Rutherglen Glencairn 3 Ashfield F & A C 2 , Clyde Gateway Stadium, Rutherglen, Glasgow


Ashfield narrowly lost out this afternoon and therefore their chance to extend their lead at the top of the League. This was an eagerly awaited encounter and the large crowd were not disappointed as both teams gave their all in a pulsating 90 Minutes. The home side were ecstatic when the Referee brought proceedings to an end and it was going to be tough on the team who lost this afternoon as it was played at breakneck speed throughout with the forwards getting the best of their marking defenders this afternoon.

A mild afternoon welcomed both teams with Ashfield playing in their second strip of yellow & blue hoops. The game started off at great gusto with neat interchanging passing throughout the midfield areas coupled with some hard but fair tackles. It was the visitors that started the brighter and Maxwell & Smith up front were lively early on however the best chance of the opening exchanges came from the home side when the Glens Captain, Dickson bulleted a 22 yard drive an inch wide of Chris Prior`s post to the relief of the away support.

Shortly after however it was Ashfield that were celebrating after a wonderful goal from Tony Chalmers. The ball was played up to the left hand side of the box where Craig Smith managed to divert to ball into the path of an onrushing Tony Chalmers and the midfielder despatched his shot with the aid of a deflection into the roof of the net to send the visitors wild with delight. R`Glen Glencairn 0 Ashfield 1

The goal gave Ashfield extra confidence and for the next period were playing some good football with Mark Thomson & Paul Maxwell settling into really good games. The Glens forwards were linking up well and were causing problems to Reilly & Smith at the back. Unfortunately for Ashfield Jamie Reilly had to be replaced due to injury and Jim Smith teamed up with his brother at the back, however minutes later Ashfield were pegged back by a well worked Glencairn goal. For the first time in the Match the impressive Tony Fraser was involved in a Glens build up and his low hard cross to the far post was met by the onrushing Paul McLaughlin who bulleted his shot past Prior for the Glens equaliser. R`Glen Glencairn 1 Ashfield 1.

All of a sudden the game changed and the Glens swarmed forward and within 90 seconds were ahead, Mark Thomson, who had an excellent Match for the `field, was caught in midfield and the ball was played through to McGladrigan. The ex-Ashfield striker drove the ball low and hard into the net to the delight of the home support. R`Glen Glencairn 2 Ashfield 1.

It was certainly `game on` and the vociferous crowd did not have to wait long for the next piece of action. The Glens No 3 who incredibly had avoided being put in Referee Wake`s book for an earlier infringement found himself caught up with Ashfield midfielder Shaun Fraser. After an altercation both players received `yellows`and the `field were awarded a Free-Kick.

Mark Thomson whipped in a superb Free-Kick and despite the attentions of the Glens Defence Paul Maxwell glanced a header into the top corner of the net for his 8th goal of the season. An impressive finish from the Ashfield legend ! R`Glen Glencairn 2 Ashfield 2.



HALF TIME:- RUTHERGLEN GLENCAIRN 2 ASHFIELD 2

As always happens, a Match that had everything in the first half probably did not live up to expectations in the second half as both teams cancelled and stifled each other slightly. Ashfield certainly had more of the possession however the Glens made more of the chances and ended up edging this thriller.

Chances were at premium in the second half compared to the first and Ashfield were still playing some good football driven on by Captain Mark Thomson. Referee Chris Wake however involved himself in proceedings in the 56th minute when he overruled his linesman after Paul Maxwell had found the net with a header stating offside despite the linesman keeping his flag down - a very controversial decision. However as the half wore on the Glens, shooting down the slope, started to cause the `field back four problems and no more so than in the 65th Minute when Paul McLaughlin picked the ball up on the edge of the Ashfield box, cut in, and drove a shot under the body of Chris Prior to the roar of the home fans. R`Glen Glencairn 3 Ashfield 2.

Ashfield made a quick change by bringing Darren O`Donnell on & shortly after, Ryan Cairley, to try and salvage something from the Match. Tony Chalmers was trying his utmost on the right hand side, ably supported by Gordon Passmore, & it was Tony who brought out a great save from the Glens keeper in the 73rd minute after a mazy run.
Glencairn should have sealed the match shortly after however were thwarted by an excellent one handed reflex save from Chris Prior in the Ashfield goal. The Match flowed from one penalty box to another however try as the visitors did they could not penetrate the home defence and the Glens took the honours. It had been a great game and if both teams carry on in the same vein then they will both have good seasons. There was also a good crowd at the game which is also encouraging.

FULL TIME:- RUTHERGLEN GLENCAIRN 3 ASHFIELD 2

Man of the Match:- Some really good performances from the Ashfield Team today - special mentions to Gordon Passmore, Davie Gumley, Mark Thomson & Paul Maxwell, however Tony Chalmers is playing outstanding at the moment & he scored a terrific first goal.

Attendance:- 300 Approx.

Photographs by:- Inga