Rutherglen Glencairn 1 v Ashfield F & A C 0, New Southcroft Park, Rutherglen - Kick-Off 2.00pm

The Central League Division 1 campaign started today with Ashfield travelling to New Southcroft Park, Rutherglen to face the 'Glens'. Both teams were in top form coming into this match and the 90 minutes produced some brilliant football, missed chances, but unfortunately poor refereeing that turned the match on its head.

The home team ran out in their traditional Black and White stripes with Ashfield reverting to their away Strip of Red with white flashes and amazingly no rain was falling!.

Both teams quickly settled and it was clear to see that these 2 sides were evenly matched. Martin Gault in the Midfield area for Ashfield was having a tremendous battle with his counterpart and this flaired up after approx 15 mins when both players were spoken to by referee Dallas. Ashfield then started to impose themselves on the match and should have taken the lead after 20mins when Paul Maxwell flicked the ball on to Craig Smith who only managed to flick the ball into the goalkeepers arms from 5 yards out. Glencairn then floated some lovely crosses into the Ashfield box which were dealt brilliantly by Mark Thomson and goalkeeper Steven McGovern.

The game was flowing from end to end and Martin Gault almost broke the deadlock with a blistering half volley from 30 yards out that was flicked round the post by Brian Brown in the Glencairn goal. The resultant corner was delivered by Alistair Martin which eventually broke to Gordon Passmore 10 yards out who bulleted a left foot volley only to see his net bound effort being headered off the line.

The game was obviously physically competitive but not in a 'dirty' nature. Referee Dallas seemed to think otherwise as he produced numerous yellow cards that were not merited for both sides.

As the game approached half-time Glencairn played some neat football and had a number of well delivered corners that troubled the Ashfield rear guard but the 'field' defence stood strong and the referee blew for half time with both sets of supporters eager for the 2nd half.

HALF TIME:- GLENCAIRN 0 ASHFIELD 0

The teams emerged for the 2nd half with neither side making any changes. Ashfield started the half like a 'whirlwind' with Alistair Martin, Martin Gault and Ryan Cairley linking up brilliantly. Martin was starting to weave his magic as he tormented the Glens defence with his mazy runs and accurate crossing. Glencairn were also playing some nice football but could not penetrate the strong Ashfield defence.

The game changed after approx 65mins when a beautiful pass was played over the Glens last defender to an onrushing Paul Maxwell. 'Maxi' ran straight through on goal with the defender behind him but as he tried to manoevure himself for a shot was crudely brought down by the 'Glens' stopper just inside the box. Surely a blatant penalty and a resultant red card but referee Dallas saw it differently as he waved play on to the absolute disgust of the Ashfield bench, players and supporters. As play raged on, disbelief was clearly evident in the Ashfield team and as a result Glencairn took confidence from this atrocious decision.





Changes were made in both camps as the last quarter of the match approached. Ashfield regained their composure and Smith should have scored 5 minutes later but his shot from 15 yards was well saved by the impressive Glens keeper low to his left hand side. Glencairn then scored what the only and vital goal of the game when a long ball was played to their substitute who swivelled past Mark Thomson and ran on to face Steven McGovern in the Ashfield goal. The 'Glens' forward to his credit slid the ball low and hard under the big keeper to put the home team 1-0 up.
Glencairn 1 Ashfield 0.

It was clear to see that the referee had changed the match completely and Glencairn started to exploit the Ashfield team in the last 5mins as more and more Ashfield players were pushed forward thus leaving gaps at the back. Ashfield kept pressing forward but the 'nail in the coffin' was delivered not by Glencairn but again by referee Dallas who brandished a second yellow card to Mark Thomson for which appeared dissent . Ashfield however never gave up and Alistair Martin had a great chance with 3 minutes to go when an Ashfield corner was flicked on to him at the back post area only to see his attempted 'lob' skew of his left foot and behind for a goal kick.

The final whistle eventually blew and the Glens will be delighted with the 3 points but Ashfield played some fantastic football again and should have left with at least a point. As of the referee....... no comment!!

Full Time: Glencairn 1 Ashfield 0

Man of the Match:- Many excellent performances in the Ashfield line-up, however new signing Ryan Cairley produced a very mature and solid performance in the middle of the park.

Attendance:- 220

Photographs by:- Inga, more pics can be seen in the Gallery, please click on link....Glencairn v Ashfield Pics