Ashfield F & A C 3 St Mirren 2, Saracen Park, Glasgow - Kick-Off 2pm

Ashfield scored three excellent goals to ensure victory in this Pre-Season Friendly at Saracen Park this afternoon. A double, expertedly taken by Paul Maxwell and a brave winner by new signing Craig Smith ensured a winning start to Ashfield`s 2008-09 Season. St Mirren, who were well organised, showed excellent play throughout the Match and contributed enormously to this sporting Match.



Ashfield appeared in their away strip of all Red, with St Mirren in the traditional Black & White stripes as both teams took to the field with St Mirren being presented with a gift from Ashfield to commemorate the fixture. Ashfield were without numerous key players due to holidays and injury but the Possilpark Oufit came out the starting blocks like a bullet. Paul Maxwell and Craig Smith in the forward line were causing early problems to the St Mirren defence with Ryan Cairley in Midfield pulling the strings and it was Ashfield that opened the scoring after approx 9 minutes when the ball sat up kindly for Paul Maxwell to volley from approx 20 yards that beat the goalkeeper to his right and crashed in off the post. Ashfield 1 St Mirren 0.

This early goal did not upset St Mirren as they pushed forward at every opportunity playing some silky moves that opened up the Ashfield back 4 only denied by last gasp saves from McGovern in the Ashfield goal.



However, Ashfield were also playing some great football with Craig Smith darting in and out the St Mirren defence and the 'field' took full advantage of this by increasing their lead after approx 20 mins. A floating cross was sent over to the right hand side of the St Mirren box which was met by recent signing Alistair Martin who volleyed the ball back across the box to an onrushing Paul Maxwell who thrashed the ball high with his left foot into the St Mirren net. A fabulous goal!. Ashfield 2 St Mirren 0.

St Mirren came back fighting for the remainder of the half and deservedly reduced the deficit with a well worked goal. a long ball played from the back was not dealt with by the Ashfield defence and Rhys Devlin calmly controlled the ball down before despatching it low which beat McGovern's left hand and into the net. Ashfield 2 St Mirren 1.

The game then went from end-to-end with both teams playing some sparkling football in a very competitive match and eventually the referee blew for half time.

HALF TIME: ASHFIELD 2 ST MIRREN 1

St Mirren had obviously received a jolt at half time from their coach as 30 seconds after kick off they levelled the match with a great goal. A long ball was delivered to the St Mirren forward who flicked the ball on to Jon McShane who went 1-on-1 with McGovern but the tall striker slid the ball low under him and into the net. Ashfield 2 St Mirren 2.

This goal put Ashfield under pressure as St Mirren came forward in waves but Reilly, Passmore, Ritchie and Andrews battled hard and weathered the storm. Ashfield should have gone ahead after 60mins when Maxwell played Craig Smith through on the St Mirren goalkeeper - Smith outpaced the St Mirren Centre half but drilled his shot narrowly wide of the goal.

Great credit to the St Mirren goalkeeper as he narrowed the angle. Cairley and Gumley were playing well in the midfield area and after approx. 70 mins Ashfield sneeked ahead with a great goal scored by Ashfield`s new signing Craig Smith. A free kick was awarded to Ashfield which was floated to the left hand side of the St Mirren box. This was met by Paul Maxwell who brilliantly headed the ball down to Craig Smith inside the 6 yard box. Smith bravely flicked the ball to the St Mirren goalkeepers left and in the corner of the net. No more than Smith deserved as he ran his heart out all day. Ashfield 3 St Mirren 2.

St Mirren never gave up and delivered some wicked crosses into the Ashfield box however Passmore and Cross dealt with the threats admirably. With time running out both teams created half chances and St Mirren could/should have been awarded a penalty when Craig Molloy was pushed by an Ashfield defender in the box with 10 minutes to go. The referee blew his final whistle and a superb pre-season game was ended.

FINAL SCORE:- ASHFIELD 3 ST MIRREN 2



Man of the Match:- A very hard choice with Paul Maxwell outstanding and all the team superb but Young Craig Smith in the Ashfield forward Line had a game to remember, capped off by scoring the winning goal.

Attendance:- 110

Photographs by:- Inga

More Photos to view for this match on the following link: Ashfield v St Mirren Photo Gallery