Cumbernauld United 3 Ashfield F & A C 2, Guy Meadow, Cumbernauld - Kick-Off 2pm

Ashfield travelled to Cumbernauld this afternoon to try and gain valuable points in the league campaign. The 'Field' were looking to build on the past two weeks excellent performances against Super League opponents Irvine Meadow and Glenafton.

The skies were overcast with occasional showers as the teams entered the turf of Guy Meadow Park. Cumbernauld were in their home kit of light purple and blue with Ashfield reverting to White tops, Black shorts with Black and White hooped socks. The game started with Ashfield looking the sharper side and a penalty shout was dismissed by the Referee after only five minutes as Paul Maxwell looked to be upended in the box as he past his marker. Cumbernauld seemed to waken up after this early scare and pressed forward with their strikers looking speedy against a very tall and physical Ashfield defence.
The home side continued to pressurise and scored the opening goal of the match after fifteen minutes. Nice play in Midfield resulted in Ali Brown weaving his way past the Ashfield defence before sliding an unstoppable shot low across Prior in the Ashfield goal. Cumbernauld Utd 1 Ashfield 0.

This was a setback for the visitors but they did not let this upset them as Craig Smith almost equalised after twenty five minutes with a shot from ten yards which was brilliantly tipped over the bar by the impressive Cumbernauld keeper.

Not for the first time this season, Craig Smith was tormenting the home defence with his pace and he picked the ball up after 29 minutes and played an inch perfect cross come pass to the onrushing Martin Gault, but the midfielder smashed the ball high over the bar with his left foot when maybe he had more time to compose himself.

Cumbernauld were now being 'pegged' back and rarely troubled Prior in the Ashfield goal but the home side almost went further ahead as the match approached half time. A throw in was delivered into the Ashfield box which was not cleared properly and fell to the Cumbernauld player who flashed his shot wide of the Ashfield post.

Ashfield then went straight up the park from the goal kick with Gault almost finding Paul Maxwell but the strong wind pushed the ball just to far ahead of the Ashfield legend. The over fussy referee looked at his watch and blew for half time and for the `field, an improvement was required to improve their performance for the remaining forty five minutes.

HALF TIME: CUMBERNAULD UTD 1 ASHFIELD 0.

Ashfield really needed to apply the pressure straight away as the second half started and the Ashfield fans were not disappointed as Mark Thomson fired in a free kick from twenty five yards that was tipped round the post for a corner. Ali Martin whipped in the resultant corner which was not cleared and a real scramble ensued before the ball was cleared to safety. Ashfield brought on Tony Chalmers after fifty minutes with Martin Gault hobbling off and 'wee Tony' was looking lively partnering Smith in the forward line.

Ashfield continued to 'batter' the Cumbernauld defence and eventually the persistence paid off after sixty three minutes with a gift of an equaliser. Cumbernauld had the ball deep in their own half with no danger around but the defender decided to pass the ball back to his keeper, however he did not see Craig Smith who intercepted the pass before sliding it under the advancing keeper from six yards. Cumbernauld Utd 1 Ashfield 1.

This seemed to be the catalyst for Ashfield but literally two minutes later they were behind again. Nice play in the midfield area saw the Cumbernauld number 9 turn his marker before reversing his shot from fifteen yards past Prior and into the net. Cumbernauld Utd 2 Ashfield 1. This was a real blow to Ashfield who had worked hard to get back into the match.

Again Ashfield came straight back though showing the spirit and attitude that this squad has. Ashfield were awarded a free kick after sixty nine minutes with Jim Smith using his experience by playing the ball quickly to Stevie Martin. The 'terrier' fired in a shot from twenty five yards which broke kindly to Craig Smith who swivelled and shot at the same time only to see the Cumbernauld stopper get down well to block.

The Ashfield faithful did not wait long though for the equaliser. Jim Smith again played a quick free kick to Stevie Martin on the right hand side of the Cumbernauld area which was crossed inch perfect to the head of Paul Maxwell at the back post who looped his header high into the net from close range. Cumbernauld Utd 2 Ashfield 2.

This was now a great league match, Ashfield were now pouring forward to gain the lead for the first time but the Cumbernauld defence were standing firm and battling hard to maintain the level scoreline. Craig Smith almost scored after eighty minutes with a fierce volley that just went over the cross bar. Ashfield were not having it all their own way as Cumbernauld were looking lively on the break away and this proved to be true after 84 minutes when they scored the winning goal of the game. A neat one-two in the Ashfield half exposed the Ashfield defenders as the Cumbernauld midfielder burst through to fire a low shot from twenty five yards that creeped in at Prior's near post to send the Cumbernauld Players into celebration. This celebration resulted in the referee showing a second yellow card to the goalscorer and his ecstacy was short lived as he was ordered off. Cumbernauld Utd 3 Ashfield 2.

A real body blow to Ashfield but again the Possil team pressed forward and should have scored in the 89th minute with the excellent Paul Maxwell working hard to block a clearance and playing the ball back to Tony Chalmers. Chalmers was only five yards out but his shot was blocked by the Cumbernauld keeper.

The 'Field' kept pressing forward but could not find an equaliser as the Referee brought proceedings to an end.

FULL TIME: CUMBERNAULD UTD 3 ASHFIELD 2


Man of the Match:- This weeks award goes to Paul 'Maxi' Maxwell for a brilliant display. The forward fought hard and his header for the Ashfield second equaliser was superb. Mention to Craig Smith as well who was tremendous along side Maxwell.

Attendance:- 80

Photographs by:- Inga