Ashfield F. & A.C. 1 Clydebank F.C. 2 (HT: 0-0) at Saracen Park, Glasgow




Ashfield went down narrowly to their first defeat of the season. A goal 3 minutes from time was enough to sink the `Field in atrocious conditions at Saracen Park this afternoon.

A good crowd turned up for the match which started at a great pa
ce and chances were falling to both teams in an open first half. Clydebank were very comfortable on the ball, however the first real chance of the match fell to Chalmers who knocked a Michael Tolland cross wide from inside the box. Paul Craig almost snatched the lead for Clydebank from a corner, with the ex-Perthshire man heading narrowly wide. Darren O`Donnell was put through near half time, but was prevented by the legs of the Bankies keeper. Steven McGovern was having an excellent game in the Ashfield goal, twice denying Clydebank from free-kicks and commanded his box well in the slippery conditions.



HALF TIME:- ASHFIELD F & A C 0 CLYDEBANK F C 0

No changes to either team at Half time and the game continued at great pace, Clydebank certainly started the stronger team and were slick with their passing. Two early chances fell to the Bankies, both brilliantly stopped by McGovern, the second being a 30 yard effort from the Clydebank No 2 which was touched onto the bar before heading for a corner. Against the run of play Ashfield took the lead in the 58th Minute. A long throw from Gordon Passmore was fumbled by the Bankies keeper & Mark Thomson hammered the ball into the net with the aid of a deflection to the delight of the home support. Ashfield upped their game after this and almost went further ahead went Ian Garscadden hit a speculative 40 yarder which went inches wide. It was quite ironic that Clydebank should equalise when Ashfield were having their best spell of the match. A cross from the left which looked to have been harmlessly ushered out of play by Michael Tolland was seen by the Referee as an infringement and awarded a spot-kick. I was reliably informed that Clydebank had missed their last 3 penalties, however this one was expertly taken to level the match. To make matters worse the Referee wanted to be the centre of attention again and booked Ian Garscadden for speaking out of turn and the No 3 was given his marching orders.
The game ebbed and flowed, with chances falling to both teams, with the Referee insisting on booking players in what was a very clean match. In a crazy 30 second spell, Joe Tartaglia missed a sitter for Ashfield after brilliant play on the right from O`Donnell and then Clydebank went up the park missing a virtual open goal, shooting over from 4 yards out.
Just as the match seemed to be heading for a draw, Clydebank foiled an Ashfield attack & broke quickly. The ball landed at the feet of Clydebank`s Carr, who cut in and hit a low drive past McGovern, who got a hand to it but was unable to keep it out. It was harsh on the Ashfield keeper, who had an excellent match. The Bankies were delighted with the result at Full Time, taking the Sectional League now out of Ashfield`s own hands.

FULL TIME:- ASHFIELD F & A C 1 CLYDEBANK F C 2

Please click on the following link to see the Goals from the game: -

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=zUmQz289Xkc

Many Thanks to Clydebank FC for allowing us to view this video on our site. All the best.

Man of the Match:- Ian Murphy, a great Captain`s display
Attendance:- 200