Ashfield F & A C 1 Yoker Athletic 0 , Saracen Park, Glasgow - Kick-Off 6.30pm

Ashfield won an entertaining and bruising encounter this evening at Saracen Park to qualify for the Quarter Finals of the Sectional League Cup. This is the first time since the 1988-89 season that the `field have won the Section. Martin Gault`s shot on the 20th Minute secured the three points and Ashfield finished ahead of Clydebank on goal difference.
Both sides graced the Ashfield turf wearing their traditional strips, Ashfield in their black and white hoops and Yoker in their all blue kit. Yoker started the match with a strong wind behind them and the Ashfield back-line were dealing with an aerial battle straight from the kick-off. Yoker had clearly set out their strategy to play the `long ball `into the Ashfield box from all angles and exploit their clear height advantage.

Steven McGovern, Mark Thomson, Sean Carberry, Jamie Reilly and Ian Murphy at the back for Ashfield had other ideas as they matched the aerial assault and in particular, Mark Thomson was having a superb match for the 'field'. Ashfield hit back on the counter attack and Tony Chalmers almost made the break-through with a bending shot from 25 yards out that went narrowly over.

Shortly afterwards the deadlock was broken by Ashfield midfielder Martin Gault ,scoring the only goal of the game. Alistair Martin was released by Ryan Cairley on the left wing, who whipped in a cross intended for Paul Maxwell, however the ball broke to Martin Gault at the back post who smashed it high past the Yoker keeper from an acute angle. Another brilliant and vital goal from `Gaulty` who really 'packs a punch' with his shooting. Ashfield 1 Yoker 0.

Yoker continued to cause concern with the amount of crosses, corners and throw-ins that were being sent into the Ashfield box and should have pulled level just before half-time. After the `field conceded another corner there was an almighty `stramash` which resulted in the ball being sent high over the cross bar from approx 6 yards out to the relief of the home support.

HALF TIME: ASHFIELD 1 YOKER ATH 0

The second half started in similar fashion with the whey`ho aerially bombarding the Ashfield box at every opportunity. Ashfieldl remained solid and were producing some excellent play, with Carberry and Martin linking up well. Yoker then made three quick substitutions and brought on `taller` players than were already on the pitch.
The pace of the game increased as both sides realised the importance of this match. Ashfield had to scramble away a Yoker attack on the hour mark after a long throw was flicked on only to see the boot of the Ashfield Captain Thomson clearing it from the danger zone.

Stevie Rankin, the Ashfield Manager, then introduced Craig Smith to the match and the forward immediately made an impact by using his electric pace to close down the Yoker defence. After approx 80mins Ashfield could have been awarded a penalty kick when a long ball was played over the Yoker defence to Craig Smith who seemed to be clipped as he was about to 'pull the trigger' however the Referee thought that the tackle was legitimate.

Ashfield, nearing a memorable victory, almost lost out as Yoker had a brilliant chance with 5mins to go when a cross was played into the Ashfield box. Big `Gov` when trying to puch was met by numerous players challenging for the same ball. The ball broke down to the Yoker player approx 15 yards out and his overhead kick smashed onto the underside of the crossbar and was then thumped to safety by Mark Thomson. A real let-off for the 'field' at such an important stage of the game.

Ashfield then battled for the last few minutes against a very impressive Yoker team with Paul Maxwell at the heart of every challenge. The Referee finally blew for full time and the news filtered through that Clydebank had beaten Perthshire but not by the goal tally they needed. Ashfield now face the holders Glencairn in the Quarter Finals on Wednesday at Saracen Park in what should be another 'cracker'!!.

FULL TIME: ASHFIELD 1 YOKER ATH 0

Man of the Match:- Every player in the Ashfield team battled tonight but the real stand-out was Mark Thomson who not only competed brilliantly in the air but also played some telling passes over the Yoker defence.

Attendance:- 100

Photographs by:- Inga, more pics will be available shortly in the Gallery, check back soon.....