Ashfield F & A C 1 Thorniewood United 2, Saracen Park, Glasgow. Kick-Off 2pm


A disappointing result for Ashfield this afternoon as they came unstuck against a very determined Thorniewood United Team. Ashfield were favourites going into the game, however straight from the `off` it was clear to see that the newly promoted Team were going to cause Ashfield problems. All the goals came in the second half, with Thorniewood taking the lead on the 66th Minute. This was only shortlived and Ashfield equalised from the Spot after Darren O`Donnell had been brought down in the box. Ashfield`s goal came shortly after the visitors were reduced to 10 men after a horrendous challenge on Mark Thomson.
Thorniewood, to their credit, did not let this affect them and they came back strongly at Ashfield and scored in the 78th minute with a looping header.

Ashfield came out sporting a different strip of White Tops and Black shorts and were on the `back foot` straight from the kick-Off. It was evident early on that Thorniewood had a big height advantage, especially in the middle of the park, and were extremely dangerous from some early corners. As the half wore on Ashfield started to play more like themselves with Darren o`Donnell at the heart of all the good play. Firstly narrowly missing the goal after a deflection took the ball over the `wood keeper and inches past the post and also playing in Craig Smith who was through one-on-one only to see his effort thwarted by a last ditch tackle. Ashfield had a number of corners in the first half however none of them caused the visitors defence too much trouble. The Thorniewood keeper looked a formidable opponent today, again denying Craig Smith with an excellent left handed save. The half finished without incident and the `field knew they were in a game.

HALF TIME:- ASHFIELD 0 THORNIEWOOD UTD 0

The game mirrored the first half with Thorniewood starting the brighter team and just as Ashfield were beginning to assert their authority, the visitors broke well and were initially denied by some strong tackling in the Ashfield defence, however the ball broke out to the `Wood no 3 at the edge of the box and he despatched a low shot past Stevie McGovern. Ashfield 0 Thorniewood Utd 1. This goal spurred on Ashfield and they went close twice, when Kevin Miller weaved his way into the box, only to see his shot blocked by the `Wood keeper and also Alan `Spider` Smith had a netbound effort cleared by the Keeper.

The game exploded a minute later when the right back of Thorniewood `went through` Mark Thomson of Ashfield, a tackle which saw a number of players become involved. Once the `dust` had settled a red card was shown to the Thorniewood defender, but more importantly Mark Thomson was able to resume his duties after about 5 minutes. This seemed to galvanise Ashfield and shortly after Darren O`Donnell was brought down in the box for a stone-wall penalty. The award was again taken expertly by Alistair Martin and the `field were level. Ashfield 1 Thorniewood Utd 1.

This should have been the moment for Ashfield to `up their game` and ensure the points would be staying at Saracen, however for some reason, it was Thorniewood to their credit with 10 men that put the pressure on Ashfield and after a couple of `let-off`s`, Ashfield found themselves 2-1 down. A long throw-in was delivered into the Ashfield box and connected with a `Wood attacker and his looping header found the corner of the net to the delight of the travelling support. Ashfield 1 Thorniewood Utd 2

Ashfield `huffed` and `puffed` and despite applying pressure were unable to break the visitors again. On the 90th Minute however Ashfield were awarded a Free-Kick which was drilled by Mark Thomson only to see his net bound effort brilliantly saved by the `Wood keeper. The Referee brought proceedings to an end shortly after and the `Wood took the points. A real blow for Ashfield who also lost Ryan Cairley for a second bookable offence with 10 minutes to go.

FULL TIME:- ASHFIELD 1 THORNIEWOOD UTD 2



Man of the Match:- Darren O`Donnell was at the heart of Ashfield`s good play this afternoon.

Attendance:- 65

Photographs by:- Inga, More Pictures can be seen of this Game on the Gallery: Please click the link, Ashfield v Thorniewood Gallery Pics