Glenafton Athletic 0 Ashfield F & A C 0 , (Glenafton won 3-1 on Penalties), Loch Park, New Cumnock - Kick-Off 2pm


Ashfield travelled down to Ayrshire this afternoon for the fourth time this season to face Superleague outfit, Glenafton Athletic. The Possil side were boosted with the signing of Jim Smith (Ex Stenhousemuir) and he slotted into the Ashfield rear guard for this West of Scotland clash.

Ashfield were looking to bounce back from an agonising defeat to Irvine Meadow in the Junior Cup last weekend and Glenafton were also hurting after losing heavily to Arthurlie in the league. A healthy crowd witnessed the teams running onto the heavy pitch with the 'Glens' in their home strip of all red with Ashfield also appearing in their traditional attire of Black and White Hoops.

Glenafton started the match the stronger team trying to play football on the bobbly pitch and tested Prior in the Ashfield goal after four minutes but the impressive goalkeeper dealt well with the shot. Ashfield started to come back into the game in the early stages and almost opened the scoring after nine minutes. Ali Martin whipped in a corner which was nodded down at the back post to new signing Jim Smith who sliced his shot before Gault picked up to rifle a shot just over the 'Glens' crossbar.

Craig Smith was causing real problems with his pace and was harrassing the Glenafton defence at every opportunity. The Glenafton forwards were also looking dangerous and produced a brilliant move after twenty one minutes with Feroz holding off his marker to release his counterpart who slid past a challenge before firing a shot that went narrowly over.

Glenafton were now taking a grip of the match but the Ashfield defence were outstanding with brothers Jim and Alan (Spider) Smith winning important challenges. Ryan Cairley was also having a great match for Ashfield in the midfield area spraying passes to Ali Martin and Paul Maxwell.

Glenafton really started to apply the pressure and tested Prior after thirty seven minutes and forty two minutes but the 'Field' held firm as half time approached. Prior came to the rescue again after forty four minutes with a brilliant save after neat interchanging play from Glenafton.

The half time whistle was welcomed by the ashfield team as Glenafton were now taking control of proceedings.

HALF TIME: GLENAFTON 0 ASHFIELD 0

The teams emerged for the second half with everything to play for and the remaining forty five minutes produced numerous chances for both teams to win this cup tie. Ashfield started the half the brighter team and almost opened the scoring after forty nine minutes with Craig Smith picking up a loose ball before sliding a cross into the six yard box which was just behind the onrushing Paul Maxwell. Ali Martin, however picked the ball up and weaved past his marker before cutting the ball back across the 'Glens' box but no Ashfield player could capitalise on this tantalising cross.

Glenafton came back straight away after this threat and went straight up the pitch with their number 7 firing a shot that went inches wide from ten yards of the Ashfield goal after good play from Feroz. The home team then applied the pressure that was clear to see before the interval going close on several occasions with some timely blocks and great handling from Prior in the Ashfield goal.

This was now a 'cracking' cup tie with both teams really thinking they could win the match in ninety minutes. The ex Albion Rovers player, Ali Martin went close after sixty three minutes with a flashing volley that was cleared off the line after a corner. At the other end the Glenafton forwards were holding the ball up neatly and feeding the wings but Jim Smith was strong in the challenge and cleared to safety on numerous occasions.

As the final quarter of the match approached, Craig Smith was sent through with only his marker to beat. The 'Field' forward nipped round his opponent and appeared to be crudely brought down just outside the box but the referee waved play on to the dismay of the large Ashfield support. It certainly looked like a foul at the very least on the Ashfield starlet.

Ashfield were now tiring and Gaffer Rankin realised this by introducing Darren O'Donnell to the proceedings but this was to back fire shortly after as the Ashfield striker was shown a straight red card after an altercation with a Glenafton player. A real blow to Ashfield with almost ten minutes left in the match. This sending off did not damper the ashfield spirit as they now pushed forward looking for the all important goal. Paul Maxwell was unlucky not to score after eighty two minutes but the excellent 'Glens' goalkeeper punched to safety as 'Maxi' was about to head in from another excellent corner from Ali Martin.

It was Ashfield that were now amazingly finishing the stronger side with Maxwell again almost scoring after brilliant wing play from Martin resulted in an excellent block from the Glenafton stopper as Maxwell stroked the ball goalwards from eight yards.

As the ninety minutes approached, Ashfield were given a brilliant opportunity to win the match when Craig Smith picked the ball up in the Glenafton penalty box. The 'Glens' defender could not cope again with his pace as he slid past him and brought the striker down with the referee having no hesitation awarding a penalty kick to Ashfield. The reliable Ali Martin stepped up but he scuffed his shot past the post to the elation of the Glenafton support.

The referee brought the proceedings to an end and it was now up to penalty kicks to decide this excellent West of Scotland Match.

FULL TIME:- GLENAFTON 0 ASHFIELD 0



Penalty Kicks as follows: -

1) Mark Thomson (Ashfield) - Great save from Fahey (0-0)
2) Glens No 15 - Goal (1-0 Glenafton)
3) Paul Maxwell (Ashfield) - Another save from Fahey (1-0 Glenafton)
4) Glens No 5 - Saved well by Prior (1-0 Glenafton)
5) Jim Smith (Ashfield) - Goal (1-1)
6) Glens No 7 - Goal (2-1 Glenafton)
7) Sean Carberry(Ashfield) - Saved by Fahey (2-1 Glenafton)
8) Glens No 6 - Goal (3-1 Glenafton)

Glenafton win 3-1 on Penalties


Man of the Match:- Another awesome performance from every player in the Black and White Hoops, Prior was outstanding in the Ashfield goal, The Smith brothers at the back were resiliant and strong all day, but Craig Smith gets the award today for tormenting the Glenafton defence with his pace and creating numerous chances. Well done 'Smiddy'.

Attendance:- 200-250


Photographs by:- Inga