Ashfield F & A C 2 Johnstone Burgh 4 , Saracen Park, Glasgow - Kick-Off 1.45pm

The Weather held up for today`s Stagecoach Central League Division 1 encounter as the teams entered the field. Johnstone Burgh in their traditional Red and White attire with Ashfield also in their traditional Black and White Hoops. The playing surface was good considering the recent cold snap and it was the visitors that took a hold of the match in the early encounters. The 'Burgh' forced a corner after 4 minutes and were unfortunate not to take an early lead as a glancing header was cleared to safety by Ryan Cairley. Johnstone Burgh kept pressing forward and again almost scored after 8 minutes when another corner was conceded by Ashfield. The resultant kick was again met by a Johnstone Player at the back post but this time the effort was thwarted by Jamie Reilly for Ashfield.

The Weather then took a turn for the worst as the heavens opened along with strong swirling winds. Ashfield started to make an impact in the game with Craig Smith linking up well with Ali Martin but it was Johnstone Burgh that took a deserved lead after 11mins. A throw in was awarded deep in Ashfield territory. The 'Burgh' player trapped the ball and swung in a long high cross into the Ashfield box which was not attacked by the Ashfield rear-guard. Johnstone Burgh's number 8 had different ideas as he sneaked in and headered the ball hard to Mackay's right hand side and into the net. A very soft goal to concede from Ashfield's point of view. Ashfield 0 Johnstone Burgh 1.

This early set-back was met positively by Ashfield as they pressed forward and almost equalised after 15minutes. A corner was whipped in by Mick Tolland to the near post which was flicked on and cleared off the line to Mark Thomson who thrashed a shot goalwards from 8 yards but was well blocked by the defender. This seemed to be the start of an Ashfield surge but it was the visitors that scored again shortly after to increase their lead. A long ball was played to the Johnstone striker who controlled well and unleashed a shot which was blocked by Mark Thomson. The deflected effort fell kindly to his fellow striker 10 yards out who slid the ball under an onrushing Mackay to make it 2-0. Ashfield 0 Johnstone Burgh 2.

This was a real blow to Ashfield but the Black and White Hoops came back strongly with Ryan Cairley firing over from 20 yards after a knock down from Mark Thomson. Ashfield kept the pressure on and were rewarded with a lovely goal from Ali Martin on the half hour mark. Ashfield were awarded a free kick 25 yards on the right hand side area, Martin placed the ball down and deceived everyone by firing a quick shot low and hard that bounced just before the impressive 'Burgh' keeper and into the corner of the net. Ashfield 1 Johnstone Burgh 2.

This was the goal that Ashfield needed as they now poured forward. The equaliser was now in the 'field's' grasp and it looked as if this would happen in the 35th minute with Mike Tolland weaving past his marker and squaring the ball to Tony Chalmers inside the Johnstone box. Chalmers steadied himself but his left foot attempt drifted wide of the 'Burgh' post from 10 yards. This was not the end of the Ashfield pressure as two minutes later Craig Smith was sent through on goal only to see his shot brilliantly blocked by the Johnstone Keeper.

As Half Time approached Ashfield kept the pressure on with Chalmers firing a shot into the side netting from 20 yards. The Referee blew for Half Time to the relief of everyone in the stadium as the Weather was now making an impact to the match.


HALF TIME: ASHFIELD 1 JOHNSTONE BURGH 2

The crowd huddled in the main stand as the teams appeared for the Second Half with the rain hammering down on the Saracen Turf with Ashfield appearing in a different set of Black and White Hooped tops due to the horrendous conditions. The Possil outfit were looking to continue their pressure prior to the half time interval but this was quickly dampened when a long ball was played into the Ashfield area only to see Mark Thomson slice the ball high past his Goal Keeper which eventually trundled into the Ashfield net. Ashfield 1 Johnstone Burgh 3.

This was a real set back for the home side and to be fair never really recovered from this as Johnstone gained confidence and caused the Ashfield defence problems. Ashfield tried to make inroads into the 'Burgh' defence but they stood firm and were lively whenever they broke forward. The game was drifting from end to end but Johnstone Burgh made it 4-1 after 60minutes. A Free Kick was floated high into the Ashfield area which AGAIN was not met by the home side. Mackay in the Ashfield goal was hesitant as the ball was met by the foot of the Johnstone Player who slashed the ball low under the Ashfield Stopper. A real gift of a goal!. Ashfield 1 Johnstone Burgh 4.

Ashfield now made numerous changes which seemed to strengthen the team and incredibly Johnstone Burgh started to lose their discipline. Ali Martin picked the ball up in the Midfield area and was crudely brought down by his marker. The referee, who was very good all afternoon, had no option but to deliver a straight red card to the Johnstone Burgh player. This should have really 'sparked' the Ashfield team but the 'Burgh' maintained a solid back-line to dismiss any Ashfield attacks.

Mackay in the Ashfield goal then had to produce some fine quality saves to deny the energetic Johnstone forwards. Ashfield then were given a life line with 15minutes to go when a Tolland Shot was blocked by a Johnstone arm and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Ali Martin stepped up and stroked the ball low into the net to give the 'Field' some hope. Ashfield 2 Johnstone Burgh 4. Darren O'Donnell should have made it 4-3 in the dying minutes after neat play from Chalmers but his shot bobbled up and was cleared to safety.

The Referee looked at his watch and blew for the end of the match in now horrific weather conditions. Both teams must be credited for playing in those awful conditions today and for producing a very good end to end match. Ashfield will be disappointed to lose at home in this extremely competitive League, however Johnstone Burgh, after a shaky start to the season will be tough opponents for most of the teams in the Stagecoach Central League Division 1.

FULL TIME: ASHFIELD 2 JOHNSTONE BURGH 4

Man of the Match:- Ashfield Players tried everything this afternoon but nothing came their way. Jamie Reilly was excellent at the back, Cairley battled in Midfield but although he scored an own goal Mark Thomson is the Ashfield MOTM this week. He was strong throughout the match and never gave in

Attendance:- Approx. 60

Photographs by:- Inga