Larkhall Thistle 1 Ashfield F & A C 2 , Gasworks Park, Larkhall - Kick-Off 2pm.

Ashfield left Gasworks Park this afternoon with all three points, securing victory in the 89th Minute from the Penalty Spot in a game of controversial Refereeing decisions. Larkhall Thistle went ahead in the 66th Minute from the spot, however Alistair Martin`s wicked wind assisted Corner Kick sailed into the top corner of the net before Jim Smith netted brilliantly from the spot in the last Minute.

A beautiful afternoon greeted the teams onto Gasworks Park this afternoon. Both teams were in their traditional strips, Larkhall in Red and white and Ashfield in their Black and White Hoops. Both teams knew that a draw was not good enought to keep themselves in the promotion hunt. Ashfield started the brighter team against a well orgainsed Larkhall. Tony Chalmers was the first man to create a chance as he fired in a low cross that evaded everyone in the Larkhall box after ten minutes.

It was hard for either side to take a grip on this match as the midfield tussled and scrapped for every ball. Both defences were well organised and it was hard for the strikers on either side to make an impact on the game. Ashfield claimed for a penalty after twenty two minutes as Darren O'Donnell went down in the box after a hard challenge. Referee O'Hara waved play on and the game raged on.

Larkhall were competing well against the 'field'' and should have broken the stalemate after thirty one minutes. Good wing play from Larkhall's Dorran resulted in a great cross that was met strongly by the Larkhall Striker about eight yards out but his header drifted just wide of Prior's post in the Ashfield goal. This chance spurred Ashfield into action and Craig Smith produced a 'cracking' shot after thirty five minutes that stung the Larkhall Keepers gloves after good wing play from O'Donnell.

Mark Thomson was having an outstanding match in the heart of the midfield and set up Ali Martin after thirty eight minutes. Martin slipped past his marker and whipped in a cross come shot that needed the fingertips of the Larkhall Keeper to prod it over the bar for a corner.

The referee blew for Half Time and it was all to play for in the second half and the crowd were not to be dissapointed.disappointed.

HALF TIME: LARKHALL 0 ASHFIELD 0

The points were still there to be won for both teams as the second half got under way. Ashfield now had a wind advantage and started to press Larkhall deeper into their half. Ashfield almost scored after fifty seven minutes when Passmore delivered an inch perfect cross to the head of Mark Thomson inside the Larkhall box. The Ashfield captain however, flashed his attempt high over the bar to the relief of the Larkhall defence.

It did not take long for the 'Field' to create the next chance. Jim Smith layed the ball to Ali Martin on the wing after sixty one minutes and the prolific goalscorer swung in a cross that caught the Larkhall keeper off guard. The ball crashed against the top of the crossbar and was then cleared to safety.

Darren O'Donnell was causing havoc in the Larkhall defence and again could have had a penalty after sixty two minutes. He weaved past his counterpart in the box and looked to be tripped before trying to cut the ball back. Referee O'Hara deemed this not be a spot kick but it was one for debate!.

It was now one way traffic as Ashfield took a grip of this vital match. Mark Thomson who was in the thick of the action all afternoon should have scored after sixty six minutes. Ali Martin delivered a corner to the back post which was met by 'Thomo' but his header went agonisingly over the bar from close range.

Ashfield were to be punished shortly after for missing these chances as the Home side took the lead against the run of play. Neat play in Midfield resulted in the Larkhall striker edging into the Ashfield box. He slid the ball past the onrushing Ashfield Defender and both players collided. The Larkhall team screamed for a penalty and Referee O'Hara agreed and pointed to the Penalty spot.

The Larkhall Player stepped up and fired the ball low, hard and straight into the back of the net to give the Home side a precious lead. Larkhall Thistle 1 Ashfield 0.

This was a real body blow to Ashfield especially after exerting so much pressure on the Larkhall goal in the second half. This did not deter the 'Field' though as they came fighting back and equalised four minutes later in the seventy second minute. Ali Martin whipped in a corner that sailed over the head of the Larkhall Keeper and crashed in off the far post/bar to bring the sides level. Larkhall Thistle 1 Ashfield 1.

A draw would still not suit both sides and it was Ashfield that were posing the greater threat looking for the winner. Robert Wright was brought on by Ashfield and this turned the match the 'Possil' teams way. The midfield maestro immediately took control of the midfield area and teased his markers with flicks, runs and trickery.

The game was now nearing the end and one more goal would surely seal it for either team. Wright picked the ball up after eighty six minutes and sprayed a lovely pass to Darren O'Donnell fifteen yards out. O'Donnell normally so reliable from this range blasted the ball high over the bar and this looked to be the last clear cut chance of the ninety minutes.

Ashfield were still pressing forward as the clock approached the 90 minute mark. A free kick was awarded to Ashfield which Ali Martin whipped in and was only half cleared. Jim Smith picked up the loose ball and fired in a shot goalwards only to see the Larkhall Defender block it on the line with his arm. A large shout of 'Penalty' was heard and again Referee O'Hara pointed to the spot to give Ashfield a golden opportunity to win the match.

Ex Brechin and Stenhousemuir player Jim Smith, stepped up and wrong footed the goalkeeper to send the Players, Bench and Supporters wild. Larkhall Thistle 1 Ashfield 2.

Ashfield made some tactical changes after this goal but Larkhall almost snatched an equaliser in the ninety sixth minute. Lovely wing play saw a cut back into the Ashfield box which was met first time by the Larkhall No 11 from fifteen yards out. The ball sped towards the roof of the net but Prior produced a world class save, tipping the ball over the bar. A fantastic save from the recent signing from Clydebank !

The Referee looked at his watch and eventually blew his whistle after almost seven minutes of injury time.

FULL TIME: LARKHALL 1 ASHFIELD 2

Man of the Match:- A terrific effort from the `field with some excellent individual performances. Special mention to Chris Prior in the Ashfield Goal, Gordon Passmore & Jim Smith at the back. Darren O`Donnell `worked his socks off` up front but missed a late sitter and good to see Ali Martin on the scoresheet scoring his 23rd goal of the season, however Mark Thomson was simply awesome today.

Attendance:- 80

Photographs by:- Inga