Ashfield F & A C 4 Cumbernauld United 3 , Saracen Park, Glasgow. Kick-Off 1.45pm

Both teams served up an `absolute cracker` of a Match at Saracen Park this afternoon with the `field eventually coming out on top in this seven goal thriller. Games between these two sides have always been close affairs in the past and this was no exception, however it looked like it would be straight forward for the `field as they found themselves 2-0 up early in the first half.



Ashfield welcomed Cumbernauld Utd to Saracen Park looking to extend their unbeaten run to 9 games and were sporting their all Black Strip with white flashes. Cumbernauld secured their first League win of the season last week against Benburb and were looking to build on this, however after a bright opening, it was Ashfield who opened the scoring on their first foray up the park. Craig Smith picked the ball up just inside his own half and darted down the right wing, cutting in at the edge of the box and hitting a low drive into the far corner of the net. Ashfield 1 Cumbernauld Utd 0. A great start for the `field who then took control of the game for the next 10 minutes and went further ahead on 12 minutes. A brilliant through ball to Smith from Martin Gault was driven low and hard across the six yard box for the onrushing Darren O`Donnell who scrambled the ball home for his 6th goal of the season to the delight of the home support. Ashfield 2 Cumbernauld Utd 0


Cumbernauld Utd to their credit did not let these setbacks affect them and they tried hard to reduce the deficit. After some good interlinking forward play they were denied by Ian MacKay in the Ashfield goal on the 26th Minute, who palmed a netbound effort round the post. From the resultant corner, Cumbernauld pulled a goal back with a glancing header which hit the top corner of the net past the despairing hands of the Ashfield keeper. Ashfield 2 Cumbernauld Utd 1. It was game on now and after looking comfortable Ashfield now had a real battle on their hands.

Ashfield responded well and almost went further ahead on the half hour mark after a deflected free-kick from Ali Martin found Craig Smith on the edge of the six yard box and his cross was met by Jamie Reilly who hit the side-netting. Nine minutes later and Ashfield Midfielder Martin Gault almost increased his tally for the Season when the ball broke to him from an Ali Martin Cross, however his shot went narrowly over. Just as Ashfield thought they were taking a lead into the interval they were stopped in their tracks by an absolute screamer of a goal from the Cumbernauld No 8. The ball broke out to the visitors midfielder in the 45th Minute and his shot from 25 yards hit the underside of the bar before bouncing back up into the roof of the net. Ashfield 2 Cumbernauld Utd 2. This was a real blow for Ashfield and would give Cumbernauld a massive lift going into the Second Half.

HALF TIME:- ASHFIELD 2 CUMBERNAULD UTD 2

Cumbernauld had obviously gained confidence from the equaliser and started the Second Half the brighter team almost taking the lead from the Kick-Off. A through ball found two Cumbernauld forwards in the clear and in space however were denied by the feet of Ian MacKay in the Ashfield goal, who produced a similar save last week against Cambuslang. Ashfield were beginning to struggle and almost fell behind after a netbound shot was deflected over by Gordon Passmore.

This warning was not heeded and Cumbernauld took the lead in the 58th Minute after good work inside the box resulted in a clipped shot hitting again the underside of the bar and into the Ashfield net to the delight of the travelling support. Ashfield 2 Cumbernauld Utd 3. This was a massive blow to the `field and changes were made with Stevie Martin, Davie Gumley & Alan `Spider` Smith coming on to try and rescue the game. The game was getting tousy at this stage and the Referee was looking for any opportunity to `flash` his Cards, booking players for every foul. The Cumbernauld No 6 fell foul of the Referee on the 65th Minute and was dismissed for a second offence. This gave Ashfield the impetus and Darren O`Donnell went close after good work by Stevie Martin. In the 75th Minute this duo produced Ashfield`s equaliser. Stevie Martin was a terrier in midfield and smashed a volley from 20 yards out which hit the underside of the bar only to break out to Darren O`Donnell who lashed the rebound into the net. Ashfield 3 Cumbernauld Utd 3.

Ashfield had their `tails up` and could sense victory and almost went ahead 10 minutes to go when the ball fell to top Scorer Ali Martin however his shot was sliced wide to the relief of the visitors defence. This relief was only short lived as the `field went ahead on the 82nd Minute. A lovely delivered corner by Ali Martin was met by Craig Smith in the crowded box and his downward header was palmed into the roof of the net by the Cumbernauld keeper. Jubilant scenes ensued and this goal could be a very important one come the end of the season. Ashfield 4 Cumbernauld Utd 3.

This amazing game was not finished there and it was the visitors who almost snatched a dramatic equaliser when the ball broke to the No11, and the impressive forward battered the ball against the junction of the bar and post and out to safety. The Referee brought proceedings to an end shortly after and Ashfield will be delighted to take maximum points. It was hard on Cumbernauld, who should climb the League and cause teams problems on the evidence of this game.

Man of the Match:- Many candidates in the Home Team, Stevie Martin, Davie Gumley & Alan Smith made a big impact when they came on & Darren O`Donnell worked his socks off up front, however Craig Smith won the game for Ashfield today with his 2 goals, 1 assist and unbelievable pace. Well done Smiddy !!!

Attendance:- Approx. 100

Photographs by:- Inga, more pics can be seen on my Gallery page on the following link: Ashfield v Cumbernauld Gallery Pics