Blantyre Victoria F C 2 Ashfield F & A C 5, Castle Park, Blantyre.

Ashfield headed to Castle Park, Blantyre for the first meeting of the teams for two seasons - last match Ashfield came out 3-1 winners, however Blantyre went on to gain promotion that season. Ashfield playing in their away strip of white tops & black shorts made one change to the Team that drew with the `Ants` - Captain Murphy coming in for Michael Tolland.

Both teams made bright starts & the front two of Ashfield, Chalmers & Maxwell, were linking well, however with their first foray up field Blantyre scored an excellent goal after good wing play on the left. This goal kick-started Ashfield and `the `field drew level on 14 minutes. A lovely inswinging cross from Mark Thomson was met by Paul Maxwell, who guided his header into the corner of the net to the delight of the bench & travelling support. Six minutes later Ashfield were ahead. A corner on the left seemed to have been dealt with by the Vics defence, however Referee McCrossan spotted an infringement & pointed to the Spot. A rather soft decision it must be said. However Joe Tartaglia despatched the penalty to the Goalkeepers right and Ashfield were ahead. Ashfield continued to press for long periods in the first half, with Tony Chalmers causing alarm in the Vics defence. Kevin Miller was having an outstanding match in the middle of the park for Ashfield. Blantyre Vics were equally dangerous in attack, however were falling foul of some Refereeing decisions resulting in yellow cards.



HALF TIME:- BLANTYRE VICS 1 ASHFIELD F & A C 2

Ashfield made a whirlwind start to the Second Half and within 52 minutes of the match led 4-1. In the 48th Minute Joe Tartaglia burst through the Blantyre defence cutting the ball back for Tony Chalmers to slam into the empty net. 3 Minutes later & Ashfield were awarded a further penalty. A long throw-in from Mark Thomson, resulted in the Vics Centre Back pushing `Maxi` off the ball. No doubt about the award this time. Just before Joe Tartgalia stepped up for the penalty, a Blantyre midfielder fell fowl of Mr McCrossan & was given a straight `red` for something he said. Anyway Big Joe lashed the ball against the Goalkeepers legs but made amends with the rebound to put Ashfield 4-1 up.
Both teams made a couple of changes, with Ashfield making an enforced one after Maxwell was injured in a collision with a Vics defender. Alex Smith went up front for the last 20 minutes. Blantyre, to their credit, continued to play good football & were awarded a penalty 16 minutes from time, after Garscadden infringed just inside the box. The Vics No 10 scored his second of the game to put Ashfield under pressure in the closing stages. Thomson, Murphy & Jamie Reilly dealt comfortably with the Vics attacks, and in the 90th Minute a shot from Tony Chalmers was deflected into the path of substitute Michael Tolland, who headed home from 3 yards out to finish the scoring for the day.
An excellent result for Ashfield, in what was a very entertaining match, and things are looking very promising for the weeks ahead. Ashfield now up to 4th in the table and welcome high flying Glencairn to Saracen Park next Saturday in what looks like a cracker !

FULL TIME:- BLANTYRE VICS 2 ASHFIELD F & A C 5

Man of the Match:- A great effort from all of the Ashfield Team, however scoring two & making one, gives Joe Tartaglia this week`s accolade.
Attendance:- 76