Renfrew F C 2 Ashfield F & A C 1, Western Park, Renfrew, Kick-Off 7pm

Ashfield lost narrowly this evening in a very enjoyable Pre-Season Friendly. A goal by Ex-Ashfield Midfielder Smith on the half hour was cancelled out by an excellent Darren O`Donnell shot just after the break. The game went from end to end, however it was the Renfrew Substitute who whipped a 20 yard shot with the aid of a deflection into the bottom corner of the net to secure victory.

A hot and balmy evening welcomed the teams out at Western Park, Renfrew. Renfrew wore their traditional blue and white stripes whilst Ashfield played in all black with white flashes. Both teams were looking for a good work-out and they were not let down. Ashfield came out the traps very strongly with Craig Smith causing concern in the Renfrew defence with his electric pace and it was Smith that should have opened the scoring after approx 20mins. O'Donnell linked up well with Smith who turned the last defender but the Renfrew goalkeeper made an excellent save as he blocked it for a corner. Ashfield continued to pressurise the Renfrew defence with some fine flowing football which should have resulted in a goal, after great play from Sean Carberry and Gordon Passmore down the right hand side set up Smith again who swivelled past the defender but saw his shot go past the goalkeepers right hand post.

Renfrew came back strong and floated some great crosses into the box which was dealt with by Alan Smith and a trialist at left back who had an outstanding match for the 'field'.

Ashfield had the best chance of the match after approx 30mins when a sloppy pass across the pitch was intercepted by Darren 'Dazzler' O'Donnell who raced in on goal only to see his strike flash wide of the Renfew goal. This gave Renfrew a real boost as they played neat football and against the run of play they opened the scoring. A floated ball over the Ashfield defence was met by ex Ashfield player Alex Smith just outside the 6-yard box who flicked the ball on the volley past an onrushing McGovern in the Ashfield goal. Renfrew 1 Ashfield 0.

Renfrew then had a number of corners but the aerial spring of Maxwell headed the ball from danger in numerous occasions. The referee blew for half time and Ashfield undeservedly went in trailing 1-0 at half time.

HALF TIME: RENFREW 1 ASHFIELD 0

The Second half started with heavy thundery clouds overhead and it was Ashfield that shot the bolt of lighting after 50mins with a fine equaliser from Darren O'Donnell. Maxwell delivered a wicked cross into the renfrew box which was not dealt with properly and fell to O'Donnell who thrashed the ball low on the volley into the corner of the net. Renfrew 1 Ashfield 1.



This should have spurred Ashfield on but Renfrew took complete control of the game for the next 30mins. Renfrew had made some changes at Half Time and their number 16 in midfield with a great left foot was starting to command the game. Renfrew linked up well and created some great opportunities which were scorned by their forward line. Eventually the pressure paid off when a long ball from the back broke to the number 16 who rifled a low shot from approx 20 yards that took a deflection and fired into McGovern's right hand side of the net. Renfrew 2 Ashfield 1.
Changes were made prior to this goal as Smith of Ashfield was replaced by Chalmers partnering O'Donnell in the forward line.

Ryan Cairley of Ashfield in the middle of the park , although his first mention in this report was outstanding, stroking the ball around and he lifted the Ashfield team for a final last surge on Renfrew. He was linking well with the trialist at left back and Mike Tolland on the left wing, who delivered some telling crosses but Ashfield never got the break they needed. With approx 5mins left Ashfield should have been on level terms when a corner was delivered, fell to Maxwell but the ball broke of his foot and squirmed wide of the Renfrew post.

Ashfield continued to bombard the Renfrew goal for the remaining minutes but the clock was against them and the referee blew full time in what as a very good pre-season friendly. Credit to both teams.

FULL TIME: RENFREW 2 ASHFIELD 1

Man of the Match:- A good display from many of the Ashfield Players but for the second game running, Ryan Cairley was outstanding in the middle of the park.

Attendance:- 60

Photographs by:- Inga

More Pics from this game can be seen on the following link: Renfrew v Ashfield Gallery Pics