Ewaninblack

McBookie West Region Division 2 Vale of Leven 3 Ashfield 2 - Saturday 15/02/2020 - Kick Off 2pm For the second week running, the `field had to overcome severe overhead conditions whilst playing teams in 2nd and 1st positions in the League respectively and after 30 minutes at Millbank yesterday it looked like they were going to come away with the 6 points from the two matches, however the home side had something to say about it yesterday and ensured a real cup tie of a Match which had chances right up until the 93rd minute. Firstly it must be said that the Ground Staff at Millburn deserve a huge amount of credit for ensuring the game went ahead however it also must be said that the overhead conditions were as bad as it gets and both sets of players deserve huge credit for putting on such a good show. The game started with Ashfield Keeper Chris Prior launching a couple of kick-outs which barely got any distance before he started to drive the ball low and hard to obtain distance. The Vale looked lively in the early stages and were utilising the flanks to good effect however after 10 minutes, with the visitors first real foray upfield, Callum Graham came within an inch of putting Ashfield ahead after finding some space in the box and dispatching a shot with the outside of his foot which narrowly missed the post. This was a warning for the Vale however with five minutes of that chance, Ashfield went ahead. Graeme Hearton was everywhere for Ashfield in the early exchanges and won the ball midway inside the Vale half before driving at the home defence and finding Callum Graham who drove past the last defender and despatched a left foot drive into the roof of the net for his 38th competitive goal of a remarkable season. Vale of Leven 0 Ashfield 1. The Vale responded well and brought out a good couple of saves from Chris Prior who was marshalling his back four well especially from inswinging corners. The home side had the benefit of the ferocious wind behind them in the first half however sometimes this can be a disadvantage and it was Ashfield, up until the half hour mark that were benefitting from their usual passing game and in the 28th minute were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. Michael Giblin whipped the ball into the penalty spot and Ashfield`s Centre Callum Graham hovered in the air beating the Vale Keeper to the ball and guiding his header into the net to the delight of the travelling support. Vale of Leven 0 Ashfield 2. The Vale through caution to the wind if you pardon the pun and pushed forward strongly in the last 10 minutes of the first half to try and pull a goal back before the interval and after a series of corners got their reward with 6 minutes left in the half. An inswinging corner was partially cleared by the `field defence however the ball landed just inside the box with the Vale No 3 Jackson first to react and volleyed an unstoppable shot past Chris Prior into the roof of the net. Vale of Leven 1 Ashfield 2. It was `game on` now and this was the lift that the home side needed who almost equalised on the stroke of half time with a header, however it was not to be as Referee Kieran O`Reilly brought first half proceedings to a halt. HT:- VALE OF LEVEN 1 ASHFIELD 2 The wind had died down slightly at the start of the second half however the rain became heavier and for a while it was absolutely torrential with some of the players beginning to struggle. It was the home side that made a couple of changes and were now playing with virtually four up front and utilising two wingers and Ashfield were caught on their heels a couple of times after losing possession when attacking. Chris Prior has to be at his best on a couple of occasions and on the hour mark made a terrific double save from the Vale forwards however this only prolonged what was coming as on the 66th minute Scott Arthur made a terrific run down the left flank before despatching a low cross into the path of Lewis King who drove the ball past Chris Prior to the roar of the vociferous home support. Vale of Leven 2 Ashfield 2. Ashfield made a couple of changes to freshen things up with recent signing from Livingston Bradley Rodden coming on together with John Gaynor as the`field tried to get back in the game however at this point the home side had their `tails up` and were relentless foraging forward and after a defensive mix up with Luke Crerand mis-kicking his clearance the ball broke to Ross Leyden who had the simple task of drilling the ball into virtually an empty net. Vale of Leven 3 Ashfield 2. A bad goal for the `field to lose however to be fair they brought on Ross McMahon who began to win a fair share of midfield balls and alleviate the other visiting Midfielders and for the last 10 minutes it was Ashfield that began to have the upper hand. Despite pressure, chances were at a premium until the 89th minute when the Vale Keeper pulled off a save pushing the ball out and a typical `tramash` then ensued before the Referee blew for an infringement. As the clock ticked towards the final minutes of injury time, Ashfield had a number of corners and Chris Prior in the Ashfield goal joined the attack and with seconds left the `field were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. This was `last chance saloon` for the `field as Bradley Rodden whipped the ball around the wall only to see the Vale Keeper at full stretch touch the ball past the post and that was it. The Vale move onto 44 points with the `field 10 points behind them with 7 games in hand. I have a feeling that this years Promotion race, like last year, will go to the `wire`. Ashfield head to the seaside next Saturday and a trip to Saltcoats in what will be another tough away fixture with the Vale having a week off before travelling to Muirkirk on the 29th. FT:- VALE OF LEVEN 3 ASHFIELD 2 Attendance:- 100 Ashfield`s Team:- C.Prior, C Leverage, D Leverage, A Cairns, J Crumlish, P McQuilken, B Hepburn, M Giblin, C Graham., G Hearton and L Crerand. Subs:- B Rodden, J Gaynor, R McMahon, P Maxwell & R Dakhill

Match Report now on P&B and on www.ashfieldfootballclub.com

McBookie West Region Division 2 Yoker Athletic 1 Ashfield 4 - Saturday 8th February 2020 - K.O. 2pm A Crunch Match in terms of League positions were fought for at a blustery Holm Park yesterday where it was `Storm Callum` that arrived ahead of `Storm Ciara` to ensure the three vital points were heading along the road to Saracen Park. This was the `field`s fifth straight win in a row scoring 22 goals in these games and now sets the North Glasgow outfit up for a real go at Promotion. You will not hear the `P` word uttered from Paul Maxwell and his Management Team as there are still 13 games to go in this tough League however yesterday`s result against one of the fellow contenders certainly laid down a mark. It started however extremely brightly for the home side, who dominated early proceedings, adapting to the conditions and the surface and were knocking the ball about well with the No 11 catching the eye with his pacy runs down the left flank. The Ashfield back four struggled to cope with the swirling wind and were guilty of conceding a couple of `silly` free-kicks within shooting range. Chris Prior in the Ashfield Goal was lively and alert pushing a net bound effort out in the 8th minute however 2 minutes later he was picking the ball out of the net following a corner which was held up in the wind and with the `field defence struggling to clear the ball, the Yoker No 8 David McGrath stabbed the ball through a ruck of players and into the corner of the net to the delight of the home support. Yoker Athletic 1 Ashfield 0. This goal gave the visitors a `jolt` and as the Home side surged forward at every opportunity the `field defence was beginning to cope with the danger with Sean Doherty and Colin Leverage marshalling the `troops` well. The Referee was kept busy in the opening exchanges and was guilty of brandishing Cards early on however was determined to `keep a lid` on things as both teams were certainly fully committed in the swirling wind. Doherty, Hepburn and Hearton were all yellow carded in the first half for the visitors. As the half wore on the conditions seemed to deteriorate however Ashfield were beginning to find success with the ball played over the back four instead of the use of the flanks and after a couple of last ditch tackles by the Keeper and Centre half for Yoker, the field equalised in the 38th minute courtesy of an opportunist goal from Callum Graham. The ball was flicked over the back four by Michael Giblin where Callum Graham utilised his pace however the Yoker man just got a touch back to his Keeper which was slightly short and the richochet clearance broke kindly to the Ashfield forward and the big striker had the easiest tasks of slipping the ball into the empty net to square things. Yoker Athletic 1 Ashfield 1. The match then flowed from end to end before Referee McCluskey brought proceedings to a halt and a welcome half time cup of tea. HT:- YOKER ATHLETIC 1 ASHFIELD 1 The 100+ Crowd which had turned up at a much improved Holm Park certainly knew they would have to `brave the elements` as the weather seemed to worsen for the start of the second half with the rain beginning to come on however both sides put on an excellent show in the second period with Ashfield `stepping up a gear` to ensure victory. It was certainly 50/50 until the hour mark with both sides foraging forward at every opportnity. Chris Prior had again to look lively blocking a shot with his legs from the right hand side however it was Ashfield that came closest with a couple of free-kicks following some hefty challenges on the edge of the box. Ashfield began to take control of midfield with McQuilken, Giblin and Crerand producing some excellent service to the now front three after Baz Hepburn had moved to the left hand side for a while and with 18 minutes left on the clock the visitors made the all important breakthrough. A ball was flicked through the Callum Graham on the edge of the box and the big Ashfield striker evaded a couple of challenges before depatching a right foot shot into the far corner of the net to the delight of the travelling support. Yoker Athletic 1 Ashfield 2. Yoker were beginning to struggle with the pace of the Ashfield forwards and within 5 minutes the `field went further ahead. Michael Giblin drove at the Yoker defence and with everyone awaiting his shot he cutely cut the ball into the path of Callum Graham again and the Ashfield Centre finished his hat-trick off with aplomb leaving the Yoker Keeper with no chance. Yoker Athletic 1 Ashfield 3. Ashfield had their `tails up` now and on the 83rd Minute Callum Graham picked up the ball midway inside the Yoker half before driving at the back four and despatching a right foot drive past the despairing arms of the Yoker Keeper to ensure victory for the `field in their changed strip of yellow and black. Yoker Athletic 1 Ashfield 4. A wonderful four goal salvo from Callum Graham, his 2nd 4 Goal performance in a row and as Referee McCluskey brought proceedings to a close, thoughts turned to next week`s visit to League Leaders Vale of Leven. However it certainly is worth enjoying yesterday`s performance first at a notoriously difficult ground to obtain points at. FT:- YOKER ATHLETIC 1 ASHFIELD 4 Attendance:- 105 Ashfield`s Team:- C Prior, C Leverage, D Leverage, A Cairns, S Doherty, P McQuilken, B Hepburn, M Giblin, C Graham, G Hearton and L Crerand. Subs:- I Berhas, P Maxwell, J Crumlish, B Rodden and M McManus.

West of Scotland Cup First Round Pollok 4 Ashfield 1 - Saturday 9th November 2019 This was the first time since 2013 that the teams had `locked horns` and on that day it was the Central League Cup Final where a certain Carlo Monti ensured the trophy went to the South Side of Glasgow. Nowadays there are 52 League places between the teams however Paul Maxwell is building an excellent group of players and the `field will be challenging for promotion this Season for that I`m sure. As the Crowd poured in the `field entered the Newlandsfield turf in an attacking formation and were playing in their 3rd strip of all Red. The game started off at a great pace with the home side keen to stamp their authority on the Match. It was the visitors that were extremely organised and were seeing a good deal of the ball down the left flank where Baz Hepburn was `catching the eye`. Despite a couple of whipped in corners the `field were holding their own however just as they began to venture forward a lovely move on the 16th minute saw a corner to the `Lok. McLauchlan, Pollok`s 6ft + Centre half managed to get above the `field back four and power his header downwards which was pushed aside by Ryan Dakhill and a minute later the home side went ahead after a cute back heel inside the box found Ex-Ashfield Midfielder Shaun Fraser who was first to react as he `dinked` the ball over the advancing Ashfield Keeper to put the home side 1-0 up. Pollok 1 Ashfield 0. The visitors needed to concentrate for the next period and this they did restricting Pollok to some long range shots however on the 20th minute Adam Forde thought he had increased Pollok`s lead when his 20 yard curling shot evaded the top corner by inches. Ashfield managed to find their rhythm in midfield and were knocking the ball about well. Paul McQuilken was having a great game against his old team. On 25 minutes Ashfield started to put a bit of pressure on the home side, firstly after a lovely drilled corner from Michael Giblin on the left found Sean Doherty however the big Centre half`s header went agonisingly past the far post. This was a `wake up`call for the home side and Callum Graham who was beginning to give the `Lok back two a hard time was crudely brought down by McLauchlan who was the first to go into Referee Scott Anderson`s book. The game almost turned on its head after a lovely move saw Callum Graham break clear of his markers only to be brought down on the edge of the box by Jordan Longmuir in the `lok Goal. The Pollok Goalkeeper was the last man however was there any intention was the Referee`s decision to make, if so it would be Red. To the relief of the home support only a yellow card was produced and the visitors felt a bit hard done by. The resultant free-kick was drilled around the ball by Baz Hepburn however the Keeper was well positioned and gathered comfortably, The game ebbed and flowed after this as Referee Anderson brought first half proceedings to a close. HT:- POLLOK 1 ASHFIELD 0 Ashfield were buoyed by their closing spell in the first half and the game again started off at a great pace with the visitors utilising the flanks again. The `field had not had much to deal with in the opening exchanges however Ryan Dakhill had to pick the ball out of the net on the 53rd Minute when after determined play down the left flank, the ball was played to the Lok Left back Mark Sideserf and the Ex-Meadow player delivered a wicked cross to the far post which sailed over the Ashfield Keeper`s head and in off the underside of the crossbar to the delight of the home support. Pollok 2 Ashfield 0. This gave the home side a bit more breathing space and a couple of long range efforts went narrowly past Dakhill`s goal however in the 65th Minute the `field pulled a goal back. Excellent link up play down the left flank saw Colin Leverage gather the ball from Paul McQuilken and his low cross found Callum Graham peel away from his markers to drive the ball home to the delight of the away support. Pollok 2 Ashfield 1. It was game on now and no more than the visitors had deserved with their work rate. Ashfield brought on Alan Cairns and pushed Dean Leverage up on left wing and the youngster acquitted himself well. Callum Graham again was causing bother in the Pollok defence and managed to get a shot away which was well taken by Longmuir. With 5 minutes left to go the `field almost levelled the scores. A lovely cross into the box was met by Baz Hepburn and his looping header brought out a tremendous save by Longmuir as he touched the ball over the bar. However within 60 seconds the game was over. A nice build up from the home side saw them awarded with a Free-Kick 22 yards out. The wall was well positioned however that did not deter Adam Forde as the Pollok forward curled the ball into the roof of the net to the roar of the home support. Pollok 3 Ashfield 1. There seemed no way back for Ashfield now and a cross on the right from Gary McCann was met by a Pollok forward and his glancing header came back off the far post. As the clock ticked onto the 90th Minute, the home side were awarded another free-kick which was well delivered with the `field clearing the ball however Referee Anderson had spotted an infringement and pointed to the spot. A very soft decision and as Shaun Fraser lashed the ball past Ryan Dakhill to put the home side further ahead, the result seemed a bit harsh on the visitors. Pollok 4 Ashfield 1. It had been a tremendous Match and a great learning curve for the `field who can go into their next tranche of fixtures with confidence - Home to Maybole in the League then a Scottish Junior Cup 4th Round tie in Aberdeen against Stoneywood Parkvale FC. It was also great to see Ex-Ashfield players Gary McCann & Shaun Fraser together with Ex-Assistant Manager Murdie McKinnon & Coach Billy Kerr and we wish Pollok all the best for the remainder of the Season. FT:- POLLOK 4 ASHFIELD 1 Attendance:- 484 Ashfield`s Team:- R Dakhill, W Gatuingt, D Leverage, S Doherty, J Crumlish, C Leverage, G Hearton, M Giblin, C Graham, P McQuilken & B Hepburn. Subs:- D Johnson, L Cochrane, A Cairns, A Amos and P Maxwell

McBookie West Region Division 2 Ashfield 4 Ardeer Thistle 4 - Saturday 2nd November 2019 An early morning Pitch inspection ensured the Match went ahead as the `field welcomed Ardeer Thistle to Saracen Park. Ardeer are no strangers to the Ground and after today`s visit will count this as one of their favourite away venues. The Thistle famously put the `field out of the Scottish Junior Cup when Ashfield were a Super League Premier Side in 2012/13 Season & that result is fondly remembered by their support. The Match started slightly subdued with the home side desperate to make up for lost time and to start and peg back the early front runners in the League. The visitors were under new Management and their results had improved compared to the start of the Season. Ashfield were using the flanks well as there was not much room in Midfield and William Gatuingt was ably backing up the front line. A couple of excellent crosses were almost met by Callum Graham early on however after 18 minutes the big striker should have put the `field ahead. A lovely ball was played into the 6 yard box and the normally reliable Striker glanced his header inches past the post to the anguish of the home support. Next up was Baz Hepburn who cut in well from the left before despatching a net bound effort which was pushed away by the Thistle Keeper. Ashfield`s French right back was next up to try and break the deadlock against a well organised Ardeer Team however his 25 yard shot crashed off the top of the bar. The `field were becoming a bit frustrated with some of the Offside decisions & Alan Cairns was booked for dissent. The visitors had been lively going forward and looked extremely dangerous from set pieces with the Thistle right back possessing a tremendous long throw in. As it was the `field had to settle with a 0-0 scoreline at Half time as the Referee brought proceedings to a halt. The `field knew they would require to `up the tempo` in the Second Half in order to break down this stubborn Thistle back four. HALF TIME:- ASHFIELD 0 ARDEER TH. 0 The Crowd could not have expected what was to unfurl in the next 45 minutes with 8 Goals being scored and a host of further missed chances. Ashfield almost opened the scoring seconds into the half with the visiting Keeper struggling with a cross ball. On the 54th Minute however after a rather tousy start to the half, the game was turned on its head following a long throw in on the right. The Ardeer No 2 launched the ball into the penalty spot area and an onrushing Thistle Player bulleted a header past Cammy Farquhar in the Ashfield goal to the delight of the travelling support. Ashfield 0 Ardeer Thistle 1. Ashfield immediately put the visitors under pressure and despite the onslaught, chances were at a premium and to make matters worse, the visitors secured another long throw in on the hour mark and similar to the first goal the delivery picked out a Thistle player on the edge of the box and his guider header squeezed in at the near post to put Ardeer 2-0 up. Ashfield 0 Ardeer Thistle 2. The management Team of Ardeer would have wanted a period of consolidation after this however Callum Graham used his pace inside the box to `rob` the visiting right back and was then pulled down in the process. The big striker stepped up and drilled his penalty into the corner to provide a lifeline for the `field. Ashfield 1 Ardeer Thistle 2. This goal settled Ashfield down and also brought on Paul McQuilken to add his talent to the Midfield area. A couple of minutes later and it was game on when a lovely through ball found the ball picked up by Baz Hepburn who evaded a tackle and was straight through on goal. As the Keeper advanced the Ashfield Winger drove the ball into the far corner of the net to the delight of the home support. Ashfield 2 Ardeer Thistle 2. Ashfield could smell victory with 16 minutes remaining and shortly after a lovely move down the right was picked up by Graeme Hearton and his cross found Callum Graham who took one touch before lashing the ball into the corner of the net. Ashfield 3 Ardeer Thistle 2. The comeback was complete, or that`s what Ashfield thought as within 2 minutes it was all level. A long throw in from the right hand side caused mayhem in the Ashfield box as the Ashfield Keeper seemed to get lost in a ruck of players with the ball ending up in the back of the net. Ashfield 3 Ardeer Thstle 3. This was great entertainment for the neutrals as the clock ticked towards the 90th minute it was Ashfield that thought they had won the game over again. A ball was played up to Jack Crumlish and with the visitors appealing for offside he played the ball through to Callum Graham. The big striker drove towards goal and as the Keeper tried to narrow the angle, Callum placed the ball past him and into the back of the net as the Ashfield players, Managerment Team and Support went crazy. Another hat-trick for Callum and , including friendlies, has found the back of the net 31 times this season so far. Ashfield 4 Ardeer Thistle 3. Fair credit to Ardeer as they did not let this set back affect them and drove forward in search of an equaliser and as Referee Andrew Bryson looked at his watch hit 90 minutes Ashfield`s left back Alan Cairns conceded a throw in. The Visitors threw everyone up and as the ball was launched into the 6 yard box, the Ashfield Keeper attempted to punch the ball clear however the ball went back the way and trickled over the line to the anguish of the home support. Ashfield 4 Ardeer Thistle 4. As said it was a tremendous game for the neutral however the `field will be kicking themselves after doing the `hard part` by clawing themselves back to a winning position after being 2-0 down only to lose two points in injury time. Ardeer, on this performance, have made large strides forward under their new Management Team. It`s back to Cup action next week with the `field heading to Newlandsfield Park to take on Pollok in the West of Scotland Cup. FULL TIME:- ASHFIELD 4 ARDEER TH. 4 Attendance:- 90 Ashfield`s Team:- C Farquhar, W Gatuingt, A Cairns, C Leverage, J Crumlish, C Friel, L Cochrane, M Giblin, C Graham, G Hearton and B Hepburn. Subs:- P McQuilken, A Amos, S Doherty, D Leverage & D Johnson

Macron Scottish Junior Cup 3rd Round Ashfield 4 Lugar Boswell Thistle 1 - Saturday 26th October 2019 The teams had waited 25 years to play each other following a Scottish Junior Cup Tie in 1984 and have now met each other twice in the last 6 weeks in Glasgow. The home side were keen to get back playing as had not kicked a competitive ball since their excellent away performance in Inverurie in the last round. Lugar themselves had not been in much action so both term entered the soggy surface playing in their respective home strips. It was the home side that went on the offensive straight from the Kick-off however the Ashfield front line were being well marshalled, so the initial threats for the `field came from right back Gatuingt and on the left side Hepburn and Dean Leverage. The `field should have gone ahead in the 10th minute when Callum Graham peeled away from his marker however was unable to hit the target with his header. A series of corners followed and despite pressure, the visitors defended well. Cammy Farquhar was not called much into action and this was due to the Central Pairing of Sean Doherty and Jack Crumlish winning most of the `through traffic`. At last for the home side the deadlock was broken after 22 minutes from the simplest of goals. A lovely floated free-kick from Michael Giblin saw Ashfield`s big Centre Half Sean Doherty `ghost` in at the back post to guide the ball into the back of the net to the delight of the home support. Ashfield 1 Lugar Boswell 0. The home side suddenly upped the pace and within 2 minutes were further ahead after a terrific move involving Hearton, Leverage and McQuilken before Baz Hepburn was released down the left flank before cutting in and drawing the Keeper out. The Ex-Crookston Amateur player still had a lot to do however drove the ball in the far corner of the net for his 3rd goal of the Season. Ashfield 2 Lugar Boswell 0. Ashfield did their best to effectively `put the game to bed` however found the Lugar Keeper in excellent form coupled with the defending. Callum Graham was desperate to break his duck and eventually broke free of his markers however his low driven shot came back off the inside of the post. As the Referee brought proceedings to a halt, the field knew that they perhaps should have been further ahead as there was enough on show from the visitors to know that they could still be extremely awkward opponents. HT:- ASHFIELD 2 LUGAR BOSWELL TH. 0 The game started off at the same pace and Graeme Hearton followed by Callum Graham had shots which went over the bar. Graeme Hearton was having a great match picking the ball up and running at the Lugar back four. As the half wore on the game became a bit tousy with some late tackles which kept the Referee busy. Ashfield`s Centre Forward was next up for a Card after breaking through the Lugar back four only to fall as he was going around the Keeper. The Referee booked Graham for simulation. Midway through the half, the game changed following a lovely goal from the visitors. A whipped in free-kick to the far post was met by the Lugar forward and his guided header found an onrushing forward who poked the ball into the net to give the Ayrshire men a lifeline. Ashfield 2 Lugar Boswell 1. Ashfield had to keep things tight for the next 10 minutes as the Cup Tie came to life with the game swinging from end to end and were given a break when Callum Graham again found space in the Lugar box and from our angle was well but firmly tackled. The Referee saw things differently and awarded the `field a penalty deeming that the tackle was from behind. The Big Centre stroked in his 28th Goal of the Season and we are not at November yet. Ashfield 3 Lugar Boswell 1. The `field then swarmed forward at every opportunity and with 8 minutes left got the `icing on the cake` when Graeme Hearton ran from virtually his own half before driving the ball low and hard and in off the far post to cap a memorable display. Ashfield 4 Lugar Boswell 1. A good performance from the `field against a much improved Lugar side and it is Ashfield`s name that goes into the hat for the 4trh Round for the third year running. FT:- ASHFIELD 4 LUGAR BOSWELL TH. 1 Attendance:- 50 Ashfield`s Team - C Farquhar, W Gatuingt, D Leverage, S Doherty, J Crumlish, M Giblin, M McManus, P McQuilken, C Graham, G Hearton and B Hepburn. Subs:- C Friel, A Cairns, C Leverage, D Johnson & L Cochrane

Macron Scottish Junior Cup 2nd Round Colony Park 3 Ashfield 6 - Saturday 5th October 2019 The inclement weather continued where it had left off last Saturday as the Ashfield Coach rolled into the neat surroundings of Colony Park, Inverurie. The ground itself is immaculately kept and is situated next door to Highland League Team Inverurie Locos ground. With similar strip colours, the `field were forced into playing in their second strip of yellow and black and were greeted onto the park by their small band of supporters who did not have long to celebrate in the cold and damp weather. Straight from the Kick-off Ashfield made their intentions known and pressed forward. Callum Graham almost managed to wriggle free of his defenders before the ball was cleared to safety however the loose ball was played into the left hand side of the box. Brian Hepburn, Ashfield`s winger on that side gathered the ball before despatching a shot through a ruck of players into the corner of the net to the delight of the travelling support. Colony Bay 0 Ashfield 1. The visitors were rocked by this and almost equalised straight away with the ball bouncing about the Ashfield box before being despatched for a corner. That was it for a period for the home side as the Glasgow outfit stepped up a gear scoring three goals in 20 minutes to effectively win the tie. It was Baz Hepburn on the left hand side who drilled the ball into the box and it was Ross McMahon who was first to react and with the outside of his boot guided the ball into the top corner of the net giving the Park Keeper no chance. Colony Park 0 Ashfield 2. Next up was Callum Graham who shortly picked up the ball on the edge of the box. The `field striker evaded s couple of tackles before driving into the box and drilling the ball low and hard past the Colony Keeper to put the `field 3-0 up after 22 minutes. Colony Park 0 Ashfield 3. The rain was heavy now however the Glasgow team were winning the battle in midfield with Paul McQuilken spreading the play well. On the 34th minute, the ball was played out to the left where Baz Hepburn picked up the ball before driving into the edge of the box. The Ashfield winger evaded a couple of tackles before curling a shot which crashed off the underside of the bar with Ciaran Friel being first to react controlling the ball before placing the ball past the Colony Park Keeper to put the `field 4-0 up. Colony Park 0 Ashfield 4. This had been a terrific spell for Ashfield however their chances of a `clean sheet` were thwarted on the stoke of half time after a Colony Park corner on the right was only partially cleared and Douglas fired the ball into the net with the aid of a deflecton to ensure there was a glimmer of hope for the home side going into the Second Half. Colony Park 1 Ashfield 4. HT:- COLONY PARK 1 ASHFIELD 4 The match continued to be hard fought and was more like a Junior Cup tie in the second half with the Referee having to earn his wages and a few players fell fall of the yellow card. However any chance that the home side could stage a fightback were dealt a blow on the 60th minute when after some nice play in and around the box, Ciaran Friel found some space and Ashfield`s joint top scorer last season drove the ball low and hard past the Colony Park Keeper to end the Match as a contest. Colony Park 1 Ashfield 5. A couple of niggling injuries to Ashfield players resulted in the hard working Ross McMahon having to go off with 15 minutes to go and it was a first competitve debut for Sean Doherty who had been out of Football for a considerable time following a serious injury. The Ex-Rossvale Captain slotting into a back three now and to cap everthing off for Sean the `field were awarded a corner 10 minutes to go. The ball was swept in by Hepburn and the Big Defender got in front of his marker to drive the ball under the Keeper to put Ashfield 6-1 up and his smile after scoring needed no explanation. Colony Park 1 Ashfield 6. To their credit the home side had made a couple of substitutes with one player `catching the eye`and following a mix up in defence where the Ashfield Keeper had thought the ball was out of play, Strachan drove the ball into the net to reduce the deficit. Colony Park 2 Ashfield 6. With 2 minutes left on the clock and to Ashfield`s disappointment, they allowed Colony Park`s MacKay some room 20 yards out and his curling shot found the corner of the net to put a more respectable scoreline on the tie. Colony Bay 3 Ashfield 6. As Referee Stephen Nicol brought proceedings to a close it is the name of Ashfield that will go into the hat for the draw on Monday 7th October 2019. Well done the `field ! FT:- COLONY PARK 3 ASHFIELD 6 Attendance:- 60 Ashfield`s Team:- D Johnson, C Leverage, D Leverage, A Amos, J Crumlish, R McMahon, M McManus, P McQuilken, C Graham, C Friel and B Hepburn. Subs:- P Maxwell, S Doherty

It was a great game last Saturday with a lot of good players on show however it would have been interesting to see how the game would have gone should Jordan Longmuir have been sent off. I think the word here is intention and for me its a Red. You win some and lose some, I actually thought the Penalty for the 4th was softer. Delighted with the `field`s performance and some of the younger players put in an excellent shift. Ex-Pollok Paul McQuilken & Ex-Ashfield Shaun Fraser together with Adam Forde were immense in the middle of the park. Great to see Ex-Ashfield friends Gary, Shaun, Murdie & Billy ! Last Saturday gave us a taste of what we used to have however we have a lot of work to do and first priority is promotion this year in a very tough League.....`mon the `field !

The Story so far this Season 2019-2020 with League and Cup Matches:- McBookie West Region Division 2 - Season 2019-20 Maybole 3 Ashfield 7 (a) - Sat. 3/8/2019 Ashfield 2 Vale of Leven 4 (h) - 7/8/19 Thorniewood Utd 2 Ashfield 3 (a)-21/8/19 Ashfield 4 Lugar Boswell Th 0 (h) - 24/8/19 Ashfield 5 Newmains Utd 1 (h) - 7/9/19 Annbank Utd 2 Ashfield 1 (a) 14/9/2019 Forth Wanderers 0 Ashfield 1 (a) 21/9/2019 Goalscorers:- (Including Friendlies):- Callum Graham 25 Goals Stephen McGladrigan 5 Goals Graeme Hearton 4 Goals Ross McMahon 4 Goals Michael Giblin 3 Goals Ciaran Friel 2 Goals Alexander Amos 2 Goals Brian Hepburn 2 Goals Mark McManus 1 Goal Dean Leverage 1 Goal Paul McQuilken 1 Goal Colin Leverage 1 Goal Sean Doherty 1 Goal

A great video showing the growth in our academy set up. A big thank you to all of our coaching staff for their continued hard work. Your support to our young kids is exemplary and we are proud to have you part of our famous old club. To Young Start National Lottery for their contribution over the last three years your funding has gone a long way in developing our initiatives on and off the park. And finally a special mention to Jonny Rae for filming and editing this video. Excellent work https://youtu.be/1bj0LlDhJMQ

Management Team ahead of the coming Season 2019-2020:-

Team photos taken yesterday ahead of the coming Season. Ashfield Football Club - Season 2019-2020:-

Pre-Season Friendly:- Blantyre Victoria 1 Ashfield 3 - Wed 17/7/2019 - 7pm Ashfield`s next warm up game was a trip to the KG Stadium, previously Castle Park, to take on SuperLeague outfit Blantyre Vics and as Pre-Season Friendlies go this was a tremendous match which ebbed and flowed and saw both teams put on a very attack minded show with the home side catching the eye early on however were met by some clinical finishing by the Glasgow side in the 8th, 19th and 39th Minutes to go in 3-0 up at the interval despite some excellent play from the Vics side. The `field`s scorers were Graeme Hearton, robbing the Vics Centre back of the ball before rounding the Keeper to put the `field 1-0 up. Graeme then became provider crossing in for Callum Graham to drill home and to finish the scoring Callum Graham ran at the Vics full back before lashing the ball into the net five minutes before the interval. HT:- BLANTYRE VICS 0 ASHFIELD 3 It was more `backs to the wall` in the second half for the`field and they can thank the woodwork, some excellent defending and goalkeeping from Ryan Dakhill to restrict the home side to a solitary effort from a corner in the 79th minute. The Referee was kept busy in this fiercely contested friendly however the `field played the perfect `away from home` performance against Superleague opponents inflicting the Vics first defeat in 11 games. FT:- BLANTYRE VICS 1 ASHFIELD 3 Att:- 90 Ashfield`s Team:- Dakhill, Lynch, D Leverage, Amos, C Leverage, Crumlish, Cochrane, Giblin, Hearton, Graham and McManus. Subs:- Hepburn, McGladrigan, McQuilken and McMahon

Pre-Season Update:- `Photo shoot`at Saracen Park this morning with the Squad virtually complete for the coming Season. Some excellent matches had so far with the highlight being a great performance against a very good Blantyre Vics side last Wednesday culminating in a 3-1 victory. One more Friendly against Rossvale this Wednesday 24th before the season starts in earnest next Friday night (26th) away to St Roch`s in the Sectional League Cup - KO 7pm. Friendlies:- Ashfield 1 Irvine Meadow 2 (h) 1/7/19 :- Scorer Callum Graham Ashfield 4 Albion Rovers X1 0 (h) - 3/7/19:- Scorers:- Stephen McGladrigan (x2) and Ross McMahon (x2) Ashfield 2 Fauldhouse Utd 2 (h) - 7/7/19:- Scorers:- Ross McMahon and Callum Graham Drumchapel PYM 4 Ashfield 0 (a) - 8/7/19 Greenock 2 Ashfield 1 (a) - Sat.13/7/19:- Scorer:- Stephen McGladrigan Blantyre Vics 1 Ashfield 3 (a) -Wed17/7/19:- Scorers:- Graeme Hearton and Callum Graham (x2) Rossvale (h) - Wed 24/7/19 - 7pm Sectional League Cup:- St Roch`s (a) - Fri 25/7/2019 - 7.15pm Petershill (h) - Mon 28/07/2019 - 7.15pm Kirk. Rob Roy (a) - Wed 30/07/19 - 7.15pm

Ashfield`s New Signing:- Ashfield are delighted to announce the signing of sought after Striker Callum Graham from Motherwell Kings. Callum has been a prolific goalscorer in the Juvenile ranks (198 Goals in the last 5 Seasons). Welcome to the `field Callum !