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


Ashfield produced an outstanding display of attacking Football to win 3-1 at Lochburn Park this afternoon inflicting Maryhill`s first home League defeat of the season and are promoted to the SuperLeague First Division - a wonderul achievement. Ashfield did not have it all their own way and found themselves a goal down after 90 seconds, however Craig Smith equalised before Half time and had a hand in winning the penalty for Ashfield in the second half which Jim Smith took with aplomb. The `icing on the cake` 3rd Goal was brilliantly made by Darren O`Donnell and finished by Craig Smith which sparked jubilant scenes from the players, bench and large visiting support.

The skies were overcast as the teams ran out on to Lochburn Park this afternoon for this Promotion decider. The large crowd were anticipating a real 'cracker' of a match and they were not disappoInted. Maryhill started the game the brighter team on a bobbly surface and the crowd had barely time to read the matchday programme as the home side scored after ninety seconds. A long cross was played to the back post area of the Ashfield goal which was met by 'Hill's' number 6 - who looped his header across Prior and into the back of the net. Maryhill 1 Ashfield 0.

This was a real stunning blow for the 'Field' but the Possil men came back strongly and Chalmers played a lovely cross into the Maryhill box after five minutes which was well saved by the Maryhill Keeper at his near post. Ashfield kept pressing but it was Maryhill that really should have scored a second goal after nine minutes. A long clearance sent their Striker racing in on goal but Gordon Passmore somehow managed to slide a foot in just before the 'trigger' was pulled. A brilliant timely challenge from the Ashfield Right Back.

Passmore was in the thick of the action again after nineteen minutes as he picked the ball up and cut inside his marker before unleashing a twenty five yarder that looked netbound, only to be denied by the fingertips of the Maryhill Keeper.

It was now a very open game with both sides looking dangerous everytime they ventured up the park. MarkThomson and Martin Gault were now controlling the midfield area with Darren O'Donnell holding the ball up along with Craig Smith in the Ashfield forward line.

Ashfield deservedly scored the equaliser after twenty five minutes. A free kick was awarded to Ashfield forty yards out. Ali Martin whipped in a perfect cross that just missed O'Donnell's head in the six yard box, however, Craig Smith was lurking at the back post and crashed the ball into the net from five yards to send the travelling support wild. Maryhill 1 Ashfield 1.

It was now 'game on' and it was the 'Field' that were pressing forward. Darren O'Donnell had a great chance after thirty minutes. Ali Martin fired over a cross which was met by O'Donnell who's initial effort was saved but fell back to the Striker. The prolific Ashfield marksman prodded the ball back goalwards but it slipped by the post.

Prior in the Ashfield goal was next to be tested as he tipped the ball over the crossbar from a twenty five yard freekick after thirty seven minutes.

This pulsating match was now nearing half time but there was time for one last chance with Craig Smith powering a header from a Mark Thomson free kick into the arms of the Maryhill Keeper from 6 yards.

HALF TIME: MARYHILL 1 ASHFIELD 1

Pressure was in the air as both teams emerged for the second half. This would be the most vital forty five minutes for both sides this season. It was Ashfield that started the quicker side with Ali Martin shooting over the bar after fifty minutes after great wing play from O'Donnell. The home side seemed 'shell shocked' as Ashfield poured forward with Craig Smith involved in every opportunity.

Maryhill tried to push forward but were being overrun now by an eager Ashfield team who were now in full control. Sixty five minutes was on the clock when Ashfield took the all important step towards promotion with a second goal. Ali Martin picked the ball up on the wing deep in the Maryhill half, before delivering a brilliant cross to the back post area. Craig Smith was a certainty to score from close range, but was bundled against the goal post from the Maryhill Defender. Referee Robertson, had no option but to point to the penalty spot and also show the 'Hill' Defender a straight Red Card. It was a wreckless challenge from the defender that could have resulted in serious injury but luckily Smith got to his feet after lengthy treatment.

Jim Smith placed the ball on the spot and 'smacked' the ball low and hard into the net to give the 'Field' a precious lead!!. Maryhill 1 Ashfield 2.

What a game this was turning out to be!. Maryhill even with ten men were playing some great football and Prior saved well after seventy five minutes.
Craig Smith was tormenting the Maryhill Defence and almost scored again after seventy six minutes. He picked the ball up just inside the Maryhill half before slipping past three opponents and firing just wide of the goal.

Tensions were now running high and the challenges were getting tougher as both teams realised that time was running out. The Ashfield crowd were urging their favourites forward. The next goal was all important and it was the 'Field' that got it after eighty minutes. O'Donnell dummied his marker deep on the right hand side of the Maryhill penalty box and lobbed a perfect cross to the onrushing Craig Smith who brilliantly floated a header that looped over the Maryhill Keepers head and into the net to send the Ashfield players, manager, coaches, supporters into raptures!!!!. A truly fantastic goal from Smith with great credit to O'Donnell. Maryhill 1 Ashfield 3.

Maryhill battled hard after this severe setback and almost scored after eighty three minutes but Prior saved well from a header. Maryhill obviously continued to press forward and missed a golden opportunity after eighty five minutes as the ball flashed across the Ashfield Penalty box but there were no takers to keep them in the match.

The final whistle was eventually blown with scenes of jubilation!!. SUPER LEAGUE HERE WE COME!!!!!!





FULL TIME: MARYHILL 1 ASHFIELD 3

Man of the Match:- The Whole Team !! - Wonderful Performance from the the starting 11 and Subs.

Attendance:- 500 Approx.

Photographs by:- Inga