The Ashfield stats were perused pre-Match to ascertain when the last time the two teams had met in a competitive fixture and it transpired that it was just over 40 years ago in a West of Scotland Cup Tie 1st Round at Saracen Park when Ashfield won 3-1 however the last time the teams met at Saltcoats was even further back in a West of Scotland Cup in the 1962/63 Season which ended 2-2, with the `field winning the replay 3-1. The weather conditions were fair however the underfoot conditions were tricky on the big playing surface at Campbell Park and both teams took a wee while to adjust early on with the game swinging from end to end. It took the visitors a good 15 minutes to start their passing game and were beginning to get some joy down the right hand flank and it was from this area that Ashfield took the lead on 20 minutes. A nice passing move saw Colin Leverage overlap his marker and play a deep cross to the far post with the ball breaking out to Lee Cochrane who twisted and turned his marker before drilling the ball into the corner of the net to the delight of the travelling support. Saltcoats Vics 0 Ashfield 1. It was all Ashfield for next 10 minutes and Chris Wright had to be alert on a number of occasions in the Vics goal however after this period the home side began to cause Ashfield some problems and had a succession of corners which were well defended. The Vics No 9 was extremely lively and on the 33rd Minute drove at the Ashfield goal before delivering an inch perfect curling shot into the top corner giving Farquhar in the `field goal no chance. Saltcoats Vics 1 Ashfield 1. It was game on now and for the remainder of the half the game swung from end to end before Referee Marshall brought proceedings to a halt. ? HT:- SALTCOATS VICS 1 ASHFIELD 1 ? The home side looked a different outfit in the second half and for the first 15 minutes lay siege on the Ashfield goal. There are a number of talented and pacy individuals in the Saltcoats team and Ashfield, despite playing with the wind behind them, were struggling to get out their half. A lovely move on the break from the home side brought out two magnificent saves from Cameron Farquhar in the Ashfield goal with the second save drawing a round of applause from everyone in the ground including the Vics Keeper. Another great block from Farquhar shortly after ensured that the `field would re-organise their line up bringing on John Gaynor and pushing Paul Maxwell up front. As the `field began to weather the storm they were awarded a free-kick 25 yards out. Alan Cairns and Lee Cochrane stood over the ball however it was the latter that drove the ball into the top corner of the net leaving Chris Wright with no chance - an absolute corker of a delivery and the `field were ahead. Saltcoats Vics 1 Ashfield 2. This goal galvanised the visitors and after a succession of corners, it was Player/Manager Paul Maxwell who outjumped the Vics back four to bullet a header into the roof of the net to what Ashfield thought would be enough to ensure victory. Saltcoats Vics 1 Ashfield 3. Despite the `field now knocking the ball about well it was the home side that were given a free-kick on the edge of the Ashfield box with 4 minutes to go. Again the Kick was delivered with aplomb hitting the back of the net in seconds to ensure a rousing finale to the Match. Saltcoats Vics 2 Ashfield 3. Just as the home side set themselves up to `have a go` at Ashfield, the visitors had different ideas and after a lovely attacking move, the ball was played through to an advancing Ciaran Friel who beat Chris Wright to the ball knocking the ball into the net to ensure the points were heading back up the road to Glasgow. Saltcoats Vics 2 Ashfield 4. All in all a terrific match where both sides can take a lot of positives from as the fixtures now come thick and fast with the `field welcoming Vale of Clyde to North Glasgow next Saturday with the Vics travelling to Newmains.
