was deflected high to the back post area. Sean Fraser had ghosted in at the back and struck a left foot volley that seemed to deceive the Bankies keeper and ended up in the back of the net. Ashfield 1 Clydebank 0.

A great boost for the home side but Clydebank almost hit back immediately with their number 7 bursting through the midfield area unchallenged only to see his shot rise over Prior's bar in the Ashfield goal from twenty yards.

Mark Thomson had the next clear effort after forty minutes. Ashfield were awarded a free kick twenty five yards out from the Clydebank goal. Thomson stepped up and curled a dipping shot which was well saved by the Bankies keeper low to his left side.

Clydebank still looked a dangerous side pushing forward and a last gasp clearance from Jim Smith kept the 'Field' ahead as the referee blew for half time.

HALF TIME: ASHFIELD 1 CLYDEBANK 0

The teams emerged for the second half with still all to play for and it was Clydebank that took the game to Ashfield from the kick off. The Bankies seemed to have more life in them and this showed only three minutes into the second half with the equaliser. Gary Lynn placed the ball fully thirty yards out after a free kick was awarded and thrashed the ball goalwards. Prior in the Ashfield goal could not handle the shot as it bounced of him and fell to Ross Campbell who prodded the ball into the empty net from eight yards out. Ashfield 1 Clydebank 1.

It was a real gift to the Bankies as they had rarely threatened Prior in the first forty five minutes. The game then turned into a cup-tie with the visitors getting a boost from the goal. Ashfield seemed to be unsettled but again Jim Smith and Jamie Reilly were controlling proceedings to dull any Clydebank efforts.

Challenges were now flying in especially in the midfield area with the referee having to show the yellow card on a few occasions.

The Bankies could not break down the Ashfield defence to create that all important chance and the 'Field' took heart from this as they played themselves back into the match. Craig Smith had a marvellous chance after seventy minutes to releave the pressure but his shot scraped the Clydebank post after a great solo run.

Both sides were now starting to tire as the match entered the last phase. Ashfield Manager, Stevie Rankin, made several changes, one in particular that won the game for the 'Field'. Fourteen minutes was left on the clock when a long ball was played deep into the Clydebank half. The Bankies keeper hesitated to come out but Paul Maxwell who had come on five minutes previously did not as he bravely nodded the ball past the onrushing keeper to send the players wild. The Bankies were claiming for offside against Craig Smith but the Standside Assistant Referee kept his flag down. Ashfield 2 Clydebank 1.

This was the cushion that Ashfield needed with the minutes ticking away. Clydebank then made some substitutions and ended up playing at least three players in the forward line but still could not break Ashfield down. Eventually after five minutes of injury time the whistle was sounded to send Ashfield into the next stage.

FULL TIME: ASHFIELD 2 CLYDEBANK 1


Man of the Match:- There were good individual performances from both sides this evening but the best player on the park was the Ashfield centre Half, Jim Smith. He won everything in the air and kept Dallas and Hobbs at bay all evening.

Attendance:- 350

Photographs by:- Inga