Cambuslang Rangers 1 Ashfield F & A C 1 , Somervell Park, Cambuslang, Glasgow. Kick-Off 2pm

It was the first time that these teams had met since a Central League Cup Tie in 2001 when Ashfield left Somervell Park with a victory after winning on penalty kicks. This was an eagerly awaited match from two `In-Form` teams and the large crowd were not disappointed, especially in the First half when both sides had a `real go` at each other.

The teams ran out with overcast skies above with the 'Lang' in their traditional strip of all blue with Ashfield reverting to an all black with white flashes strip sponsored by City Building LLP. The match started at a frantic pace with both teams looking to play passing football and it only took two minutes for the first chance to be created. Good link up play by the hosts resulted in Mackay in the Ashfield goal blocking a shot from 15 yards with his legs. Ashfield then responded after eight minutes when good wing play from Ali Martin resulted in O'Donnell crashing in a header at the back post which was brilliantly saved by the Cambuslang keeper from close range.

The game had started at great pace with both sides creating chances every time they went forward. Ashfield should have opened the scoring after eleven minutes when O'Donnell was left one-on-one with the keeper but the normal prolific scorer tried to 'lob' the keeper and it went wide of the post. Craig Smith had the next chance for the 'field' after fifteen minutes with Martin Gault passing to Smith who turned on the speed to race past his marker only to see his shot saved by the 'lang' keeper.

Smith was causing havoc in the Cambuslang defence and almost scored after eighteen minutes when he picked up the ball 40 yards out and flicked the ball past the onrushing defender. Smith sped like a 'rocket' and managed to beat his marker with his awesome pace before cutting inside the Cambuslang box only to see his shot slip wide of the near post.

Cambuslang responded after this Ashfield onslaught and were unfortunate not to open the scoring after twenty minutes when a corner was delivered into the Ashfield which was met by the 'lang' forward but his header was cleared off the line by an alert Sean Carberry.

Both teams were really going for the victory. Ryan Cairley was beaverish in midfield and Jamie Reilly was commanding the Ashfield defence, mopping up any forward advances from Cambuslang and also providing his surging runs that he is renowned for. Sean Carberry was also having a splendid match at left back, moving forward at every opportunity and linking well with the midfield trio.

Referee Tait blew his whistle for half time with a large crowd applauding the teams off the park in what was a pulsating 45 minutes despite the goalless scoreline.

HALF TIME: CAMBUSLANG RANGERS 0 ASHFIELD 0

As the fans drank their bovrils and ate their pies, the teams emerged for the second half with the rain and wind driving down onto Somervell Park. Ashfield now had a wind advantage and this was clear to see straight from the kick off with Ashfield taking command of the game but the Cambuslang defence were hard to break down. Ashfield had the first real chance of the second half after fifty minutes when a free kick was awarded to the 'field' approx 25 yards out. Mark Thomson stepped up but blasted his effort high over the bar.

Cambuslang then started to take the game to Ashfield and almost broke the deadlock after sixty minutes after good play on the left hand side of the Ashfield area resulted in a cross which was met by No 10 who bulleted his header goalwards which was saved by Mackay and thumped to safety by Jamie Reilly virtually on the goalline. The large home support did not have long to wait as Cambuslang opened the scoring after sixty four minutes. Neat play in Midfield saw a ball sprayed through the Ashfield defence which was met by Ashfield's Ian Murphy but unfortunately the Ashfield legend under immense pressure tried to clear the ball to safety only to see his effort bounce over Mackay and it trundled into the Ashfield net with Mackay trying his best to claw it back. Cambuslang 1 Ashfield 0.

Ashfield now had it all to do with Cambuslang pushing forward and causing Ashfield concern but again Reilly and Carberry were marshalling the Ashfield defence and thwarting every attack. It was clear to see that Ashfield were going to find it hard to gain anything from this match but Martin Gault had other ideas as the 'field' equalised with fifteen minutes remaining. A cross was played into the 'lang' area which was not dealt with properly and the ball fell to O'Donnell who slid a short pass to Martin Gault twelve yards out. The Midfielder smashed the ball low and hard past the despairing dive of the Cambuslang keeper and into the net!. Another truly fantastic goal from Gault. Cambuslang 1 Ashfield 1.

Both teams now went for the three points with heads turning from end to end in the crowd. Cambuslang almost snatched the winner in injury time but Mackay in the Ashfield goal got down well to palm to safety. Referee Tait again brought the procedings to and end with a draw a fair result but both teams will be wishing that they had taken their chances in the first half.


FULL TIME: CAMBUSLANG RANGERS 1 ASHFIELD 1

Man of the Match:- Mackay in the Ashfield goal was excellent today along with Carberry and Cairley but again JAMIE REILLY was superb. He kept the Ashfield defence together and his timely challenges were vital to obtaining an important point.

Attendance:- Approx 220

Photographs by:- Inga, more pics can be seen on my Gallery page on the following link: Cambuslang Rangers v Ashfield Gallery Pics