St Anthony`s 2 Ashfield F & A C 1 , McKenna Park, Glasgow - Kick-Off 7.15pm

The last match of the season, and what a season it has been!!, The 'field' thought they had blown it in Mid-March after losing 3-2 at home to Benburb but to win 7 out of the last 9 games was a fantastic achievement, no more so than against Maryhill last Saturday which really clinched Promotion.

The 'Ants' were the challenge tonight as the players strolled on to the perfect pitch at McKenna Park. Ashfield had changed their squad and many of the normal starting eleven were sitting on the bench. St Anthony's were in their traditional green and white.

It had a pre/post season feel about the fixture as the game started. Ali Martin had the first effort after ten minutes when his swerving shot from a free kick was well saved by the Ants Keeper.

The Ants were the better team early on and McGovern had to block after twelve minutes after good play in midfield from the home side.

The home side did not wait long to score a deserved opener after twenty minutes. A free kick was drilled into the six yard area with Gary Madden flicking his header down in to the corner of the net to beat McGovern. St Anthony`s 1 Ashfield 0.

This was deserved by the 'Ants' but it gave Ashfield a jolt as they came back into the match. A corner was awarded on the half hour mark with Ali Martin whipping it in. Paul Maxwell jumped with the Ants goalkeeper and steered his header into the net with the Ants defenders protesting that he had fouled the keeper. To be fair, Maxi powered in but the Keeper will be disappointed at not managing to clear. St Anthony`s 1 Ashfield 1.

Ashfield now took control of the remaining minutes and O'Donnell should have scored after thirty three minutes but his shot fired wide after great play from Ryan Cairley.

HALF TIME : ST ANTHONY'S 1 ASHFIELD 1

The second half started and both sides were keen to stroke the ball around without any penetration. The 'Ants' were troubling the make-shift Ashfield defence and troubled McGovern after seventy minutes. A neat one-two resulted in 'Guv' sliding to his side to deny a good effort from the St Anthony's player.

Ashfield were next to press forward and the miss of the season happened after seventy two minutes. Chalmers picked the ball up and sent Maxwell through on goal. Big 'Maxi' cut the ball back across the goal for an easy tap in for Chamers but the ball bobbled as he shot and it drifted wide of the post.

St Anthony's came back strong and their striker fired a left foot volley wide after eighty three minutes.

Ashfield had the next chance after eighty five minutes. Mark Thomson 'whipped' in a cross that met the head of Ali Martin but his effort was well saved low down by the 'Ants' keeper.

Injury time approached but St Anthony's had the last response as they scored a second goal. Neat play resulted in the ball finding Williams who swivelled and shot the ball past the despairing arm of McGovern in the Ashfield goal from ten yards. St Anthony`s 2 Ashfield 1.

The game was brought to an end and although we lost tonight, we are now officially promoted!!!

WELL DONE THE FIELD!!!

Great credit to St Anthony's who deserved their victory tonight

FULL TIME: ST ANTHONY'S 2 ASHFIELD 1

Man of the Match:- Ryan Cairley had a terrific Match in the Centre of Midfield and was unlucky to pick up an injury midway through the Second Half.

Attendance:- 85

Photographs by:- Inga

Highlights of this match can be seen on the following 'YouTube' links. Many Thanks to Davie for the footage.


St Anthonys v Ashfield 1-0

St Anthonys v Ashfield 1-1

St Anthonys v Ashfield - Ashfield miss a sitter

St Anthonys v Ashfield 2-1