Lesmahagow F C 0 Ashfield F & A C 2 , Craighead Park, Lesmahagow - Kick-Off 1.45pm


An excellent result for Ashfield this afternoon at Craighead Park, Lesmahagow securing all three points in a fiercely contested match. Goals from Alistair Martin and new boy Michael McIroy were enough to see off a very skilfull Lesmahagow outfit. A decent crowd turned out for the game played in `spring-like`conditions and both teams can take a lot of credit for the amount of Football that was played on a heavy pitch. Ashfield had a number of regulars missing due to injury and suspensions however still managed to put out a strong team against the `gow. This ground has not been a `happy hunting` ground for Ashfield over the years and from the kick-off, the `field were desperate to improve on this record and haul themselves further up the League.

Preparations were not good for Ashfield as their coach broke down travelling to this match so the players did not have much time for a warm-up prior to kick off. This did not hinder the 'field' though as they ran out in their away strip of Yellow and Blue Hoops. Lesmahagow appeared in White tops with Red shorts/socks. The game started at a frantic pace with both teams playing some lovely passing football and it did not take long for Ashfield to create the first chance of the match. Craig Smith used his blistering pace before whipping in a cross that was narrowly missed by Ali Martin at the back post.

Lesmahagow responded well after this initial chance and almost took the lead after ten minutes with their centre forward glancing his header just over Prior's bar in the Ashfield goal. Both teams continued to play passing football which was entertaining for the large crowd. The 'Gow' were applying pressure on the Ashfield defence but their finishing let them down on numerous occasions.

Paul Maxwell was starting his first competitive match for months and the big Ashfield Striker looked to have won his side a penalty after twenty eight minutes. A long ball was played to 'Maxi' who controlled the ball just inside the box but looked to be crudely brought down by the Lesmahagow Keeper as he slid the ball past him. The referee blew his whistle but amazingly awarded a free-kick to the Home side to the dismay of the Ashfield players.

Ashfield, however, had only another minute to wait to opening the scoring. A throw in was awarded deep in Lesmahagow's half. Ryan Cairley picked the ball up and fired in a superb cross to the back post which was controlled by Ali Martin. The leading Ashfield goalscorer turned his counterpart before unleashing a vicious shot that almost burst the net. Lesmahagow 0 Ashfield 1.

Lesmahagow did not let this goal upset them and came close shortly after when their number 11 tried his luck from twenty five yards but the ball was watched well by Prior in the Ashfield goal.

Half time was nearing and it was Ashfield that were pushing forward to increase their lead. Craig Smith almost added to his goal tally of 19 goals for the season when he was sent through after forty four minutes. 'Smiddy' raced in on goal and slid the ball past the onrushing 'Gow' keeper but was scrambled to safety as Paul Maxwell looked to have a tap in.

HALF TIME:- LESMAHAGOW 0 ASHFIELD 1

The crowd enjoyed some great football in the first half and were certainly not let down for the remaining 45 minutes. Paul Maxwell was providing a great physical presence in the forward line with Jamie Reilly controlling the Ashfield defence. Ashfield started the second period with a great attitude and should have scored a second after fifty two minutes. Ashfield were awarded a free kick which was met by Alan 'Spider' Smith but his header flashed wide of the Lesmahagow goal. A real let off for the home side.

Ashfield continued to threaten and were awarded a penalty after fifty five minutes. A nice pass from Ali Martin sent Paul Maxwell into the 'Gow' box. A tangle of legs resulted and the Referee never hesitated at pointing to the spot.

The ever reliable Ali Martin stepped up and stroked the ball net-bound but the Lesmahagow stopper got down brilliantly to palm the ball to safety. A real missed opportunity for the 'field' but credit to the 'Gow' keeper.

Lesmahagow took 'heart' from this and started to push forward but Prior in the Ashfield goal was calm and his handling was outstanding. Maxwell and Smith were now causing havoc in the Lesmahagow defence and 'Maxi' should have scored after fifty eight minutes when he was given a golden opportunity from 15 yards. It looked a certain goal but his shot was smashed high over the bar.


Ali Martin was the next to test the Lesmahagow defence but he fired wide as Ashfield now poured forward

As the game approached the last quarter, Prior had to look lively to stop a shot from the 'Gow's' number 11. At the other end Passmore for Ashfield went on a 'mazy' run and found Ryan Cairley who had darted into the box. The impressive midfielder met the cross but his header slipped past the post.
As the ninety minutes approached, Ashfield made a substitute with rookie Michael McIIlroy replacing Craig Smith in the forward line for the last few minutes and this paid off immediately with McIIlroy scoring with his first touch!!!. The game was now very open with Lesmahagow pushing almost every player forward and had their Goalkeeper up for the corner. Ashfield took advantage of this when Ryan Cairley was sent clear on goal and as the defender tried to block he cleverly slid the ball to the newbie striker who tucked the ball low and hard into the net to seal the points for Ashfield to send the players, management and supporters into raptures. Lesmahagow 0 Ashfield 2.

The 'Gow' were clearly upset with the decision claiming offside but the Referee blew for full time virtually straight away and a very good match came to an end.

An excellent result for Ashfield against a good team and the League matches come thick and fast as we welcome the Leaders Glencairn to Saracen Park next Saturday.


FULL TIME:- LESMAHAGOW 0 ASHFIELD 2

Man of the Match:- Some superb performances for the `field today with Maxi putting in a terrific shift up front alongside Craig Smith, Passy was excellent on the right however Jamie Reilly never put a foot wrong all afternoon.

Attendance:- 150