Newmains Utd 0 Ashfield F & A C 0 , (Ashfield won 4-3 on Penalties), Victoria Park, Newmains. Kick-Off 2pm


It was a David v Goliath scenario this afternoon at a sun drenched Victoria Park. Newmains Utd battled extremely hard all afternoon to take the match to Penalty Kicks with Ashfield, who made seven changes from last week`s match, relieved to progress into the next round winning 4-3 on spot kicks.

A beautiful Autumn afternoon greeted the teams on to the pitch for this West of Scotland Cup clash. Ashfield started the better side, trying to play passing football on a difficult playing surface. It was the visitors that almost grabbed the lead after eleven minutes. Ali Martin whipped in a corner to the near post area which was met by the head of Del Carmichael but the ball crashed off the bar (Pic Below)

It was one way traffic at this stage with Ashfield dominating the match but the Newmains rearguard were holding firm and frustrating the Ashfield forwards with timely challenges. The next chance fell to Ali Martin after twenty minutes but his shot from an acute angle was blocked for a corner. The resultant corner saw Jim Smith try his luck from twenty yards but the ball sailed wide of the post.

Ashfield could still not break the deadlock even though they had the vast possesion of play in the match. Ali Martin saw a twenty five yard free kick well held by the Newmains Keeper after twenty five minutes. The best chance of the match fell to the home side though after thirty nine minutes. A nice interchange in Midfield resulted in the Newmains Striker cutting inside the Ashfield box and shooting narrowly wide of Prior's near post.

Half time approached but Ashfield almost scored with a brilliant effort from Craig Smith. A cross from Gordon Passmore seemed to be behind 'Smiddy' but the Striker tried an overhead kick which was tipped over the bar by the Newmains Stopper.(Pic Below)





HALF TIME:- NEWMAINS UTD 0 ASHFIELD 0

The second half started virtually like the first with Ashfield commanding the play but could still not puncture the stuffy Newmains defence. Newmains had rarely threatened in the first period but it was clear to see that they were gaining confidence and started to hit Ashfield on the counter attack.

Ashfield Manager, Stevie Rankin, had clearly seen enough as he made some substitutions to try and press for the opening goal. Mark Thomson, Paul Maxwell and Tony Chalmers were all brought on but to their credit Newmains kept battling and thwarted any Ashfield attack.

As Penalty Kicks loomed, Mark Thomson almost scored the vital goal but his net bound header was flicked wide by Darren O'Donnell from three yards out.

The referee played approx six minutes of injury time before blowing for the final whistle and Penalty Kicks.

FULL TIME:- NEWMAINS UTD 0 ASHFIELD 0 (Ashfield win 4-3 on Penalties)

ASHFIELD PENALTY KICKS:

MARK THOMSON - SCORED
PAUL MAXWELL - SCORED
JIM SMITH - SCORED (PIC BELOW)
DARREN O'DONNELL - MISSED
TONY CHALMERS - SCORED (2ND PIC BELOW)

ASHFIELD 4 NEWMAINS 3








Man of the Match:- It was a hard day for the `field today up against a well organised team however Gordon Passmore shone throughout the 90 minutes.

Attendance:- 42

Photographs by:- Inga