Shotts Bon Accord 1 Ashfield F & A C 1 , Hannah Park, Shotts - Kick-Off 2pm. (Shotts win on penalties 5-3)

Ashfield were knocked out of the Central League Cup at Hannah Park this afternoon after holding Shotts Bon Accord to a 1-1 draw after 90 Minutes. Both goals were scored in the first half with Kevin Barr opening the scoring in the 12th Minute for the home side, and Jim Smith levelling for the `field on the 17th Minute direct from a Free-Kick.

Ashfield had not beaten Shotts since the 1974-75 Season and were keen to avenge the two recent defeats at the hands of the home team which were in the Sectional League Cup Semi Final this season and on penalties in the Central League Cup last season. The Match was played in atrocious conditions with wind and driving rain prevailant throughout the Match. A minute`s silence was observed before kick-off for one of the longest serving secretaries in Junior Football, Tom Stephenson.

The teams emerged from the changing rooms as the heavens opened at Hannah Park. Ashfield ran out in their traditional 'lucky' away outfit of Yellow and Blue Hoops with Shotts appearing in their traditional maroon strip. Ashfield made a few changes to freshen up the team and some of the substitutes displayed their thoughts on the matter!!.

Shotts started the match with the advantage of a powerful wind and almost scored after two minutes. McGovern gleefully watched the ball skim past his near post from twenty yards.

The wind was causing havoc for Ashfield, any ball played in the air was coming straight back into the Ashfield half. Shotts were applying severe pressure on the Ashfield rear guard and scored the opening goal after twelve minutes. Kevin Barr picked the ball up for the home side and slipped past his marker before smashing a low shot from twenty yards that crashed low into the corner of the Ashfield net. McGovern had no chance as the wind assisted shot sailed past him. Shotts BA 1 Ashfield 0.

Ashfield were now battling more against the elements rather than their opposition. McGovern had to look lively after fourteen minutes as he got down well to save a shot after neat play. Ashfield are famous for their fighting capabilities and this was to show a minute later as they equalised. A free kick was awarded to the 'Field' twenty five yards out from the Shotts goal. Captain for the day, Jim Smith, stepped up and fired in a low shot that seemed to surprise the Shotts keeper as he fumbled the ball into the net. A real boost for the 'Possil' team. Shotts BA 1 Ashfield 1.

This goal gave Ashfield great confidence and Robert Wright in Midfield started to run the show in the middle of the park with good support from Martin Gault. Shotts were still very dangerous and McGovern produced the save of the match as he tipped over a fierce shot from fifteen yards that looked netbound. It was now a very good cup tie as Ashfield had the next chance after twenty seven minutes. Ali Martin played a quick corner to Robert Wright who fired in a shot from a tight angle that narrowly missed the junction of the bar/post.

Half time approached and it was the Home team that had the last effort. Ashfield lost the ball in Midfield and some lovely passing moves from the Shotts players resulted in McGovern again coming to the rescue to block a close range shot. The referee brought the half to an end as the supporters rushed to the pie stand to warm themselves up.

HALF TIME: SHOTTS BA 1 ASHFIELD 1

Ashfield came out for the second half in buyountbuoyant mood as they had weathered, literally, the storm from Shotts in the first half, however the wind had started to die down as the game kicked off.

Ashfield started the second period well with Ali Martin storming down the left wing and delivered a great low cross that just evaded Darren O'Donnell after fifty minutes. Both teams were now struggling to gain advantage as the midfield battle ensued. Shotts should have broken the deadlock after fifty nine minutes with the Shotts striker picking the ball up before racing almost thirty yards. The Shotts aceman slipped inside another Ashfield player and looked a certainty to score but, his shot squirmed wide of the Ashfield goal.

Robert Wright had the next chance for the away team after sixty three minutes as he met a Darren O'Donnell cross only to see his header being blocked for a corner. O'Donnell just back from suspension had the best chance of the second half as Craig Smith weaved past his marker and set up O'Donnell from fifteen yards but the normally reliable Ashfield striker flashed his effort wide of the goal. I

It was now a scrappy affair as neither side were wanting to lose this, Gault for Ashfield tried his luck from twenty five yards but saw his shot well saved by the Bon Accord Stopper. Inury time approached and neither side could provide that extra spark to win. The Referee blew for full time and penalties to decide the outcome.

FULL TIME:- SHOTTS BA 1 ASHFIELD 1

PENALTIES: -

SHOTTS: NUMBER 4 , SCORED 1-0
ASHFIELD (WRIGHT), SCORED 1-1

SHOTTS: NUMBER 9, SCORED 2-1
ASHFIELD (J.SMITH) SCORED 2-2
SHOTTS: NUMBER 11, SCORED 3-2
ASHFIELD (CHALMERS), SCORED 3-3
SHOTTS : NUMBER 9, SCORED 4-3
ASHFIELD (TOLLAND), SAVED BY KEEPER 4-3
SHOTTS: NUMBER 2: SCORED AND SENT THE BON ACCORD INTO THE NEXT ROUND 5-3

Man of the Match:- Good performances from many in the yellow and blue, namely Robert Wright, Jim Smith and Gordon Passmore, however Stevie McGovern was absolutely terrific in the Ashfield goal and was almost unbeatable in the first half.

Attendance:- Approx. 100

Photographs by:- Inga