Ashfield F & A C 3 Kilsyth Rangers 0, Saracen Park, Glasgow - Kick-Off 2pm


An emphatic win today for the Springburn team in blustery conditions takes Ashfield Football & Athletic Club to the top of the West SuperLeague First Division, which is a remarkable achievement considering 3 Seasons ago we were in the lowest league. New signing Del Carmichael opened the scoring after twenty minutes, with a blistering shot into the corner of net after great link up play with Paul Maxwell. Kilsyth had a strong wind behind them in the First Half but could not penetrate the Ashfield goal. Paul Maxwell and Tony Chalmers scored in the second half to take Ashfield to the top of the League.

The wind was howling around Saracen Park this afternoon as the teams ran on to the pitch. Kilsyth won the toss and elected to kick with the wind for the first half. Both teams had been in good form, so an entertaining game was anticipated. The early stages were cagey with both teams reluctant to open up. Ashfield had new signing Del Carmichael in their forward line which almost paid off after fifteen minutes. A nice one-two at the edge of the Kilsyth box resulted in Carmichael firing in a deflected shot which the 'Rangers' keeper tipped well just over the bar.

Kilsyth were also looking dangerous with their number 10 lively in the forward line but even against a strong wind, Ashfield looked the more dangerous going forward and the opening goal was scored after twenty minutes. Paul Maxwell picked the ball up on the left side and whipped over a cross to Carmichael, who's initial shot was blocked, but the big Striker had a second opportunity as it fell back to him and he made no mistake by firing it low in the corner of the net from ten yards out. Ashfield 1 Kilsyth Rangers 0.




HALF TIME:- ASHFIELD 1 KILSYTH RANGERS 0

Ashfield started the second half with the wind behind them and this paid off almost immediately when they were awarded a corner after fifty five minutes. Ali Martin whipped over a fierce corner to the near post area which was met by the head of Paul Maxwell. The ball flew high into the net from close range to give the 'Field' a great advantage. Ashfield 2 Kilsyth Rangers 0.




Ashfield were now in great command of this match and piled forward with every opportunity. Mark Thomson was having a great game in midfield supported by the eager Shaun Fraser. Kilsyth could not muster a fight back with every threatening ball being dealt with by Alan Smith, Gordon Passmore, Davie Gumley and Jamie Reilly at the back for the home team.

Ashfield maintained the pressure on Kilsyth and were rewarded after seventy five minutes. A long throw was delivered into the Kilsyth box in the range of Paul Maxwell, who tried to shield the ball but was covered by the arms of the Kilsyth Defender(above). Referee, McCrossan spotted the infringement straight away and awarded a penalty. Tony Chalmers stepped up and calmly wrong footed the Kilsyth goalkeeper to increase the 'Field's' lead. Ashfield 3 Kilsyth Rangers 0.



The match was virtually over at this stage but the home side still threatened the Kilsyth goal area. Craig Smith was brought on and almost scored after he was released down the right side before cutting in only to see his shot blocked from the Kilsyth keeper. Ali Martin then had the next effort as he cut in and unleashed a 'rocket' from twenty five yards that caught the cross bar and was cleared.

The remaining minutes were then played out without incident with Ashfield moving to the top of the table!!!.


FULL TIME:- ASHFIELD 3 KILSYTH RANGERS 0

Man of the Match:- A terrific team performance from the `field this afternoon with special mentions to Alan Smith, Mark Thomson, Jamie Reilly & to Del Carmichael for his first goal in the Black & White hoops, however for the third week running Paul `Maxi` Maxwell was a real handful to the oppostion back four scoring one and making two. Well done `Maxi` !!

Attendance:- 150

Photographs by:- Inga