Maryhill 0 Ashfield 3 - Pre-Season Friendly - Saturday 5th June 2021 - 2pm (Match played at Springburn Park, Glasgow)
It was tremendous to get back to watching live Football this afternoon again as the `field entered the Astro-Turf at Springburn Park in North Glasgow for their first match since a 3-3 draw at the Penny Cars Stadium, Airdrie against Glasgow University on the 19th December 202o. Maryhill were infact Ashfield`s first opponents in a stop-start season last year and both teams were eager to put on a good performance after the long break and this was emphasised with the fast pace start to the game. Ashfield had a new front line following Callum Graham`s departure to Pollok in the close Season however his replacement made the Ashfield faithful quickly move on after seeing Ben Dailly run the `hill defence ragged in the opening 25 minutes. Ben joined the `field from Lowland Outfit Caledonian Braves and immediately linked up well with his two wide forwards, Brad Rodden and young Nicky McLaughlin as the `field produced a very impressive opening to the game which had the Maryhill Team on the back foot. Early efforts from Dean Leverage on the left hand side of Midfield and new signing Darren Burns almost opened the Ashfield account however it took until the 18th minute before going ahead courtesy of a handball decision in the box following an Ashfield corner. Ashfield`s new Striker stepped up and sent the `hill keeper the wrong way to put the `field ahead. Maryhill 0 Ashfield 1. The `field continued pressing and a lovely move involving Rodden, Dailly and Chris McLaughlin saw young Nicky McLaughlin bullet a header narrowly wide. This would have capped off an impressive move however a couple of minutes later and Dailly was played through from midfield and as the `hill keeper advanced the Ashfield striker lashed the ball home to put the `field 2-0 up. Maryhill 0 Ashfield 2. The Maryhill team began to `find their feet` after this and there were some good tussles in Midfield however the `hill found the Ashfield defence in good form and chances were at a premium. A couple of corners and cross balls were well delivered into the Ashfield box but were well cleared apart from a far post effort which caused a `stramash` inside the Ashfield 6 yard box. On the half hour mark, the hill were given a lifeline after a rash tackle from Dean Leverage in the box resulting in a spot kick award. The resultant penalty crashed off the top of the bar and was well gathered by Ryan Dakhil before being fouled which then brought out a couple of bookings for both teams. To make matters worst for the `hill was Ashfield picking up a loose ball in the `hill half with the ball being controlled by Brad Rodden before despatching a magnificent left foot drive into the corner of the net to the delight of the Ashfield support. Maryhill 0 Ashfield 3. This capped off a fine first half display from the `field.
HT:- Maryhill 0 Ashfield 3
The second half started off at great pace however did not have the same intensity as the first with both teams cancelling out each other in midfield and this was followed by a succession of substitutes. The game ebbed and flowed for a while and Ashfield`s best attempts came more from long range and from the excellent crossing on the left hand side from Dean Leverage. Maryhill themselves made a number of alterations to their line up however were unable to test Ashfield`s young Keeper Reece McLean who came on after an hour replacing Dakhill `between the sticks`. As the Referee brought proceedings to a halt both teams will be delighted at getting back to playing again and from the `field`s point of view will be delighted at the win and some impressive individual displays.
FT:- Maryhill 0 Ashfield 3
Ashfield`s Team:- R Dakhill, J Barr, A Cairns, C Beedham, C Leverage (Capt), D Leverage, D Burns, C McLaughlin, B Rodden, N McLaughlin & B Dailly. Subs:- J Howat, A Byrne, D Maguire, S Doherty, J Crumlish, R McManus and R McLean
Attendance:- 100 Approx.
Man of the Match:- Ben Dailly
