Maryhill F C 1 Ashfield F & A C 3, Lochburn Park, Maryhill, Glasgow. Kick-Off 2pm.

Ashfield produced the goods when it mattered this afternoon and ran out comfortable winners in the end in this enjoyable Sectional League Cup Match at Lochburn Park this afternoon. Two brilliant free-kicks from new signing Alistair Martin and a goal from Craig Smith ensured that the `field are `in the mix` for qualification. This was Ashfield`s first victory at Lochburn Park since the 1989-1990 Season.



Ashfield started the game in their away strip of Yellow & Blue Stripes with Maryhill in their traditional Red and Black. The Match started off at great pace and both teams started attacking from the `off` to try and make up for their respective narrow midweek defeats. Craig Smith`s pace again was troubling the back four of Maryhill and he was linking up well with Darren O`Donnell up front. Maryhill were also causing Ashfield some problems down the left flank and Reilly and Alan Smith were having to be on their `toes` to thwart any danger from the Maryhill front two. The game came to life in the 25th Minute when Craig Smith was sent through one on one by Ryan Cairley & just before pulling the trigger was brought down with the crowd expecting a penalty decision, however the Referee decided to pull Maryhill up for an earlier infringement, much to the dismay of the Ashfield Team, Bench and Supporters. Our disappointment was only short lived as new signing Alistair Martin, with the aid of a deflection, stroked the ball into the corner of the net. Maryhill 0 Ashfield 1.



This goal spurred Ashfield on, and they applied pressure on the Maryhill defence for the next 10 minutes, coming close on a couple of occasions. Sean Carberry drilled an excellent right foot shot which was well smothered by the Maryhill Keeper. This was shortly followed up by a power-driver from Martin Gault, playing his first competiitive match of the season. returning after suspension.



However it was Maryhill that stepped up a gear and finished the First Half the stronger team with their No 9 and No 11 linking up well. This duo provided the amunition to pull Maryhill level in the 35th Minute after a lovely delivered low cross was bulleted into the Ashfield net past Stevie McGovern. Maryhill 1 Ashfield 1. Maryhill finished the half well and the crowd of approx. 200 eagerly awaited the start of the Second Half.




HALF TIME:- MARYHILL 1 ASHFIELD 1

Both teams were trying to assert their authority on the match, however it was Ashfield`s pace that was making the difference, with the front two of Smith and O`Donnell linking up well. On the 60th Minute, Ashfield were awarded a Free Kick 25 yards out, and again it was Alistair Martin that stepped up to take it. There were not many in the ground that expected a direct shot, including the Maryhill Keeper, however it was a direct shot indeed ! The Ashfield winger skelped the Ball past the Maryhill Wall and into the top left hand corner of the net. A brilliant free-kick !




Ashfield started stroking the ball about extremely well and should have doubled their lead when the ball broke to Darren O`Donnell in the box, only to see his effort blocked by the Maryhill keeper. Craig Smith was also denied by the Keeper, only to gain revenge in the 70th minute when after a lovely piece of passing in Midfield, the ball was played through to new boy Craig Smith who drilled the ball past the advancing keeper to put the `field 3-1 up. Maryhill 1 Ashfield 3.



It looked like the game was over now, however with 10 mins to go. Ashfield`s playmaker in Midfield Ryan Cairley was sent off for kicking the ball away twice - a very harsh decision indeed and this gave Maryhill a glimmer of hope. However it was Ashfield that almost increased their lead when Darren O`Donnell blasted the ball over the bar after excellent build up play. Maryhill had a couple of set-pieces near the end and came close with a header, however Ashfield held on to take the three points and take the Section into the last game after Yoker`s defeat of Clydebank at Holm Park. This was the first victory against Maryhill for a number of years......Well done the `field !!!.

FULL TIME:- MARYHILL 1 ASHFIELD 3

Man of the Match:- Alistair Martin had a great game today, capped off by two fine goals.

Attendance:- 200

Photographs by:- `David Bailey`...............not !!! Ewan will be handing this task over to Inga for the next game !!