Ashfield (Scotland)

Ashfield FC are a Scottish junior/non league football club who are based in the Possilpark district of north Glasgow. 'The Field' were formed in 1886 and their early history was steeped with success.

Within their first twenty four years the club had lifted the Scottish Junior Cup on four occasions. The first win came in 1894 Renfrew Victoria were defeated 3-0. The trophy was retained the following season once West Calder Wanderers were beaten after a replay. In 1905 Victoria were once again seen off before the 1910 final saw controversy. Holders Kilwinning Rangers won the game 1-0 but the match was ordered to be replayed after Field had protested. They went on to win the rematch 3-0.

In 1914 and 1921 the club reached the fianl but lost out to Larkhall Thistle and then Kirkintilloch Rob Roy. Although several league and regional cups were lifted over the years honours were spread out, although a decent period in the early 50's just before future Celtic Lisbon Lion Steve Chalmers had a three year spell at Saracen Park.

Once into the new millennium Ashfield had an upturn in form after a fire at Saracen Park led to the club losing kits, equipment and club records. The team won the Central League Division Two in 2007, before winning promotion from Division One two seasons later.

Ashfield were crowned West Super League First Division champions under manager Steve Rankin in 2010-11, leading to a place in the Premier Division. 'The Field' were relegated at the nd of the 2012-13 season.

Ashfield FC will play in the West Super League First Division in the 2012-13 season.

My visit

Wednesday 27th January 2010

Having done some research on the Scottish Junior FA and looked into some of the clubs, I was determined to visit several during a three day break in Glasgow, which was to also include getting to a couple of games, calling in at some league clubs and of course the obigatory socialising.

Ashfeld intrigued me as Saracen Park looked to be a decent venue. I found out that it doubled up as a speedway stadium, which was shared by the Glasgow Tigers team. It certainly looked to be one to visit, so after a morning of getting to five grounds and a quick call at Petershill to make it six, I walked for twenty minutes or so past wasteland along Carlisle Street and then into Hawthorn Street to the stadiums entrance.

I wandered in through an open gate past the Ashfield Bar. Two gents were working in the stand and after a quick explaination and request they allowed me to take some photos, although they weren't overjoyed by it. 

I was right. Saracen Park was a quirky old ground with lots of character. The Main Stand was an old raised seating deck with a few steps of terracing, which continued at either side. The far end had cover to keep standing punters dry. Many outbuildings were scattered around the rest of the open arena, no doubt to cater for the speedway. There were also a few crush barriers scattered around with an occasional patch of terracing.

I went on my way on the ten minute walk to Ashfield station and eventually back to my digs for a pre match sleep before heading off to the Celtic against Hibernian clash.