Ashfield F & A C 4 Dunipace Juniors 2 - Saracen Park, Glasgow - Kick-Off 6.45pm

Ashfield took a break from their League Campaign and welcomed Dunipace Juniors to Saracen Park on a Cold night in Glasgow. Ashfield made five changes to the Team that played so well against Cumbernauld Utd, however found themselves up against a skilful and attacking Dunipace Side, who took the game to Ashfield straight from the start. A flurry of early corners from Dunipace were only partially cleared by a disjointed Ashfield defence and it came as no surprise when the `pace took the lead on the 14th Minute. Mark Andrews playing in the back four lost possession in a dangerous area and the `pace No 9 stroked the ball low and hard under the onrushing Stuart Aitchsion to put Dunipace ahead. Ashfield 0 Dunipace 1.

This goal gave the visiting Team confidence and before Ashfield had time to reorganise, Ashfield`s keeper produced a brilliant save low to his left. As the half wore on Ashfield gradually got into the match with Darren O`Donnell doing his best to spur on his team mates. The `field` should have been level after a mazy run from O`Donnell was swept across the goal for Paul Maxwell to put the ball in the net, however Referee Mr Tait disallowed the goal for Offside

. The game was an enjoyable spectacle now that Ashfield had come alive, however it was Dunipace that had most of the play in the first half. Just as it looked like the men in maroon would go in ahead at Half Time, Ashfield equalised. A long throw in from the right was missed by the Dunipace defence and Michael Tolland was first to react and lashed the ball into the top corner of the net to the relief of the Ashfield players, bench and support. Ashfield 1 Dunipace 1. It was a blow for a Dunipace side that had played so well, and never recovered from this setback.


HALF TIME:- ASHFIELD 1 DUNIPACE 1

Talk about the old cliche `a game of two halves` then this game was a prime example. Ashfield from the Kick-Off were a completely different team and produced an excellent attacking display which should have resulted in a larger victory. Darren O`Donnell showed his early intentions with a low shot that crept just past the post and shortly after he again picked the ball on the left and weaved into the box, only to be upended, with Mr Tait immediately pointing to the spot. The `Dazzler` dusted himself down & placed his penalty low and hard passed the `Pace keeper. Ashfield 2 Dunipace 1.

Ashfield had reorganised the midfield at Half time and Martin Gault was delivering some telling passes. Ashfield should have gone 3-1 up when Mick Tolland played the ball across the empty goal for the onrushing Davie Gumley who somehow missed from 3 yards out. Gumley, who put in a really good shift on the left of Midfield, tried all night to get on the Scoresheet unfortunately to no avail however this was a big let off for the Dunipace side.

Two minutes later however and Ashfield were 3-1 up. A lovely through ball to Paul Maxwell, who raced in on goal before despatching a superb volley into the corner of the net. A brilliant goal ! Ashfield 3 Dunipace 1.

Shortly after that Ashfield threatened to go nap as they hit the woodwork on two separate occasions - both from headed efforts from Paul Maxwell. In the 78th Minute Ashfield eventually got their fourth after another through ball from midfield found top scorer Tony Chalmers who lashed the ball high past the `pace keeper and in off the underside of the bar. Ashfield 4 Dunipace 1.

After this goal the `field made a number of substitutes but that wasn`t the end of the scoring in the match as Dunipace scored an excellent goal on the 90th Minute. The `pace number 9 who caused Ashfield problems all night got away from Murphy inside the box and placed an unstoppable shot into the roof of the Ashfield net. Ashfield 4 Dunipace 2. That was the end of the scoring in a highly entertaining and sporting Match. Dunipace visit Saracen Park on League Business shortly and a repeat of this type of match would be welcomed.

FULL TIME:- ASHFIELD 4 DUNIPACE 2

Man of the Match:- Darren O`Donnell was outstanding throughout and deserved to score more on the night.

Attendance:- 75

Photographs by:- Inga - A selection of pics from this match can be seen here PLEASE CLICK