Yoker Athletic 0 Ashfield F & A C 1, Holm Park, Yoker - Kick-Off 2pm

The competitive season got under way for Ashfield this afternoon with a tricky visit to Yoker Athletic. Cloudy skies greeted the sides onto Holm Park with both sides in their traditional strips, Yoker in all blue with Ashfield in Black and White Hoops.

It was the home side that started the better side and forced a series of corners after five minutes with the Ashfield defence blocking a netbound shot. This sparked Ashfield into action and great play from Chalmers let Craig Smith dribble past his marker after twelve minutes before firing a left foot shot that just sneaked past the post with the goalkeeper beaten.

The Ashfield defence were looking slightly shaky against a lively Yoker team. An error after fourteen minutes from the Ashfield Defender let the Yoker striker race in on goal but his shot was sliced high over the bar from fifteen yards.

Play was now going from end to end and Craig Smith almost broke the deadlock after sixteen minutes. Jim Smith whipped in a free kick from the right hand side which was inch perfect for his namesake at the back post but he could not get it out his feet before the Yoker rearguard cleared. Tony Chalmers had the next effort seconds later weaving inside and unleashing a shot that just slid wide of the goal.

Ashfield had now imposed themselves on this game with Jamie Coll excellent at the back along with Davie Gumley. Mark Thomson was also commanding the midfield area with Sean Fraser. Fraser had the next effort after twenty four minutes but his fierce shot was deflected wide for a corner.

Yoker were still a real threat to Ashfield playing some nice football and should have scored the opener after twenty four minutes. A corner was awarded which was swung into the Ashfield box. No Ashfield defender claimed responsibility as the Yoker player flashed in a header that went narrowly wide from eight yards.

As the clock approached the half hour mark Ashfield took the lead with a brilliant strike from Mark Thomson. 'Thomo' picked the ball up centrally fully thirty yards out and fired in a 'rocket' that dipped just under the cross bar with the Yoker Goalkeeper having no chance. A fantastic strike from the midfielder!!. Yoker Athletic 0 Ashfield 1.

Yoker kept battling after this setback and pressed forward. As half time approached the final chance fell to the home side with a good twenty five yard effort which sailed over the bar.


HALF TIME: YOKER ATH 0 ASHFIELD 1

The second half started with the 'Field' pushing forward. Mark Thomson who had earlier scored a wonder goal almost scored a simlar second after forty seven minutes. Thomson picked the ball up and smashed in a shot from twenty five yards which was well blocked by the Yoker Goalkeeper. The ball fell to Darren O'Donnell who did well to fire in a volley but the Yoker defence blocked well and cleared the danger.

The match then turned slightly scrappy with both teams unable to take control. Yoker had plenty of possesion but could not find that 'killer' pass to break through the Ashfield defence.

The next real chance fell to O'Donnell after sixy four minutes. Gordon Passmore picked the ball up and weaved inside before driving a shot which O'Donnell flicked but his effort went wide of the post.

Passmore was involved in the next chance after seventy minutes. Great play from Jim Smith and Tony Chalmers released Passmore down the right wing. The big defender crossed brilliantly to the back post area but the ball just evaded O'Donnell who looked a certainty to score.

Yoker sensed they could draw level and played the second half like a real Cup tie. A free kick was awarded twenty five yards out which was clipped just over the bar to the relief of McGovern in the Ashfield goal.

Tempers started to flair as the final whistle approached but referee Kane who was excellent all afternoon used his common sense to difuse any situations.

Ashfield had time for one more chance and it was the move of the match. Thomson passed to Ali Martin who flicked to Martin Gault. Gault looked up and saw the run from Thomson who started the move. A lovely floated pass reached Thomson's chest but his volley from ten yards crashed over the bar.

The ball was in McGovern's hands as the referee brought the match to an end.

FULL TIME: YOKER ATH 0 ASHFIELD 1

Man of the Match:- In a tough match, Mark Thomson was outstanding in Midfield & also scored the winning goal. Special mention to young Jamie Coll at the back who had a great game.

Attendance:- 62

Photographs by:- Inga