Benburb 2 Ashfield F & A C 7, Tinto Park, Govan, Glasgow. Kick-Off 2pm

'What a game!!', that is the quote to describe today's ninety minutes at Tinto Park. Both teams played this match with attack firmly in their minds and a superb NINE goal thriller was witnessed by a reasonable crowd.

The sun was shining as the teams ran out on to the pitch with Benburb in their home strip of all blue and Ashfield in their change strip of all Red with white flashes. The match started and it was the home team that took a grip of the match straight away with the advantage of a strong wind, knocking the ball round and playing intricate passing moves with Ashfield unable to gain much of the ball.

Benburb created a chance after ten minutes when good passing resulted in their number 10 flashing a shot just wide of the Ashfield goal. This was a warning to Ashfield and this was even more evident when the 'Bens' took the lead after 16 minutes. A corner was awarded on the right hand side which was whipped in and met by Benburb's number 6 inside the six yard box who flicked the ball low past McGovern in the Ashfield goal. Benburb 1 Ashfield 0.

Ashfield then responded to this early set-back with Smith being sent through by Gault in the 23rd minute but the Benburb goalkeeper raced out and denied the tall striker by smothering the ball at his feet. Benburb still had the upper hand in this match and were denied by McGovern in the 30th minute when a free kick was fired in from 25 yards with the big Ashfield stopper saving well.

Ashfield slowly started to impose themselves in this match and they were rewarded after 39 minutes with a superbly worked equaliser. Ashfield were awarded a free kick on the half-way line, Thomson drilled in a head height cross to Alistair Martin at the edge of the box who flicked it over the Benburb Centre Half to an onrushing Craig Smith who held of his marker to nudge the ball past the 'Bens' goalie and into the net. Benburb 1 Ashfield 1.

A real boost for Ashfield as they had rarely threatened the Benburb goal until then. Half time was now fast approaching and it was Benburb who deservedly went into the changing rooms ahead when a long ball was played to the right hand side of the Ashfield area. Ashfield's Murphy went up for the aerial challenge with the ball breaking kindly to the Benburb number 9 who raced in on goal, side stepping McGovern and thrashing it low into the corner of the net. Benburb 2 Ashfield 1. A real blow for Ashfield especially as the referee blew instantly for half-time but the transformation in the 'Possil' outfit was about to be seen in the 2nd half.

HALF TIME: BENBURB 2 ASHFIELD 1

Ashfield Manager Stevie Rankin must have had a 'chat' to his players at half-time as Ashfield came out a different side in the second half. Benburb started well again for the first five minutes stroking the ball about but Ashfield had a different attitude and they soon took control of this League match. Thomson at the back for Ashfield was starting to move further forward and he played a lovely dinked 'chip' over the Benburb defence on the 54th minute to Craig Smith who sprinted towards goal and calmly despatched the ball low past the keeper to bring Ashfield level. Benburb 2 Ashfield 2.

Ashfield made an immediate change after this goal with last season`s top scorer Darren 'O'Donnell replacing Michael Tolland and this change paid off straight away with a brilliant third goal for Ashfield. A throw in was awarded to Ashfield on the right side of the Benburb area which Smith picked up, the striker delivered an inch perfect cross to the near post which was met by the onrushing O'Donnell who bulleted the ball high into the net with his first touch of the match to the ecstacy of the players, bench and supporters. Benburb 2 Ashfield 3.

Benburb now looked 'shell shocked' as Ashfield continued to pile forward and the 'field' amazingly scored again on the hour mark with an absolute 'cracker'. Ali Martin picked the ball up on the centre circle and played a pass to Thomson who brilliantly swivelled past two Benburb players before playing a short pass to Martin Gault. Gault renowned for his shooting took a touch and thrashed the ball from 25 yards out that fizzed through the air and crashed into the top corner of the net!!. A fantastic goal from 'Gaulty' that sent the large travelling support wild. Benburb 2 Ashfield 4.

Benburb tried to regain their composure but Ashfield were now rampant. Smith was causing havoc with his pace and was unlucky not to score again after 76mins. Ali Martin floated a pass to Smith who raced passed the 'Bens' defender and appeared to be pulled back but Smith to his credit never went down and stroked the ball across the goalmouth that just missed the onrushing O'Donnell. Ali Martin then flicked a free-kick just over the bar from 25 yards as the 'field' continued their onslaught.

Another goal was inevitable and it didn`t take long for this to happen. In the 85th minute Ashfield were awarded a corner which was sent in by Martin to the near post area, Thomson for Ashfield managed to beat the Benburb defender and flick the ball high into the net from close range to seal the three points. Benburb 2 Ashfield 5.

Ashfield were still not finished!, number six came shortly after with Smith again creating the goal. A pass was played to Smith 40 yards out who turned his marker before racing inside the Benburb box cutting the ball back to O'Donnell who composed himself and stroked the ball low into the corner of the net. Benburb 2 Ashfield 6.

Was six enough?...... no was the answer as Smith completed his hat-trick in the 88th minute when Martin fired a long pass over the Benburb defence. The Benburb goalkepper raced out to intercept but the ball bounced over his head and Smith smashed the ball into the empty net to complete an amazing second half come-back from Ashfield. Benburb 2 Ashfield 7.

This was an awesome attacking display from Ashfield against a good Benburb Team who had been well on top in the first half. Tinto Park will be a hard place for teams to take points from, and the `field should be delighted with this performance. This is the Ashfield`s seventh victory out of the their last nine visits to Benburb !
Thorniewood United are our visitors at Saracen Park next Saturday.
Well done the `field !!!!

FULL TIME: BENBURB 2 ASHFIELD 7

Man of the Match:- There were many candidates for today`s award. Gordon Passmore was outstanding at the back, `Thomo` was awesome in the Second Half and Darren O`Donnell showed his class when he came on , however Craig Smith produced the goods with a brilliant Hat-Trick and a couple of assists. Well done Craig !

Attendance:- 77

Photographs by:- Inga