Glasgow University F C 3 Ashfield 3 , West of Scotland League - Conference A, Excelsior Stadium (Airdrie FC), Airdrie, Lanarkshire - K.O. 1.45pm. This was the first ever meeting between the Teams in their long histories and today`s encounter was a cracker and a great advert for the West of Scotland League. The game had most things today and the only disappointment was the lack of fans inside the home of Airdrie FC this afternoon. The tempo was set inside the first 30 seconds when Ashfield drove down the right flank before John Barr delivered an inch perfect cross to the far post for an onrushing Bradley Rodden to bullet a header into the net to put the `field ahead. Glasgow University 0 Ashfield 1. The game continued at great pace and within 5 minutes the game was `all square` when the GU scored with their first foray up the park. A ball was played through to the GU Striker and although his first effort was blocked, he then gathered the ball again as the Ashfield defender broke down with an injury leaving the Uni Striker to place his effort into the far corner of the net. Glasgow University 1 Ashfield 1. The `field pressed forward again and Callum Graham was causing problems to the Uni back four and was hauled down as he almost broke through. His resultant Free-Kick from 22 yards fizzed by the far post. The game then `turned on its head` as Bradley Rodden and a Uni defender got tangled on the touchline with the Ashfield man being held back from getting up however the Referee was up with play and deemed that the Ashfield player had kicked out as he tried to `break free` and was given his marching orders. A real blow for the visitors as the home side upped the pace for a while and were awarded a penalty on the half hour mark when John Barr was adjudged to have clipped the Uni striker. The Penalty sent Perry the wrong way as the Uni went 2-1 ahead. Glasgow University 2 Ashfield 1. Paul Maxwell and Ryan Cairley made a couple of substitutes to `steady the ship` bringing on Sean Doherty and Luke Crerand. The subs almost made an immediate impact when following a corner, Sean Doherty headed goalwards only to see his header deflected wide. Baz Hepburn then switched sides and delivered a terrific dipping corner which was met by an onrushing Callum Graham and he bulleted his header into the roof of the net to pull Ashfield level before half time. Glasgow University 2 Ashfield 2. It was certainly `game on` now as both teams set about attacking each other at every opportunity but to no avail as Referee Tony Fullarton brought proceedings to a halt. ? ? HT:- GLASGOW UNIVERSITY 2 ASHFIELD 2 ? ? The 2nd half continued in the same vein however it was the visitors that had the slight upper hand in the opening exchanges however as the half wore on the home side started to utilise the extra man advantage by fully using the flanks. Despite some Ashfield pressure in the form of Free-Kicks and corners which caused alarm in the GU back line, it was the home side that made the next breakthrough following a flowing move which saw the onrushing GU forward break Ashfield`s Offside trap to drive the ball low and hard into the net to put the GU 3-2 up. The `field had been given a warning a few minutes earlier when Perry blocked a net bound effort however this time the home side were ahead. Glasgow University 3 Ashfield 2. This was a blow to a tiring Ashfield side however despite this they found a terrific energy to claw themselves back into the game. The game was held up for a good 6 minutes when Callum Graham found himself through on goal however the GU Keeper made an excellent save bravely diving at the feet of the big Ashfield Striker. This came at a cost after a review from both Team`s Physios the Keeper was forced off to be replaced by an outfield player taking over in goal. The `field saw their chance and a couple of shots were were blocked by the stand-in Keeper. With 12 Minutes left on the goal a lovely floated free-kick from Baz Hepburn was punched clear to the edge of the box with Ashfield defender John Barr picking up the loose ball and volleying the ball into the roof of the net to the delight of the Ashfield players, Management Team and Officials. Glasgow University 3 Ashfield 3. The game ebbed and flowed for the last 10 minutes with the home side trying to make the extra man count however the `field put in a tremendous shift and as the Referee brought the game to a finish both teams can be proud of their efforts in this absorbing encounter. It`s Christmas break now and the `field resume on the 9th January with a home game against a strong Maybole side. ? ? FT:- GLASGOW UNIVERSITY 3 ASHFIELD 3 ? Man of the Match:- An excellent game with some really good performances in the Black and White hoops with special mentions to Baz Hepburn, Scott Perry in Goal and Callum Graham however Jonny Howat was everywhere today and put in a tremendous effort. ? Attendance:- Closed Doors ? Ashfield`s Team:- S Perry, A Byrne, C Beedham, J Barr, J Crumlish, C Leveridge, S Grady, J Howat, C Graham, B Rodden and C Graham. Subs:- S Doherty, D Leverage, L Crerand, A Cairns, M Giblin, M Boyce, J Brown, R McManus and S McLaughlin
