MATCH REPORT: THE LANG PICK UP THREE MORE POINTS
CAMBUSLANG RANGERS VS ASHFIELD
Saturday 24th July 2021
2:00PM KICK OFF
Somervell Park
West Of Scotland Football League
Attendance: 181
After a rampant midweek fixture, Cambuslang Rangers were back in action as they took on Ashfield in only the second match at Somervell Park this season.
After a scorching hot week the surface was in need of a few water break itself, however, the match was to go ahead as expected in what would prove to be a challenging climate for both sides.
As the match kicked off neither side were really able to keep a foothold in the game, let alone create opportunities. No side really made any clear cut chances until a blunder at the back would put Ashfield behind after just 17 minutes when a ball was played back to Ashfield goalkeeper, Quate who didn't appear to expect the pass and as he attempted to get to it the ball was already past him and in his own net putting Cambuslang 1-0 up.
Shortly after the goal Cambuslang Rangers were quick to create another chance when Ryan Stewart burst down the left wing and fired a cross into the box which Scott Williamson managed to divert narrowly wide with his right foot.
In the 19th minute, a Jay Nelson corner was flashed into the box and as Reid went to head, it fell kindly to Stevenson who's effort struck the side netting.
Just a few moments later the Lang had a free kick 30 yards out which club captain, John Gemmell stepped up to take and rifled it over the wall and as it ricocheted off the turf it deflected off an unsuspecting Quate and out for a Camby corner.
With the heat continuing to rise the referee blew after 24 minutes to allow the players to take on some much needed fluids as he halted play for a water break.
After the resumption of play, Ashfield began to start going forward and a wicked cross was put in from Daly which the Ashfield forward line failed to get on the end of.
As halftime was approaching, there was still time for a break forward with Griffin bursting into the box and appearing to be brought down with loud shouts for a Cambuslang penalty from the home crowd and players on the park but the calls were waved away by the man in the middle.
As the teams headed off it was the Academies' deserved turn in the spotlight as the 2004s & 2005s took to the pitch with their recently won trophies to show off.
As the second half started it was Williamson who would create the first attempt at goal of the half as he burst in behind the Ashfield back line and slotted past the goalkeeper into the net but was adjudged to be offside.
In the space of 5 minutes the Wee Gers were able to create several chances which they failed to convert thanks to deflections and miscues.
On the 61sr minute the ball was once again in the Ashfield net as a ball over the top found Williamson, again breaking behind the Ashfield back line and slipping the ball beyond Quate, this time it would count and Williamson had netted his fourth goal of the season, doubling Cambuslang's advantage.
Five minutes after the goal, Ashfield would have a chance to grab one back as a dangerous free kick was whipped towards the back post but the resulting effort hit against the Andy Wilson's side netting.
On 68 minutes, today's referee would, again, stop play for a water break in the 25 degree heat.
Williamson, who was a threat all afternoon would have a chance to add another goal to his tally as he flew down the left wing before cutting inside and forcing a decent save out of the Ashfield stopper.
On either side of the 80 minute mark there were changes for the home side as Jamie Prete would be introduced, replacing Gordon Dick and then a double change as Kiegan Parker and Dean Farmer replaced goal scorer, Williamson and midweek Man Of The Match, Jay Nelson.
An optimistic effort from range in the 84th minute sailed over Andy Wilson's crossbar before The Field had a clear cut chance which was sliced wide from just 8 yards out with three minutes left on the clock.
As Ashfield broke up the field again, Alan Reid conceded a foul just beyond the halfway line, picking up a booking.
Nothing would come of it, however, as Cambuslang ran out 2-0 victors, picking up their sixth point after three games with Greenock up next at Ravenscraig Stadium on Saturday 31st July.