Thorniewood United 1 Ashfield F & A C 2 , Robertson Park, Viewpark, Uddingston - Kick-Off 2pm


Ashfield travelled to Uddingston this afternoon to face Thorniewood Utd in a vital league match and the decent crowd were not disappointed with a pulsating ninety minutes. Ashfield graced the turf displaying their traditional away strip of Blue and Yellow with the home team appearing in their all red outfit. Ashfield had strengthened their squad during the week by signing Robert Wright from Albion Rovers and this was to pay off in the latter stages of the match.

Thorniewood Utd have been formidable this season and they showed why straight from the kick off with Prior in the Ashfield goal having to look lively after three minutes, saving well from a 'Wood' freekick. Ashfield then counter attacked after six minutes with Paul Maxwell heading just wide from an Ali Martin corner.

It was real end to end stuff already in the match with both teams looking on top form. Thorniewood should have scored the opening goal after nine minutes. A Free kick was awarded just outside the Ashfield box. The Thorniewood player stepped up and bulleted a shot that looked netbound but Prior produced an outstanding block to deny the home team. The ball, however, was not cleared and Prior had to save Ashfield again by producing a top quality save from close range.

This was now becoming a superb match with both teams creating chances every time they ventured up the pitch. Ashfield could have snatched the lead after twenty six minutes when Paul Maxwell picked up a loose pass back to run straight on goal but his shot was well blocked by the 'Wood' stopper. Thorniewood almost hit back straight away but they were denied by a brilliant double save from Prior in the Ashfield goal. The impressive Goalkeeper firstly blocked a shot with his legs and then palmed the ensuing close range hit for a corner. Prior was clear to display his emotions to his team mates in the Ashfield rear guard.

Thorniewood continued to press forward and again Prior was called into action after thirty one minutes with a good save from an overhead kick from the Thorniewood Striker. Ashfield started to come back into the match as half time approached and were unlucky not to break the deadlock after thirty five minutes. Ali Martin picked the ball up deep in the Thorniewood half before weaving past his marker and side stepping another to whip in a cross that just evaded the onrushing Craig Smith from close range.

Referee Mr Dallas looked at his watch and blew his whistle to end an entertaining forty five minutes.

HALF TIME: THORNIEWOOD UTD 0 ASHFIELD 0

The second half started in glorious sunshine with Ashfield now taking the game to the home team. The first clear cut chance fell to Ashfield after fifty one minutes with Ali Martin being sent clear on the wing deep in the vistors half but referee Dallas pulled back proceedings to award Ashfield a foul when advantage looked the better option!. Thorniewood still looked a very dangerous outfit to the Possil team and they scorned a great chance after fifty five minutes when they were awarded a corner. The corner was delivered to the Ashfield back post which was not cleared properly and fell to the 'Wood' player who volleyed in a shot that was cleared brilliantly by Alan 'Spider' Smith on the line.

The supporters from both teams were now being entertained with great football and it was Ali Martin for Ashfield that had the next chance after fifty six minutes. The Ashfield top goalscorer glided past his marker and looked to play an easy ball to Craig Smith for the opening goal but Martin's pass was to strong as it slid past the onrushing forward.

As Ashfield pressed forward, Thorniewood delivered a blow by scoring the opening goal against the run of play on the hour mark. Thorniewood were awarded a corner that was whipped in to the Ashfield back post area. The ball was not dealt with again by the Ashfield defence as it was tamely headered out to the Thorniewood number 4 from fifteen yards who thrashed a left foot drive low past Prior into the net. Thorniewood Utd 1 Ashfield 0.

Ashfield Manager, Rankin then made a brilliant tactical change after this goal by bringing on Tony Chalmers and it was clear that this was to be the turning point of the game even though the visitors were losing. Ashfield were awarded a throw in on the half way line that was trapped by Chalmers. The Ashfield player slipped past his counterpart and unleashed an unstoppable shot from twenty yards that swerved sharply in the air before hitting the back of the net. Thorniewood Utd 1 Ashfield 1.



This goal now spurred Ashfield on as they looked for the all important three points to maintain their promotion challenge. Ali Martin had a great chance to score a second after seventy three minutes after great wing play from Chalmers but his volley from ten yards was easily saved by the Thorniewood keeper.

Ashfield made another change with new signing Robert (Bert) Wright making his debut and this was to pay off immediately as the midfielder swivelled past a challenge before 'dinking' a pass to release Chalmers after seventy five minutes. Chalmers raced in on goal and unselfishly passed the ball across the goalmouth which looked to be easily saved by the Thorniewood keeper but, the ball squirmed out his grasp and fell to Ali Martin who tapped the ball in from two yards to send the players and Ashfield support into elation. Thorniewood Utd 1 Ashfield 2.

Ashfield still pressed forward after this vital goal and Paul Maxwell came close after seventy eight minutes with his header flashing just wide from a Mark Thomson cross.

As the match approached ninety minutes, Prior had to save well after eighty five and eighty seven minutes, firstly watching a dipping shot hit the top of his bar and secondly tipping the ball to safety after a 'cross-come shot' from twenty five yards.

Ashfield played the remaining minutes out sensibly and referee Dallas blew for full time to end this excellent league encounter. It had been a terrific match and both sides deserve enormous credit in what was a very sporting match.


FULL TIME: THORNIEWOOD UTD 1 ASHFIELD 2

Man of the Match:- It was a great battling performance from the `field and the Captain led by example this afternoon. It was one of Mark Thomson`s best performances of the season and fully deserves the Man of the Match. Special mention to Chris Prior in the Ashfield goal who was outstanding throughout.

Attendance:- 100

Photographs by:- Inga, more pics from this game can be seen on my Gallery page, please click the link: Thorniewood v Ashfield Gallery Pics