Irvine Meadow 2 Ashfield F & A C 2 , Meadow Park, Irvine. Kick-Off 2.15pm

Ashfield did the Central League Division One proud this afternoon holding the Cup Favourites in front of a large crowd at Meadow Park. After going 1-0 down on the 18th Minute from a scorching Free-Kick, Ashfield produced an excellent first half performance to go in 2-1 at Half Time. Despite intense home pressure in the Second Half, Ashfield restricted Irvine Meadow to only one goal and richly deserve to take the Cup favourites back to Saracen Park next Saturday



This was an eagerly awaited 5th Round Tie which had a fair amount of Media coverage prior to the Match. Both teams have had good seasons, however there was a difference of two Leagues between the sides. The previous encounter had been a cracker 2 seasons ago in the Semi Final of the Evening Times Cup (3-2 to Irvine Meadow) so the large crowd were expectant. Both teams were sporting their normal colours and went at each other from the start with Ashfield forcing the player early on with a flurry of early corners, one of which saw Mark Thomson power a strong header at the Meadow goal which was well collected by the Keeper.

Irvine Meadow started to build up a head of steam after the first 15 minutes and their passing game was extremely pleasing on the eye. The Ashfield defence were containing well, however Jamie Reilly found himself in the Referee`s book after 10 minutes for his first foul. The No`s 10 & 11 for the Meadow were linking up well and you could see early on that the Cup favourites tag could be merited. Just as Ashfield had appeared to have kept the home team at bay in the first period of the game, Chris Prior in the Ashfield goal found himself picking the ball out after a wonderful Free-Kick from the home team. Gordon Passmore was slightly late with a challenge 25 yards out and the Medda No 11 curled a lovely floated free-kick into the `postage stamp` to put the favourites 1-0 up. Irvine Meadow 1 Ashfield 0.

This was a blow to the `field who had started the game well, however the boys did not let it affect them and to their credit had their best spell of the match in the next 20 minutes. Gordon Passmore was having a terrific game on the right and was working well with Maxwell & Smith pushing Ashfield forward, however it has to be said that no one saw the Ashfield equaliser coming in the 25th minute. Ali Martin linked up well with Captain Mark Thomson who delivered a lovely cross to the far post which found its way into the Goalkeeper`s top left hand corner to the delight of the travelling support. Irvine Meadow 1 Ashfield 1.

This spurred the Men in `Black & White` on and the `field started bringing the forward players more and more into the game. Maxwell and Smith were closing the impressive Medda defenders down at every opportunity however the home side were still playing delightful football without fully testing Chris Prior in the Ashfield goal. After some hard tackling in Midfield, Craig Smith picked up the ball in his own half and raced into the Meadow half before despatching a lovely ball to Gordon Passmore on the right.

Passy picked the ball up and drilled the ball low and hard to the far post for the onrushing Alistair Martin to sweep the ball high into the Meadow net for his 21st goal of the Season. A fabulous goal from the famous Central League Team and we had a game on our hands now ! Irvine Meadow 1 Ashfield 2

The Medda picked up the pace and put Ashfield under some pressure just before half time, however despite a flurry of corners could not see a way through until right on the 45th Minute when the ball was played through to McGinty in the Ashfield penalty box. The Ex-Rangers and St Mirren Forward steadied himself and drilled a low shot only to see Chris Prior pull off a brilliant save to ensure that the `field went in at the interval 2-1 up.



HALF TIME:- IRVINE MEADOW 1 ASHFIELD 2

There were no changes at the interval from either side and the question was could Ashfield cause the biggest upset in the Cup this season ? However it was the home side who stepped up a gear and had the `field pinned back for the first period of the half with some excellent football and wicked set-pieces. Again similar to the first half, when Ashfield thought they had `weathered the storm`, the Meadow No 11 picked up the ball 25 yards out after some sloppy play from the visitors and rifled a dipping shot into the top corner of the net to the roar of the home support. Irvine Meadow 2 Ashfield 2.

The travelling support were quiet now and had to endure a couple of `close shaves` as the home side pressed for the winner, with the Ayrshire Men hitting woodwork on two separate occasions. Ashfield`s defence had been outstanding throughout well marshalled by Captain Mark Thomson and Jamie Reilly, however it was the Alan `Spider` Smith who was having the game of his life continually defying the lively McGinty. Gordon Passmore also moved into the centre to thwart the Meadow challenge.

Ashfield made a couple of changes and this had the effect of pushing the team forward and with the minutes ticking away managed to force a couple of corners, one of which broke out to Martin Gault who rifled in a shot which was deflected wide.

Ashfield managed to play out the final minutes without too much panic and can be extremely proud of their efforts as the Edinburgh Referee brought proceedings to an end. This is a remarkable result for Ashfield given the fact that they are two Leagues below Irvine Meadow, however Stevie Rankin`s men keep on improving year on year and are now playing amongst the `big boys` in Junior Football where they once played many years ago. Irvine Meadow are a class outfit and we look forward to welcoming them to Saracen Park next Saturday.

FULL TIME:- IRVINE MEADOW 2 ASHFIELD 2

Man of the Match:- There were 14 players who gave their all to the `field this afternoon and special mention must be paid to Ashfield`s new keeper Chris Prior, who instilled confidence in the Ashfield back four. Alan `Spider` Smith wins this weeks accolade and his performance along with the whole team was awesome.

Attendance:- 800 approx.

Photographs by:- IngaInga, more pics from this game can be seen on my Gallery page, please click the link: IRVINE MEADOW V ASHFIELD MORE PICS