Vale of Leven 4 Ashfield F & A C 1, Milburn Park, Alexandria - Kick-Off 7.15pm

Ashfield suffered a set back in their bid for Promotion this evening at Alexandria losing 4-1 to a very talented Vale of Leven Team who belied their lowly League position to escape relegation to the 2nd Division. Leading 2-0 at the Interval the home side were put under severe pressure when Craig Smith pulled a goal back for the `field in the 49th Minute. However two further goals put the Match beyond Ashfield and it is now `game on ` this Saturday in the Promotion decider against Maryhill at Lochburn Park with the winners heading for the Super League.

A large crowd entered Milburn Park tonight for this vital encounter. Ashfield were looking to leapfrog Maryhill and Thorniewood into second place with Vale of Leven needing a point to avoid relegation. Vale of Leven started the brighter side but it was Ashfield that almost scored after six minutes. Craig Smith was sent clean through by Gordon Passmore only to see his angled drive dip just over the bar.

The 'Vale' hit back almost immediately and were awarded a free kick just outside the Ashfield box. Prior in the Ashfield goal got down brilliantly to block the netbound effort from the resultant free kick.

The game was being played like a 'Cup Tie' with both sides playing some good entertaining football. The home team had started well but Ashfield were now bringing themselves back into the match. Jim Smith shot wide after fifteen minutes for the 'Field' and again caused havoc in the 'Vale' box after twenty six minutes from an Ali Martin corner.

Ashfield should have opened the scoring after twenty eight minutes. Ali Martin received the ball just inside the 'Vale' penalty box and slipped past a defender before smashing his left foot effort over the bar. This was a great chance squandered by Ashfield and they were soon punished as Vale of Leven opened the scoring after thirty minutes. A free kick was awarded just inside the Ashfield half which was floated into the box and met by the 'Vale' striker who guided his header from six yards out, past Prior and into the corner of the net. Vale of Leven 1 Ashfield 0.

Ashfield almost bounced back immediately after this goal but O'Donnell's near post header went wide from an Ali Martin cross. The pace of the Vale of Leven forwards were causing Ashfield concern and this was evident after thirty five minutes. A long ball was played to the speedy 'Vale' winger who only had Jamie Reilly to beat to race in on goal. Reilly slid in and appeared to play the ball in the challenge but the Referee had other ideas as he blew for a free kick and also showed Reilly a straight Red Card, deeming him to be last man. A Harsh decision from the referee.

Ashfield obviously had to 'tinker' with their formation and Vale of Leven took advantage of this after forty two minutes to score their second goal. The Vale of Leven midfielder picked the ball up fully twenty five yards and unleashed a vicious shot that hit the 'postage stamp' before Prior could move in the Ashfield goal. An excellent strike from the player. Vale of Leven 2 Ashfield 0.

This was a real body blow to the 'Field' and it now looked to be an uphill struggle to gain anything out the match. Craig Smith almost got a goal back in the forty fourth minute after good play from O'Donnell but the 'Vale' keeper blocked well from six yards.

HALF TIME: VALE OF LEVEN 2 ASHFIELD 0

'C'mon the ten men' was the cry as Ashfield ran onto the park for the second half and this cry paid off immediately as the 'Field' looked fired up to get back into the match. Forty nine minutes was on the clock when Ashfield deservedly got back into the game. Mark Thomson picked the ball up and played a lovely pass down the right wing to Tony Chalmers, Chalmers cut inside and crossed the ball to the six yard box where O'Donnell looked a certainty to score but it evaded him, however, Craig Smith was lurking at the back post to drive the ball low into the net from close range. Vale of Leven 2 Ashfield 1.

Ashfield were now rampant and received a huge lift after scoring. Jim Smith fired in a free kick after fifty two minutes but the 'Vale' wall held firm as it crashed into one unfortunate player's chest.
The Home team were still very dangerous though and Passmore had to clear off the Ashfield goal line after fifty eight minutes after Prior initially saved.

The Ashfield support were continuing to encourage the players and Craig Smith almost equalised after a 'Mazy' run resulted in his shot just miss the outside post from fifteen yards.

The game changed though after sixty two minutes when Vale of Leven scored a vital third goal. A corner was awarded and was whipped into the Ashfield six yard box. The Ashfield defence did not react but the 'Vale' player certainly did as he rose unchallenged to bullet his header past Prior to the delight of the large home support. Ashfield Manager, Stevie Rankin, was clearly upset about his sides defending of this goal.
Vale of Leven 3 Ashfield 1.

The referee was the next person to be in the spotlight after sixty eight minutes when he showed the Vale of Leven player a straight red card after a lunge on Tony Chalmers. The challenge was reckless but again may have not merited a straight red.

Ten men versus Ten men was now the equation as Ashfield squandered chances. Paul Maxwell had entered the turf and volleyed high over from fifteen yards after good play from Craig Smith.

The game was now nearing the ninety minute mark with both teams looking drained after a pulsating match. The home side were not quite finished though as they scored a fourth in injury time. The ball was picked up twenty yards out from their striker who looked up and noticed Prior of his line. The ball was chipped perfectly over the head of Prior which struck the underside of the bar and trickled out to the onrushing 'Vale' player who stroked the ball into the net. Vale of Leven 4 Ashfield 1.

The referee brought proceedings to an end with the home side celebrating their survival. Ashfield tried hard tonight and missed numerous chances especially in the first half but congratulations to Vale of Leven.

FULL TIME: VALE OF LEVEN 4 ASHFIELD 1

Man of the Match:- Gordon Passmore was excellent tonight, was calm on the ball and played some excellent passes.

Attendance:- Approx 200

Photographs by:- Inga