Jimmy Jimmy

http://youtu.be/J6v_YJfj9Sk

Wednesday 30th April 2014
Scottish Amateur Football League
Jimmy Marshall Trophy Quarter Final
Jamestown AFC v Oban Saints AFC
Argyll Park, Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire G83 0SE
Kick Off 6.30pm
Referee Mr James Litster

Last Time Out

Lewis Cameron skips through the Finnart defence to set up Saints third goal

Saints kept their league championship ambitions on track with a hard fought 3 - 0 victory over title rivals Finnart at Glencruitten last Saturday. In an enthralling match which kept the large crowd of spectators royally entertained Saints were indebted to goalkeeper Daniel Cassells for two stunning penalty saves and an all round top class performance to blunt the Finnart attack. At the other end, moments of brilliance from Lewis Cameron and Mattie Rippon tipped the balance in Saints favour in what would otherwise have been a fairly even affair.
Finnart were quickest out of the blocks and were unlucky to see a 7th minute effort cleared off the goal line by Colin Carswell in what was to prove their only effort to beat the inspirational Daniel Cassells in the Saints goal. This was the wake up call that Saints needed and they gradually got themselves into the game. Allan MacKay had a gilt edged chance to open the scoring when an excellent right wing cross from Ross Maitland found the Saints top scorer unmarked on the six yard line. Unfortunately Allan's 17th minute header managed only to find the safety of Finnart goal keeper Daniel Terry's arms. Lewis Cameron then made the first of his telling interventions with a scintillating run down the left wing before delivering a brilliant cut back which Ross Maitland volleyed into the roof of the net. Saints then conceded the first of two penalties when Colin Carswell was adjudged to have committed a foul in the box. Finnart Captain Brian Blair struck the penalty well but Daniel Cassells read it and made a fine save diving full length to his right. From the resulting corner kick a stramash broke out in the Saints penalty area which saw Danny Simpson and substitute John Jack of Finnart and Saints Craig MacEwan receive red cards. Referee David Cameron restored order and a game of football broke out again. The first half came to an end without further incident with Saints jsu about worthy of their narrow lead.
Both teams being a man light allowed for more space in midfield the question now being which of the teams would be best placed to capitalise. Finnart again started well and in the 52nd minute forced a corner from which Donald Campbell conceded a penalty. Donald protested his innocence but the referee was well placed to make the award. Once again Brian Blair took on the responsibility of the spot kick but unfortunately for the big Finnart skipper Daniel Cassells made another excellent save. This second set back took the wind from Finnart's sails and Saints began to control the match. Saints were forced to withdraw Allan MacKay with a knee injury replacing him with Mattie Rippon. Mattie was to have a massive impact on the game but not before the Saints defence enjoyed another let-off when, that man again, Brian Blair rose at the back post to head a corner a matter of inches wide.
Saints new front two of Lewis Cameron and Mattie Rippon then began to torment the tiring Finnart back line. An excellent turn wide on the right by Mattie Rippon gave him space to hit the bye-line and pick out Donald Campbell on the edge of the box. Unfortunately Donald was unable to keep his shot down. Saints were pushing hard for a second goal and got their reward after 83 minutes when Mattie Rippon burst through the Finnart defence to thump an unstoppable right foot shot low into the bottom right hand corner of the Daniel Terry's net. Just two minutes later Saints sealed the victory when Lewis Cameron once again skipped through the Finnart defence before cutting the ball back to Mattie Rippon to fire home from close range. The scoring over, and Finnart rueing their missed opportunities, the match was brought to a halt by referee David Cameron who must take credit for handling a tricky encounter extremely well. Although flattered by the eventual winning margin, and indebted to their goalkeeper's heroics, Saints deserved their victory over a very capable Finnart side. The two sides will meet again at Finnart's Glasgow Green home in what could yet turn out to be a title decider but with five teams still mathematically in with a chance of winning the league there will be plenty of twists and turns before anything is decided.

Ross Maitland opens the scoring for Saints

   Daniel Cassells keeps Saints in front with his second penalty save

Mattie Rippon's emphatic right foot finish puts Saints 2 - 0 up

Mattie Rippon turns in Lewis Cameron's cut back to seal the three points for Saints

Lewis congratulates Mattie as coach Peter MacCallum dances a jig of delight

The Jimmy Marshall Trophy

On Wednesday night Saints travel to Argyll Park, Alexandria to take on Jamestown in a Jimmy Marshall Trophy quarter final tie. Jamestown are currently in third place in SAFL Premier Division 2 with 34 points from 17 games. Although the league title is now beyond their grasp Jamestown are still very much in the chase for a second successive promotion and with their final league match being at home to title favourites East Kilbride Jamestown can still have a major say in the final destination of the league trophy.

Jamestown's league season so far:-

17th August 2013 Jamestown 2 - 3 Port Glasgow United
24th August 2013 Dunoon Athletic2 - 4 Jamestown
31st August 2013 Jamestown 2 - 2 Goldenhill
7th September 2013 Jamestown 3 - 1 Lochgilphead Red Star
14th September Jamestown 1 - 2 Glencastle Sparta
21st September 2013 Easthall Star 3 - 1 Jamestown
16th November 2013 Goldenhill 3 - 6 Jamestown
30th November 2013 Jamestown 2 - 1 Clydebank
7th December 2013 Jamestown 4 - 1 Port Glasgow
18th January 2014 Jamestown 5 - 1 Dunoon Athletic
1st February 2014 Jamestown 3 - 0 Easthall Star
1st March 2014 Port Glasgow 1 - 2 Jamestown
15th March 2014 Lochgilphead Red Star 4 - 3 Jamestown
22nd March 2014 Clydebank 1 - 2 Jamestown
5th April 2014 Glencastle Sparta 2 - 9 Jamestown
19th April 2014 Port Glasgow United 1 - 2 Jamestown
26th April 2014 East Kilbride 7 - 3 Jamestown

Jamestown's progress in the Jimmy Marshall Trophy:-

First Round
29th March 2014
Jamestown 2 - 0 Kings Park Rangers

Second Round
12th April 2014
East Kilbride 1 - 5 Jamestown



Saints progress in the Jimmy Marshall Trophy:-

First Round
23rd November 2013
Oban Saints v Shawlands - Walkover to Saints

Second Round
23rd March 2014
Lochgilphead Red Star P - P Oban Saints


16th April 2014
Lochgilphead 0 - 8 Oban Saints - Match played at Glencruitten


Jamestown's other cup exploits this season have seen them exit the West of Scotland Cup in the first round losing 6 - 3 away at Bearsden of the Caledonian League, the Scottish Amateur Cup in the second round losing out in a replay away at Shortlees of the Ayrshire League and the Centenary Cup in the second round losing 3 - 1 away at Kilbowie Union.

Saints convincing second round win over Lochgilphead Red Star, also of Premier Division 2, should stand them in good stead for this quarter final tie, however Jamestown's potent attack looks set to provide the Saints rear guard with a tougher examination than Red Star could muster. Saints Manager Iain Jackson will hope not to be beset with too many work related call offs but unfortunately that is the reality of midweek away ties in the amateur game. This match bears all the hallmarks of an exciting cup tie especially as it must be played to a finish on the night. If the sides cannot be separated at 90 minutes penalty kicks will decide the winner. Saints have a poor recent record in penalty shoot-outs and will require another inspirational performance from last Saturday's hero Daniel Cassells if penalties are required.

Daniel Cassells

#monthesaints

Here Comes The Summer

http://youtu.be/8c14buJtYSs

Saturday 26th April 2014
Umbro Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division
Oban Saints AFC v Finnart AFC
Glencruitten, Oban
Kick Off 2pm
Referee Mr David Cameron

Last Time Out

Buoyed by their midweek Jimmy Marshall Trophy demolition of Argyll rivals Lochgilphead Red Star Saints travelled to Johnstone last Saturday to test their Premier Division title hopes against Thorn Athletic. The match was played in bright sunshine on the excellent 3G pitch at Johnstone Community Sports Hub. The excellent weather had the follically challenged searching for the Factor 40 for the first time this year making a pleasant change from the seemingly incessant rain of recent months. Matches between Saints and Thorn are invariably tight affairs and Saturday's game was no exception.
Despite welcoming Craig MacEwan back into the squad Saints Manager Iain Jackson stuck with the same eleven that had started against Red Star on Wednesday night. Saints started brightly and came close to opening the scoring in the first minute when Lewis Cameron brought Liam McWilliams into the action for the first save of what was to be another solid performance from the Thorn keeper. Saints continued to test the Thorn defence and came agonising close when a Donald Campbell free kick came crashing back off the cross bar in the 4th minute after Allan MacKay had been brought down on the edge of the box.
Thorn were gifted their first opportunity when a slack pass from Myles McAuley was intercepted by Craig McGlone but Saints keeper Daniel Cassells was quickly off his line to make a vital interception just inside the box. At the other end Myles had a good chance himself but his header from twelve yards was well saved. Saints had a good shout for a penalty in the 15th minute when Lewis Cameron appeared to be fouled in the box but referee Gary Logan was unimpressed. Allan MacKay was next to come close when he expertly rolled his marker only for his deft chip to spin wide of the goal despite a last gasp attempt by Ross Maitland to reach it. Saints continued to press forward and eventually came the breakthrough they had been searching for. Excellent build up play from Lewis Cameron, Myles McAuley and Donald Campbell resulted in the ball being played up to Allan MacKay inside the Thorn penalty area. Allan dummied the ball completely deceiving the Thorn defence and allowing Ross Maitland to steal in and net his 5th goal of the season.
Saints were worthy of their lead at this point with the goal forcing Thorn to be a bit more adventurous. Thorn were rewarded for their endeavours in the 36th minute from a free kick wide on the right. Stalwart defender Paul Young swung in a trademark deadly accurate left foot delivery which was turned in at the back post by the on-rushing David Gallagher. The action continued to rage from end to end with Ross Maitland having the last chance of the half when his header was well saved by Liam McWilliams after a strong run and cross from Donald Campbell.
The second half ebbed and flowed with neither team creating much in the way of clear cut chances. Saints were finding it difficult to breakdown the resolute Thorn defence and when a chance did fall to Ross Maitland one on one with the Thorn keeper he snatched at it sending the ball wide of the post. Manager Iain Jackson rang the changes on the hour mark replacing Dene Cassells and Roy McLuckie with Jamie Graham and Craig MacEwan. Jamie slotted into the defence with Craig taking up his accustomed left midfield role giving Ross Maitland the chance to try his luck on the right. Saints again came close when Lewis Cameron's 70th minute shot was well saved by Liam McWilliams after some excellent work by Allan MacKay. With time running out Craig MacEwan celebrated his call up to the SAFL select squad by sealing victory for Saints with a magnificent effort from twenty five yards. Cutting in from the left touchline he fired an unstoppable right foot shot low into the bottom left hand corner of the Thorn net. Moments later Allan MacKay had an excellent chance to make the points safe for Saints but his powerful shot flew inches past the post with the keeper beaten. Saints survived a late appeal for a penalty and took the sting out of the final minutes successfully running the clock down to seal a narrow victory.

Daniel Cassells launches the ball upfield while substitutes Craig MacEwan and Jamie Graham err warm up on the touchline

Craig MacEwan's late long range strike catches everybody (including the cameraman) out to give Saints all three points

 

Paul Kerr congratulates Craig MacEwan

Saints welcome fellow title contenders Finnart to Glencruitten on Saturday for a vital match in the league title race. Finnart currently occupy second spot in the SAFL Premier Division with 27 points from 13 games. Saints are two places further back on 25 points but have played two games less. Only three points separate leaders St Joseph's FP and fourth placed Saints with Haldane United in third spot completing the quartet of title hopefuls. Saints remain undefeated in the league while Finnart's only two league defeats have come at the hands of Haldane United the most recent being last weekend at Inler Park, Balloch. The defeats to Haldane sandwich an excellent run of results for Finnart which has not only kept them firmly in the title race but saw them reach the Quarter Finals of the Scottish Amateur Cup and the Sixth Round of the West of Scotland Cup losing out to top Central Scottish League sides Colville Park and Bannockburn respectively.
Saints held the upper hand in last season's fixtures but Finnart are a far more formidable proposition this season currently boasting the league's most potent attack with 42 goals in 13 games. Saturday's visitors are sure to provide a stern examination of Saints frugal defence and another afternoon of entertaining football is eagerly anticipated. Whilst it is too early to talk of deciders, Saturday's match gives both teams an opportunity to put a dent in the others title aspirations. Whatever the outcome on Saturday the title run-in is going to be extremely tight with a further three top four clashes still to come.


Finnart's league season so far:-

17th August 2013 Finnart 4 - 1 Thorn Athletic
24th August 2013 Inverclyde 2 - 6 Finnart
31st August 2013 Finnart 1 - 2 Haldane United
21st September 2013 Kilbowie Union 1 - 3 Finnart
28th September 2013 Finnart 3 - 3 St Joseph's FP
5th October 2013 Castlemilk 2 - 6 Finnart
26th October 2013 Finnart 3 - 1 Inverclyde
9th November 2013 Finnart 4 - 4 Kilbowie Union
1st February 2014 Finnart 1 - 1 Castlemilk
15th March 2014 Alba Thistle 2 - 4 Finnart
29th March 2014 Busby 1 - 3 Finnart
16th April 2014 Finnart 3 - 1 Busby
19th April 2014 Haldane United 4 - 1 Finnart


Finnart's SAFL record:-

2010/11
Premier Division Two Champions (Promoted)

2011/12
Premier Division One Champions (Promoted)
Centenary Cup Runners Up to Postal United

2012/13
Premier Division 7th


Saints and Finnart head to head:-

3rd November 2012
SAFL Premier Division
Oban Saints 4 - 1 Finnart

11th May 2013
SAFL Premier Division
Finnart 0 - 1 Oban Saints

Scottish Amateur Football League Select

The SAFL Select earlier this season

On Sunday 20th April Saints SAFL select squad regulars Donald Campbell, Myles McAuley and Lewis Cameron were joined by debutant Craig MacEwan for the annual match against the Lothian and Edinburgh Amateur Football League select. An excellent display from the SAFL boys saw them record a convincing 5 - 1 win gaining revenge for last season's defeat. Lewis Cameron had a hand in three of the goals with Craig MacEwan marking his debut by getting on the score sheet. Saturday's opponents Finnart were represented by Andy Blair and Martin McCann.

Other News

Saints unbeaten league run and cup exploits this season have not gone unnoticed in the corridors of power at Old Trafford as they begin the search for a successor to the recently departed David Moyes. Saints Manager Iain Jackson has once again come on the Manchester United radar just twelve months after being narrowly pipped to the coveted managerial post by the "chosen one". Sir Alex Ferguson is once again to be the Kingmaker and has silver foxes Jacko, Carlo Ancelotti and Jose Mourinho firmly in his sights. With money at United not as abundant as it once was the level of compensation due to other clubs could become a deciding factor in the final selection process. Sir Alex has already been in touch with Saints Secretary Davie Buchanan to enquire about Jackson's availability. Understandably Saints are not willing to divulge too much information at this early stage but Davie Buchanan has confirmed that Saints would not release Jackson for any less than 6 match balls and a new set of bibs. Further developments are expected in the near future.

 

 

Jacko

 

 

 

Carlo

 

 

 

 

Maureen Yo

 

 

 

"That's a lot of balls Davie. Deary me."

 

 

 

#monthesaints

Eight Ace

Saturday 19th April 2014
Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division
Thorn Athletic AFC v Oban Saints AFC
Johnstone Community Sports Hub
Beith Road
Johnstone
Renfrewshire
PA5 0LR
Kick Off 1.00pm
Referee Mr Gordon Kelso

Last Time Out

On Wednesday 16th April at Glencruitten Saints eased past Argyll rivals Lochgilphead Red Star in the SAFL Jimmy Marshall Trophy to secure a Quarter Final tie away at Premier Division Two high flyers Jamestown. The match was originally scheduled to be played at the Ropework Park, Lochgilphead on Sunday 23rd March but heavy rain rendered the surface unplayable. In an attempt to preserve the notoriously poor surface at the Ropework for their remaining league fixtures Red Star conceded home advantage and the tie was switched to Oban. The change of venue was not well received by Saints Ultras the White (Hair) Brigade as it deprived them of an eagerly anticipated away trip to Lochgilphead. An Ultras spokesman was however at pains to point out that the seat damage witnessed at Glencruitten on Wednesday night was nothing to do the White (Hair) Brigade and was in no way connected to their protest about the fixture switch!
Saints stuck with the same starting eleven which defeated St Josephs at the weekend with the exception of Roy McLuckie coming in to replace the unavailable Craig MacEwan in midfield. Red Star started the stronger of the two sides winning the midfield battle in the opening exchanges. It took Saints seven minutes to register an attempt on goal when a Ross Maitland header from a Lewis Cameron cross was well saved by the Red Star's Australian keeper Luke Kalache. A Paul Kerr shot followed within a minute which the keeper again saved comfortably. Saints opened the scoring in the ninth minute when a slide rule pass from Paul Kerr picked out Donald Campbell's run in the inside left channel and Donald calmly despatched the first of his three goals on the night. Despite going behind Red Star were still full of energy in midfield and the strong running of centre forward Gregor Peacock continued to ask questions of the Saints defence. Saints doubled their lead in the 17th minute when the Red Star keeper Luke Kalache somehow managed to palm a fairly tame Allan MacKay shot into his own net. Red Star immediately responded with their best effort of the match when a near post corner was well met on the edge of the six yard box by Gregor Peacock whose powerful header flashed inches over the Saints cross bar. Saints started to turn the screws on their Premier Division Two opponents and completely dominated proceedings from there on. Saints were rewarded for their dominance with two goals on the stroke of half time. The first,  a magnificent solo effort from Lewis Cameron who turned the Red Star defence inside out before firing an unstoppable shot low past the keeper's right hand, the second from Ross Maitland after more good work by Lewis Cameron. Referee John Scott brought the first half to a close with Saints 4 - 0 ahead.
The small crowd of spectators who had braved the rain didn't have long to wait for more goal action as Saints went 5 - 0 up in the 51st minute. Lewis Cameron was again the provider this time setting up Donald Campbell for his second of the evening which he forced home from close range after his initial shot had come back off the post. Saints Manager Iain Jackson then made the first of his changes bringing Jamie Graham on for Alex Craik. The move also involved a defensive reshuffle with Dene Cassells moving into midfield and Paul Kerr dropping back into the sweeper role which he performs so well. Donald Campbell completed his hat-trick in the 57th minute with a thumping left foot strike from 25 yards which flew into the top left hand corner.
To the relief of the beleaguered Red Star defence Iain Jackson withdrew tormentor in chief Lewis Cameron on the hour mark. However the relief soon turned to pain when replacement Shaun MacIver bagged his first goal for the club getting on the end of an excellent right wing cross from Roy McLuckie to head Saints 7 - 0 up in the 64th minute. Saints immediately made their final change bringing on Daniel Cameron to replace Colin Carswell in defence.
Saints rounded off the scoring in the 75th minute when young Shaun MacIver met a Ross Maitland left wing cross at the back post to head his second goal of the night. With the light fading and the rain getting heavier Saints continued to probe the Red Star defence without managing to add to their tally. Referee John Scott brought to an end a satisfying nights work for Saints in their bid to avenge last season's agonising Jimmy Marshall Trophy final defeat at the hands of Hillington. Good luck to Red Star for their remaining league fixtures and their quest for a second successive promotion.

Referee John Scott gets the match underway

 

Ross Maitland with Saints fourth goal on the stroke of half time

Shaun MacIver makes it 7 - 0 with his first goal for the club

 

Now that we are at the business end of the season the big games just keep on coming for Saints. Last Saturday's away win at league leaders St Josephs FP made it ten league games unbeaten but with convincing midweek wins for Finnart over Busby and Haldane United over St Josephs there is little margin for error for Saints in their pursuit of a second Premier Division title in five years. Games don't come any bigger for Saints than a trip to Johnstone to face Thorn Athletic. The two sides have only been in the same division for four seasons but during that time an intense rivalry has developed with every match between the pair a hard fought affair. Saturday's match will be no different with Thorn's desire to avenge their Scottish Amateur Cup 6th round defeat to Saints sure to add an extra kick to an already spicy mix. Like Saints, extended runs in the Scottish and West of Scotland Cups have left Thorn playing catch-up with their league fixtures with both sides having eight league fixtures to fit in before the end of the season. Thorn are currently in 9th place in the SAFL Premier Division with 12 points from 10 games however if they can replicate the form which saw them reach the 6th round of the Scottish Cup and the Quarter Finals of the West of Scotland Cup a rapid climb up the league table is on the cards.

Thorn Athletic's league fixtures so far:-

17th August 2013 Finnart 4 - 1 Thorn Athletic
21st August 2013 Thorn Athletic 3 - 4 Busby
24th August 2013 Alba Thistle 1 - 0 Thorn Athletic
31st August 2013 Oban Saints 1 - 1 Thorn Athletic
7th September 2013 Busby 0 - 3 Thorn Athletic
14th September 2013 Thorn Athletic 1 - 3 Haldane United
21st September 2013 Inverclyde 2 - 2 Thorn Athletic
5th October 2013 Kilbowie Union 1 - 2 Thorn Athletic
9th November 2013 Thorn Athletic 1 - 1 Castlemilk
16th April 2014 Thorn Athletic 0 - 0 Inverclyde

Oban Saints v Thorn Athletic season by season:-

2009/10
Jimmy Marshall Trophy Quarter Final
Oban Saints 2 - 3 Thorn Athletic

2010/11
SAFL Premier Division
Thorn Athletic 1 - 1 Oban Saints
Jimmy Marshall Trophy First Round
Thorn Athletic 3 - 2 Oban Saints

2011/12
SAFL Premier Division
Thorn Athletic 1 - 1 Oban Saints
Oban Saints 1 - 1 Thorn Athletic
2012/13
SAFL Premier Division
Oban Saints 1 - 2 Thorn Athletic
Thorn Athletic 0 - 1 Oban Saints

2013/14
SAFL Premier Division
Oban Saints 1 - 1 Thorn Athletic
Scottish Amateur Cup 6th Round
Oban Saints 1 - 1 Thorn Athletic
Scottish Amateur Cup 6th Round Replay
Thorn Athletic 2 - 4 Oban Saints

Thorn Athletic, the SAFL years:-

 

2008/09 Premier Division Two Champions (Promoted)

              Jimmy Marshall Trophy Winners

2009/10 Premier Division One Champions (Promoted)

              Jimmy Marshall Trophy Winners (knocking Saints out in quarter final)

2010/11 Premier Division 3rd

2011/12 Premier Division 3rd

2012/13 Premier Division 8th

 

 

So three meetings already this season with precious little between the sides. With both teams still involved in the Jimmy Marshall Trophy there is also the exciting possibility of a fifth meeting in either the semi final or Final. Another keenly fought encounter in front of what is sure to be a good sized crowd is in prospect on Saturday.

 

 

SAFL Select Squad

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Scottish Amateur Football League Select will take on their Lothian and Edinburgh counterparts on Sunday 20th April. Saints will be represented by select squad regulars Lewis Cameron, Donald Campbell and Myles McAuley. Saturday's opponents Thorn Athletic will again be represented by their Captain Brian Robertson. Surprisingly the classy central defender is the only Thorn player ever to make a representative squad, an honour which a good few of his team mates must be close to attaining. The match will be played at Northolm Park, Giffnock with a 2pm kick off. 

 

 

 

Thorn Athletic Captain Brian Robertson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#monthesaints

 

 

 

 

High School Confidential

http://youtu.be/8Y51bM5vAmY

Wednesday 16th April 2014
Jimmy Marshall Trophy 2nd Round
Lochgilphead Red Star v Oban Saints
Glencruitten 2, Oban
Kick Off 6.30pm
Referee Mr John Scott

Steadfastly refusing to use Sat-Nav, one of Saints travelling supporters (who shall remain nameless) failed to locate this imposing structure and missed the first 30 minutes of the match.

Last Time Out

The excellent facilities at the new Clydebank High School played host to the eagerly anticipated battle of the SAFL Saints last Saturday. Oban Saints and league leaders St Josephs FP of Duntocher, both unbeaten going into the fixture, served up a highly entertaining match of top quality passing football for the small crowd of spectators. The match was played on an excellent 3G surface with a strong wind blowing across the park. Both teams like to play the ball on the ground therefore the windy conditions had very little influence on how the match would unfold.
Injuries and work commitments deprived Saints of the services of Marc MacCallum, Jamie Graham, Mattie Rippon and David McArthur. The return to the squad of Colin Tindall and Dene Cassells from injury and suspension respectively was therefore especially welcome. Dene took his place on the right of the Saints back three with Colin having to settle for a place on the bench alongside Roy McLuckie and emergency substitute Peter MacCallum.
Saints were quickly into their stride and took the lead in the 4th minute. A neat interchange of passes involving Myles McAuley, Donald Campbell and Lewis Cameron allowed Lewis space to play an excellent pass inside St Joseph's left back Kevin Seagrave for Ross Maitland to run onto. Ross delivered a low cross into the box which was met by Paul Kerr. Paul's initial shot was blocked on the goal line but the ball fell kindly for him to force home from close range.
St Joseph's reacted positively to this early set back and took the game to Saints in a good thirty minute spell during which time they missed a penalty and a gilt edged chance from a free header on the six yard line. St Josephs did however manage to equalise in the 20th minute from a Kieran Burns free kick after Alex Craik had handled on the edge of the penalty box. Despite the pressure from St Joe's Saints defended well and began to turn things around towards the end of the first half. Myles McAuley had a good opportunity in the 35th minute when St Joe's keeper Derek Keogh spilled a Donald Campbell free kick into his path however Myles was unable to hit the target and the first half finished all square.
Saints kicked off the second half and started strongly immediately putting the St Joes defence under pressure. Despite being on the back foot the home side looked dangerous on the break and Saints had Daniel Cassells to thank for keeping the scores level when he pulled off a magnificent save low down to his left in the 49th minute. Shortly afterwards Saints had another let off when, after a great turn in the box, Kieran Burns shot narrowly past the post with the Saints keeper rooted to the spot.
Eventually the Saints pressure began to tell and Donald Campbell had a rampaging run at the St Joes defence brought to an abrupt end when he was unceremoniously brought to the ground inside the box. The referee was well positioned to see the challenge and was in no doubt it was a penalty. The ever reliable Allan MacKay dispatched the penalty with minimal fuss and Saints were back in front. Saints remained firmly in control after that and threatened to increase their lead on several occasions. Allan MacKay missed an excellent chance beating the keeper when through one on one but somehow squeezing his shot past the post. Paul Kerr, from about sixteen yards further out than where he scored the opener from, blasted a shot the same distance over the bar after some excellent work on the left wing by Lewis Cameron and Craig MacEwan. Lewis and Craig also passed up good opportunities to give Saints a bit more breathing space going into the closing stages however the Saints defence coped well with the remaining St Joes attacks and Saints ran down the clock for a deserved 2 - 1 win. 


 

Paul Kerr scorer of Saints opening goal

Kieran Burns equalises for St Josephs

Allan MacKay makes it 2 -1 from the penalty spot

Saints welcome Argyll rivals Lochgilphead Red Star to Glencruitten on Wednesday night for the long awaited Jimmy Marshall Trophy Second Round match. The match had originally been scheduled for Sunday 23rd March at the Ropework Park, Lochgilphead, however heavy rain in the days leading up to the fixture lead to the match being postponed. In a bid to preserve the notoriously susceptible to waterlogging Ropework Park for what remains of the season Red Star have agreed to switch the tie to Oban. This move has not met with universal approval however with Oban Saints Ultras the "White (Hair) Brigade" being especially disappointed to miss out on one of their favourite away trips (basically it's a lot easier to find!).

The Ropework Park photographed on Saturday 22nd March 2014

Red Star are currently 4th in SAFL Premier Division 2 with 25 points from 15 games. Red Star went into this season targeting league survival, however with only one defeat in their last six matches, including impressive victories over Port Glasgow United and the strongly fancied Jamestown, the Lochgilphead side have forced their way into the top half of the table. Red Star's three remaining league fixtures are at home giving them an outside chance of securing third place which may yet prove good enough for a second consecutive promotion.

Lochgilphead Red Star's league campaign so far:-

17th August 2013 Port Glasgow AFC 0 - 1 Lochgilphead Red Star
24th August 2013 East Kilbride 2 - 2 Lochgilphead Red Star
31st August 2013 Glencastle Sparta 1 - 4 Lochgilphead Red Star
7th September 2013 Jamestown 3 - 1 Lochgilphead Red Star
14th September 2013 Clydebank 0 - 4 Lochgilphead Red Star
21st September 2013 Port Glasgow United 2 - 2 Lochgilphead Red Star
19th October 2013 Lochgilphead Red Star 1 - 1 Clydebank
9th November 2013 Goldenhill 5 - 2 Lochgilphead Red Star
23rd November 2013 Lochgilphead Red Star 1 - 3 East Kilbride
30th November 2013 Lochgilphead Red Star 5 - 2 Dunoon Athletic
11th January 2014 Lochgilphead Red Star 1 - 4 Port Glasgow
8th February 2014 Easthall Star 2 - 2 Lochgilphead Red Star
8th March 2014 Dunoon Athletic 2 - 4 Lochgilphead Red Star
15th March 2014 Lochgilphead Red Star 4 - 3 Jamestown
29th March 2014 Lochgilphead Red Star 8 - 3 Port Glasgow United

 

Lochgilphead Red Star

Saints and Red Star met in a pre-season friendly at Glencruitten on 10th August which Saints won comfortably 3 - 0 with goals from Craig MacEwan, Donald Campbell and Mattie Rippon. Wednesday's cup tie will be an entirely different affair with the Lochgilphead side desperate to put one over on their Premier Division opponents. This match has been eagerly anticipated by players and supporters of both sides ever since the draw was made away back in December. A good crowd is therefore expected for what promises to be an enthralling match. The tie must be decided on the night with the chilling possibility of yet another penalty shoot-out if the sides can't be separated after 90 minutes. The winners will be away from home in the quarter finals against Premier Division Two high flyers Jamestown.

 

Lochgilphead Red Star's 2008 Argyll & Bute Cup winning squad.
Douglas Moore (back row, 2nd from left and Asen Gaydardzhiev front row 3rd from left) served both Red Star and Saints with distinction.

 

 

 

 

 

The Saints team bus struggling up the hill towards the Oude dam

 

 

 

#monthesaints

Ready to meet the Saints

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=lNgOUxtOUNQ

 

Saturday 12th April 2014
Umbro Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division
St Joseph's FP v Oban Saints
Clydebank High School 3G, Janetta Street, Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire G81 3EJ
Kick Off 2pm
Referee Mr Mark Kane

Last Time Out

Saints endured their 15th blank Saturday of the season so far when last Saturday's Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division match against Castlemilk was called off on the morning of the game. This is the second time the fixture has been postponed the first being on 2nd November when a heavy downpour just as Saints arrived at the ground rendered the pitch at Peter Brownlie's, Cambuslang unplayable. Last Saturday's match was due to take place at Castlemilk High School however heavy rain throughout the week and a bad weather forecast for Saturday once again forced a postponement. This time Saints were spared a wasted journey and are grateful to Castlemilk for making an early decision to cancel the match. Despite the cancellation Saints lost no further ground in the league title race as the weather caused a complete wash out of all SAFL Premier Division fixtures. Saints therefore remain in 4th place, with 19 points from 9 games played.

This Saturday Saints travel to Clydebank to face league leaders St Josephs in a crucial SAFL Premier Division match between two of the main title contenders. Like their Oban counterparts St Josephs are also unbeaten and currently top the league ahead of Finnart with 28 points from 12 games played. Since opening their league campaign with a win followed by four draws St Josephs have embarked on a phenomenal run recording seven consecutive victories scoring 29 goals in the process. St Josephs have also progressed to the Final of the Centenary Cup where they will face Castlemilk on a date yet to be fixed. In the major cup competitions St Josephs also fared well losing out in the 5th round of the Scottish Cup to top Central League side Bannockburn and exiting the West of Scotland Cup narrowly at the third round stage to eventual quarter finalists Stewarton United of the Ayrshire League. A chink of light for the SAFL Premier Division chasing pack is Finnart's 2 - 0 Jimmy Marshall Trophy first round victory over St Josephs at Glasgow Green on Tuesday 25th March.

St Josephs league season so far:-

17th August 2013        Alba Thistle 1 - 2 St Josephs FP
24th August 2013      St Josephs FP 3 - 3 Castlemilk
31st August 2013                  Busby 4 - 4 St Josephs FP
14th September 2103   Oban Saints 1 - 1 St Josephs FP
28th September 2013          Finnart 3 - 3 St Josephs FP
5th October 2013      St Josephs FP 3 - 0 Haldane United
2nd November 2013 St Josephs FP 5 - 1 Alba Thistle
1st February 2014     St Josephs FP 5 - 1 Kilbowie Union
15th February 2014  St Josephs FP 4 - 2 Inverclyde
1st March 2014             Castlemilk 1 - 3 St Josephs FP
15th March 2014  Kilbowie Union 1 - 7 St Josephs FP
22nd March 2104     St Josephs FP 2 - 1 Busby


St Josephs recent SAFL league finishes:-

2006/07 Premier Division One 4th
2007/08 Premier Division One 2nd Promoted
2008/09 Premier Division Champions
2009/10 Premier Division 6th
2010/11 Premier Division 6th
2011/12 Premier Division 6th
2012/13 Premier Division 5th

Saints League record against St Josephs:-

2008/09
St Josephs FP 1 - 1 Oban Saints
Oban Saints 2 - 3 St Josephs FP

2009/10
Oban Saints 2 - 0 St Josephs FP
St Josephs FP 1 - 1 Oban Saints

2010/11
Oban Saints 8 - 1 St Josephs FP
St Josephs FP 1 - 3 Oban Saints

2011/12
Oban Saints 3 - 1 St Josephs FP
St Josephs FP 0 - 3 Oban Saints

2012/13
St Josephs FP 0 - 1 Oban Saints
Oban Saints 0 - 1 St Josephs FP

2013/14
Oban Saints 1 - 1 St Josephs FP

Mattie Rippon

Saints and St Josephs last met on 14th September last year when they played out a very entertaining 1 - 1 draw at Glencruitten. Saints lead 1 - 0 at half time through a close range Mattie Rippon effort rounding off a fine attacking move involving Lewis Cameron and Allan MacKay. St Josephs played some excellent football in the first half without creating any chances of note. In the second half the Duntocher side added an attacking threat to their neat approach play and thoroughly deserved their 57th minute equaliser scored by Blair Mulgrew. Saints struggled to gain a foothold in the game after that and despite creating a couple of late chances were by far the happier side with a point at full time. St Josephs passing game was a joy to watch making them probably the most impressive side to have visited Oban so far this season. Saints are equally capable of turning on the style and if both teams play to their capabilities on Saturday another excellent match is on the cards.



Action from the 1 - 1 draw at Glencruitten earlier this season:-

Allan MacKay fends off Craig Cameron

Donald Campbell gets the flick-on

 

 

Paul Kerr and Keiran Timoney battle it out in midfield

Action from Saints 3 - 1 win over St Josephs on 17th March 2012:-

Allan Miller                    Myles McAuley

 

 

Marc MacCallum               Donald Campbell

 

 

 

 

Willie Gemmell's in-direct free kick is blocked by the St Joe's wall  

 

 

Saturday's venue is Clydebank High School, here are some famous former pupils:-

 

 

 

James Cosmo

 

 Fulton MacKay

 

 

 

 

 

Other Saints News

On Tuesday 1st April Donald Campbell and Myles McAuley featured in the SAFL Select squad against SPFL League One side Stranraer at Ralston Playing Fields, Paisley. Despite losing the match 2 - 0 the SAFL boys acquitted themselves very well against their semi-professional opponents. Injury ruled Saints Captain Marc MacCallum out of the SAFL squad. Saturday's opposition St Josephs FP were represented by Tam Wilson, John Paul Seagrave, Kevin Williams, Martin McColmish, Keiran Timoney and Keiran Burns.

The SAFL Select Squad earlier this season

 

 

The eagerly anticipated Jimmy Marshall Trophy second round match against Lochgilphead Red Star has now been switched from the Ropework Park, Lochgilphead to Glencruitten. The tie, which was drawn in December, was originally scheduled for Sunday 23rd March however the Ropework Park was declared unplayable. With Red Star's three remaining league fixtures being at home and the Ropework being in such poor condition they have agreed to switch this Argyll Derby cup tie to Oban. The match will now take place at Glencruitten, Oban on Wednesday 16th April with a 6.30pm kick off. The referee is Mr John Scott.




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