St Anthony`s 3 Ashfield F & A C 2 , McKenna Park, Glasgow - Kick-Off 2pm

Ashfield`s long awaited success in the Scottish Junior Cup will have to wait for another year as the `field were beaten 3-2 this afternoon at McKenna Park, Govan. After a low-key start to the game, the Match really took off in the Second Half with goals a plenty, a missed penalty, a sending-off , numerous chances squandered however the end result is that St Anthony`s will be in the hat for Round 3.

A balmy afternoon greeted both Teams this afternoon and although there had been plenty of rain in Glasgow in the last 48 hours, the pitch was in excellent condition. Ashfield were in their changed strip of Yellow & Blue hoops & the Ants were in their normal Green & White hoops. The Crowd of Approx.100 were treated to a low key start with both teams giving each other respect and it took almost 20 minutes for the first chance of the Match, which fell to Ali Martin on the left hand side of the box. His shot was hit well & blocked by the legs of the Ants keeper Halpin.

St Anthony`s all of a sudden started to find gaps in the Ashfield rearguard and they almost went ahead in the 26th Minute after good work on the wing. The ball was played across the goalmouth & was knocked in at the far post by Madden however the Linesman had already flagged for Offside. A real-let off for Ashfield, a warning which they did not heed and in the 34th Minute the home side went ahead after some concerted pressure. A weak ball was played out of defence with the Ashfield midfield being dispossessed of the ball which was played through to Gary Madden. His low shot was saved well by Prior however the rebound was knocked into the empty net by Jamie Docherty to put the home side 1-0 up. St Anthony`s 1 Ashfield 0.

Ashfield had struggled to play their normal passing game and they knew they were up against it against an eager St Anthony`s side. Both teams cancelled each other out for the remaining minutes of the half.

HALF TIME:- ST ANTHONY`S 1 ASHFIELD 0

The first half had been slightly subdued for a Junior Cup Tie however the Second Half more than made up for it as both teams had a `real go` at each other. Just as Ashfield were beginning to assert themselves in the game, St Anthony`s new signing Jamie Docherty picked up the ball fully 25 yards out before curling a shot into the top corner of the net to the delight of the home support. St Anthony`s 2 Ashfield 0.

A real blow for Ashfield who immediately brought on Darren O`Donnell for left Back Davie Gumley in a bid to salvage the Match. The Ashfield forward made a really good impact on the game and immediately was linking up well with the Ashfield forwards and also brought out a great one-handed save from the Ants Keeper. A lovely move involving Thomson, O`Donnell and Chalmers resulted in the latter being pulled down inside the box & Referee McFaulds pointed immediately to the spot. The normally reliable Tony Chalmers placed his penalty wide of the post and the `field had missed a real chance to get back in the game especially as the Ants went straight up the park and increased their lead. A free kick was awarded to the home team just outside Ashfield`s box. The Free-Kick was drilled low into the wall however the ball went through, with the ball being deflected past Chris Prior to put the home side 3-0 up. St Anthony`s 3 Ashfield 0.

It was make or break for Ashfield and Craig Smith was brought on to try & salvage something from the Match. Ashfield were knocking the ball about well and were causing alarm in the home defence after some excellent deliveries by Mark Thomson. With 13 minutes remaining a lovely delivery from Thomson was headed on by Paul Maxwell and drilled home by the onrushing Darren O`Donnell to reduce the deficit. St Anthony`s 3 Ashfield 1.

It was all Ashfield now & the Ants were pinned back. Alistair Martin almost scored with 10 minutes to go after a `stramash` in the box saw his net-bound effort cleared off the line. Two minutes later and it was `game-on`. A lovely free-kick from Mark Thomson was met by Paul Maxwell and his glancing header ended up in the corner of the net to the delight of the travelling support. St Anthony`s 3 Ashfield 2.

St Anthony`s were trying to slow the game down at every opportunity and Ashfield`s frustration was evident with Thomson, Fraser & Mangan all being booked. Another chance fell to Ali Martin in the box however his half shot sailed over. With minutes remaining Ashfield`s Captain was sent off for speaking out of turn to the Referee and the home side played out the remainder of the game at Ashfield`s Corner flag area. A great Second Half to watch however it is St Anthony`s that will be in the hat for the next round. As for the `field it is back to League business next Saturday and a trip to Renfrew.


FULL TIME:- ST ANTHONY`S 3 ASHFIELD 2

Man of the Match:- A difficult game for Ashfield with many players not being allowed to play their normal game, however Darren O`Donnell brought on that much needed spark and also scoring the first goal.

Attendance:- 100 appx

Photographs by:- Inga