Winning In The Rain

Welcome to the inaugural Saints Blog starting with a brief round up of the matches played on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th May.

As always, full match reports will appear on the Club website www.sportfocus.com/webpro/obansaints


Saints put last weekend's "totally unacceptable" second half performance at Rolls Royce EK behind them with a maximum points haul from their double header against Aikenhead Thistle and Eaglesham.

First up at Glencruitten were AIkenhead Thistle where Saints ran out convincing 3 - 1 winners. After a goalless first half Saints took total control of the second half with goals from Alex Craik, Ross Maitland and Donald Campbell. Aikenhead's only reward for their efforts was a last minute penalty despatched past Saints keeper Daniel Cassells.

Sunday's match was a somewhat "after the Lord Mayor's show" performance as Saints struggled in heavy rain to break down a resolute Eaglesham defence. With the weather conditions proving as big an obstacle as the Eaglesham defence, Saints managed few attempts on goal and the first half ended 0 - 0. Saints began the second half in a similar vein and, with time rapidly running out, nerves were getting the better of the team and tempers were rising on and off the pitch. Eventually Saints put their passing game together and Captain Keith Millar headed his team into the lead. The relief amongst the players, staff and the handful of supporters who had braved the elements was tangible. The three points were finally secured with a Craig MacEwan goal deep into stoppage time.

With their title charge still firmly on track Saints now turn their attentions to cup duty with a semi-final tie against Haldane United in the Jimmy Marshall Trophy. The tie will be played at McKenna Park, Fulbar Road, Glasgow G51 4HU home of St. Anthony's Junior Football Club. The match kicks off at 7p.m. and penalty kicks will decide the winner if the sides are level after 90 minutes. Saints opponents, Haldane United of the SAFL Premier Division 1 are currently involved in a three way scrap with Kilbowie Union and Busby to decide who will finish runner up to League Champions Alba Thistle. This will be a difficult match for Saints but hopefully they will prevail and progress to the final where Hillington lie in wait.

That's all for now but there will be more random musings on Twitter @OBANSAINTSAFC