Maybole 1 Ashfield 4, West of Scotland League Conference A - Ladywell Stadium, Maybole - Saturday 14th November 2020 - K.O. 1.45 pm Both teams were having very good Seasons last year before COVID-19 put a halt to things however one of the highlights were the two games between Maybole and Ashfield which conjured up 21 goals in 2 games. Today`s encounter was expected to be very close again and this is how it turned out to be. The first half was a tremendous advert for, I was going to say Junior Football, but Conference A Football, as both teams battled hard and fairly on a heavy pitch with chances at a premium due to the performance of both defences. The`field had made 2 changes to the Team narrowly defeated by Muirkirk, with Jonny Howat making his debut in the Midfield and had a terrific game. Maybole looked very dangerous in the opening exchanges especially from set-pieces however the Ashfield Keeper although having to be alert on a number of occasions wasn`t troubled too much. The Ashfield front two were also having it not all of their own way against a well marshalled home defence however as the half more on the `field began to find some more space. On the half hour mark Dean Leverage had an effort which he blasted over the bar from 20 yards out before Callum Graham had a couple of efforts saved by the Maybole Keeper however in the 42nd Minute the deadlock was broken. It was Callum Graham who provided the all important pass as the big Striker broke down the left hand side before delivering a low hard cross into the box which saw Jonny Howat drill the ball past the Maybole Keeper to put the North Glasgow Team ahead. Maybole 0 Ashfield 1. A really well worked goal and 3 minutes later, on the stroke of half time, more joy for the visitors when a poor clearance from the Maybole Keeper found Ryan McManus free on goal. His first effort was brilliantly saved however the Ashfield striker made no mistake with his second effort to the delight of the players and the Ashfield Management Team. Maybole 0 Ashfield 2. A real blow to the home side however as the Referee brought proceedings to a close, the `field knew that there was still a long way to go. ? HT:- MAYBOLE 0 ASHFIELD 2 ? There were no changes at Half time from either side and the `field were keen to add to their lead and in the 46th minute they did just that. A lovely through ball from Baz Hepburn saw Callum Graham break clear of his markers and as the Goalkeeper advanced he drove the ball low and hard into the net to put Ashfield 3-0 up. The joy on the players faces were there to see as they knew this was a vital strike. Maybole 0 Ashfield 3. The home side were shell shocked at this stage however to their credit they rolled up their sleeves and set about trying to get back into the Match and within three minutes of Ashfield`s goal, the home side pulled a goal back. The Referee awarded a free kick on the edge of the `field`s box and after the first effort was cleared the ball broke out to the right hand side and a cross was delivered right onto the head of the Maybole No 11 who guided his header into the top corner of the net leaving the Ashfield Keeper with no chance. Maybole 1 Ashfield 3. It was `game on` again and the Match became stretched for a while with both teams looking for the next goal. The Referee was kept busy during this spell with a number of bookings however he officiated the game very well indeed. With 15 minutes left on the clock, Maybole almost scored a 2nd when a left foot shot took a wicked deflection bringing out a tremendous one handed save from the Ashfield Keeper. Ashfield made a couple of substitutes with Mark McManus, Michael Giblin and young Nicky McLaughlin coming on during the second half and it was the latter who made an immediate impact winning the ball inside the Maybole half before playing the ball behind the Maybole back two which was instantly seized upon by Callum Graham and the big Ashfield Striker took a couple of strides before drilling home the fourth. Maybole 1 Ashfield 4. A lovely worked goal and this ensured the `field were heading back up the wet A77 with a valuable three points. A really good performance from Ashfield against tough opponents and there will not be many teams who will come away with points here this season.........`mon the `field ! ? FT:- MAYBOLE 1 ASHFIELD 4 ? Man of the Match:- Some tremendous performances from the players in black and white hoops with particular mentions to new boys Ryan McManus and Jonny Howatt. The back four were excellent and Callum Graham was a constant menace to the Maybole back four however Baz Hepburn was everywhere today, especially in the first half so wins today`s Website Man of the Match. ? Attendance:- Closed Doors ? Ashfield Team:- Trialist, C Friel, S Doherty, C Beedham, D Leverage, J Howat, L Crerand, C Leverage, C Graham, R McManus , B Hepburn. Subs:- N McLaughlin, C Sideserf, M McManus, J Brown, M Giblin, J Barr, J Adam.
