Ashfield F & A C 1 Dunipace 1 , Westfield Park, Denny - Kick-Off 4pm (Final)
(Ashfield won 6-5 on Penalties)

Ashfield eventually overcame a very well organised Dunipace Team to lift the George Hunter Trophy at a blustery Westfield Park this afternoon. The Match ended all square with Alan `Spider` Smith cancelling out Dunipace`s first half lead to take the game into Penalties with the `field eventually winning 6-5.

Both Teams graced the turf wearing their changed strips and it was the `field that had the first chance after early exchanges. Bert Wright out on the left, cut in and unleashed a drive which narrowly missed the post. In the 9th minute Ashfield carved their next chance with Craig Smith eventually breaking clear of his markers to drive the ball into the side net.

However for the next period of time it was the hosts Dunipace that had the bulk of the forward play and Stevie McGovern in the Ashfield goal had to be alert in the 17th Minute to block a shot after neat interchanging passes from the Dunipace front two. In the 22nd Minute Ashfield had a let off when the `pace No 9 drove narrowly wide, however the same player made no mistake 4 minutes later running through to collect a pass from Midfield and placing the ball past the advancing McGovern to put the Home Side 1-0 up. Dunipace 1 Ashfield 0.

Ashfield tried hard to force their way into the Match however found the Dunipace rearguard `a tough nut to crack` with Tony Chalmers on the right hand side coming the closest for the visitors. The `field had a let-off when Michael McCafferty almost doubled the home side`s lead when the `pace No 11 drove the ball from 20 yards out against the base of the Ashfield post. Ashfield however should have gone into the Interval on level terms after Alan`Spider` Smith missed a sitter from 5 yards out with the goal gaping. The Big Centre Half almost scored his 3rd Goal in 2 days however he miscued his shot after a lovely flick on from Paul Maxwell.


HALF TIME:- DUNIPACE 1 ASHFIELD 0

Ashfield started the Second Half in attacking mode and should have been level on the 48th Minute when Captain Mark Thomson played the ball through to Craig Smith. The prolific Centre Forward however on this occasion skewed his shot wide of the target to the relief of the home support.

Ashfield were more in control this half but couldn`t make the breakthrough and it was the hosts who almost increased their lead with a well driven Free Kick which went narrowly past the post. In the 73rd Minute Ashfield hauled themselves level and it was a cracker of a goal from Alan Smith. A long throw in from Mark Thomson on the right broke to the Centre Half and with his back to goal he swivelled & hooked the ball into the corner of the net to the delight of the travelling support. Dunipace 1 Ashfield 1.

This was a great goal from Ashfield as the Dunipace defence had been in excellent form throughout. The `field piled on the pressure now and the `pace Goalkeeper produced a tremendous save with 15 minutes left. A corner delivered into the box was controlled by Mark Thomson with his back to goal - the Ashfield captain produced a scissor-kick volley which was heading into the roof of the net before being tipped over.

Both teams pressed forward at every opportunity to try and find a winner but to no avail and the Referee brought proceedings to an end with the Tournament being decided on penalty kicks.
The Penalties produced an exciting end with both sides missing chances to win however in the end it was Ashfield who triumphed 6-5 to take the George Hunter Trophy.

FULL TIME:- DUNIPACE 1 ASHFIELD 1 (ASHFIELD WIN 6-5 ON PENALTIES)



Man of the Match:- Tony Chalmers ran his socks off this afternoon however special mention also to Alan `Spider` Smith for his 3 goals in the Tournament

Attendance:- Approx. 100

Photographs by:- Inga