Shoot To Thrill (Part Two)

http://youtu.be/9G19TWqolIQ

Saints hit a century of league and cup goals in season 2013 - 14. Thirteen different scorers plus one own goal make up the sharp shooters total. Part One of the summary of goal scorers left off with Ross Maitland as the best of the rest. Here in Part Two it's the big guns!

4th =
Lewis Cameron

League                         3
Jimmy Marshall Trophy  2
Scottish Amateur Cup    4
West of Scotland Cup    1
Total                            10

A thorn in the side of every defence Saints faced throughout the season Lewis provided 19 assists on top of his own 10 goal haul. Surprisingly Lewis managed only 3 league goals all of which came in the 7 - 1 away win at Kilbowie Union on 14th May. On top of league and cup double medals Lewis was rewarded for an excellent season with the man of the match award in Saints 2 - 0 Jimmy Marshall Trophy final victory over Inverclyde. His efforts were further rewarded with call ups to the SAFL select squad and by reaching the latter stages of the selection process for the national amateur squad. 

Lewis skips through the Finnart defence to set up Mattie Rippon for Saints third goal in the 3 - 0 home league victory on 26th April

Lewis makes it 2 - 0 to clinch Saints first ever Jimmy Marshall Trophy

Lewis receives the Jimmy Marshall Trophy final man of the match award from SAFL President Frank McCann

4th =
Mattie Rippon

League                         9
Jimmy Marshall Trophy  1
Scottish Amateur Cup    0
West of Scotland Cup    0
Total                            10

Playing mostly on the right hand side of midfield 9 league goals from 15 appearances is a decent scoring ratio from Mattie. Significant contributions from him included the final goal of the season to clinch the league title against Haldane United and his explosive two goal impact as a 58th minute substitute to seal victory in the home game against Finnart. Mattie's only goal in the cup competitions was also to prove crucial as it was the equaliser in the Jimmy Marshall Trophy semi-final against Thorn Athletic, Saints had gone two goals down inside 30 minutes but goals from Paul Kerr just before half time and Mattie's superb second half 25 yard free kick around the Thorn wall brought Saints level and forced the tie to a penalty shoot-out in which Saints eventually prevailed.  

Mattie Rippon secures the SAFL Premier Division title for Saints against Haldane United

Mattie fires home an unstoppable shot to cap a magnificent rampaging run through the Finnart defence

Lewis Cameron congratulates Mattie as Peter MacCallum dances a jig of delight on the touchline

3rd Craig MacEwan

League                         6
Jimmy Marshall Trophy  2
Scottish Amateur Cup    9
West of Scotland Cup    1
Total                            18

A thumping left foot finish into the roof of the net helps Saints to a 6 - 1 Scottish Amateur Cup 3rd round victory over Rosyth

Until the intervention of injury and suspension Craig's spectacular goal scoring feats from left midfield had him firmly on course to top the Saints goal scoring charts. However if you ever wondered why Snowboarding doesn't feature high on the list of recommended holiday pursuits for footballers Craig's broken rib and fractured collar bone sustained on just such a holiday will tell you all you ever needed to know. Surprisingly overlooked until now Craig's excellent form was finally rewarded with a long overdue call-up to the SAFL Select squad for the annual match against the Lothian and Edinburgh Amateur Football League Select. Craig joined SAFL Select regulars Donald Campbell, Myles McAuley and Lewis Cameron and marked his debut with a goal.

With everyone (including the dozy cameraman) anticipating a pass, this stunning 25 yard shot from Craig earned Saints a late league victory at Thorn Athletic

Craig draws Saints level in the SAFL Premier Division decider against Haldane United

Craig takes on the Busby full back as Saints Ball Boy Angus MacDonald looks on

2nd Donald Campbell

League                          10
Jimmy Marshall Trophy    3
Scottish Amateur Cup      6
West of Scotland Cup      0
Total                             19

Several eyebrows were raised at the start of the season when season 2012 - 13 top scorer Donald Campbell was redeployed in central midfield for the new campaign. The departure for pastures new of Keith Millar and the return of centre forward Allan Mackay gave Saints Manager Iain Jackson a chance to shuffle the pack and he couldn't have wished to have been dealt a better hand. With 19 goals and numerous game changing contributions Donald has been a revelation in his new position totally vindicating the Manager's decision. Along with team mates Marc MacCallum, Myles McAuley and Lewis Cameron Donald was a regular throughout the season for the SAFL select and reached the latter stages of the selection process for the national squad to compete in the amateur equivalent of the European Championships. 

Donald's 19th and final goal of the season was the opener in a tense 2 - 0 home win over Inverclyde in Saints penultimate league game

This incredible 35 yard effort was Saints fifth goal to complete the comeback from a 3 -1 half time deficit at Alba Thistle

Donald Campbell, Myles McAuley, Marc MacCallum and Lewis Cameron with the Scottish Amateur Football League Select

1st Allan Mackay

League                          14
Jimmy Marshall Trophy    2
Scottish Amateur Cup      5
West of Scotland Cup      1
Total                             22

Saints 2013 - 14 top scorer Allan Mackay with Finnart's Andrew Barnes in close attendance

After making his return from a sixteen month injury lay off in the final game of the 2012 - 13 season, and coming through the pre-season schedule unscathed, Allan hit the ground running by scoring the first of Saints 100 competitive goals in the season curtain raiser against Kilbowie Union at Glencruitten. Looking as though he had never been away Allan quickly slotted back into his accustomed centre forward role and formed a very effective partnership with Lewis Cameron. 22 goals from 27 appearances is a decent return but with some better fortune in front of goals that tally could have been doubled.. Hopefully Allan can kick on next season and hit the 30 mark.

Allan sends keeper Danny Moy the wrong way to draw Saints level for the first time in a hard fought draw against Busby

Allan nets a dramatic 88th minute equaliser against Busby from his preferred distance of 6 yards after a fantastic run and cross from Donald Campbell

#monthesaints

Shoot To Thrill (Part One)

http://youtu.be/Dgsjodya-_c

Saints hit a century of league and cup goals in season 2013 - 14. Thirteen different scorers plus one own goal make up the sharp shooters total. In this first part of the summary of goal scorers are those in single figures, the big hitters will appear in part two.

10th =
Own Goal

League                         0
Jimmy Marshall Trophy 0
Scottish Amateur Cup   1
West of Scotland Cup   0
Total                             1

Independent's Andy Flannigan tussles with Paul Kerr

The solitary own goal of the season was scored by Andy Flannigan of Independent in Saints 8 - 2 Scottish Amateur Cup 2nd round replay win at St Ambrose High School, Coatbridge. Saints had led the Stirling and District side 3 - 0 at Glencruitten with just 13 minutes to play but somehow contrived to throw the lead away and had to settle for a draw. Thankfully the costly mistakes were banished in the replay and Saints put in a superb performance to kick start their assault on the Scottish Amatuer Cup.

10th =
Willie Gemmell

League                         1
Jimmy Marshall Trophy 0
Scottish Amateur Cup   0
West of Scotland Cup   0
Total                             1

Willie scored his final goal for Saints before departing for Fort William, not with one of his trademark free kicks but with an unstoppable 25 yard shot from open play in Saints impressive 9 - 2 league win over Busby at Overlee Park.

10th =
Alex Craik

League                         1
Jimmy Marshall Trophy 0
Scottish Amateur Cup   0
West of Scotland Cup   0
Total                             1

Alex Craik shoots narrowly wide against Busby at Glencruitten on Saturday 10th May 2014

Alex's only goal of the season also came in the 9 - 2 away win at Busby when he got on the end of an Allan Mackay back post knock down from a Willie Gemmell free kick to bundle the ball over the line. Alex capped a magnificent season in which he started all of Saints 32 league and cup matches with a commanding performance at the heart of the Argyll Select defence in the 4 - 2 victory over the SAFL select at the Ropework Park, Lochgilphead to retain the Joe Paterson Memorial Trophy.

Alex Craik, Donald Campbell (senior and junior!), Jamie Graham and Ross Maitland with the Argyll Select.

10th =
Dene Cassells

League                         0
Jimmy Marshall Trophy 0
Scottish Amateur Cup   1
West of Scotland Cup   0
Total                             1

Dene found the net in Saints eventful Scottish Amatuer Cup 3rd round win over Rosyth of the Fife Amateur Football League Premier Division. The match saw seven goals and three red cards as Saints eventually ran ran out 6 - 1 winners. Dene scored Saints sixth and final goal in the 91st minute tapping home from close range from a Marc MacCallum cross. Dene's season was cruelly brought to a premature end when he suffered a broken leg in the Jimmy Marshall Trophy semi-final win over Thorn Athletic. The healing process appears to be going well and hopefully it won't be too long before we see Dene back in a Saints shirt.

10th =
Marc MacCallum

League                         0
Jimmy Marshall Trophy 0
Scottish Amateur Cup   0
West of Scotland Cup   1
Total                             1

Marc MacCallum is brought crashing to the ground to earn Saints a penalty in the Scottish Amateur Cup 3rd round against Rosyth

Appointed to the Captaincy following Keith Millar's departure on the eve of the new season "Mad" Marc has proved to be an inspired choice by Manager Iain Jackson. Marc's inspirational performances have also earned him recognition at league and national select level. Playing alongside fellow Saints Lewis Cameron, Donald Campbell and Myles MacAulay Marc made several appearances for the Scottish Amateur Football League Select and also reached the latter stages of the selection process for the Scottish Amateur national team currently competing in the amateur equivalent of the European Championships.
Marc's solitary goal of the season came in Saints narrow West of Scotland Cup 4th round defeat at the hands of Giffnock North. "The North" were the reigning Caledonian Premier League champions but it took a penalty shoot out to separate the two evenly matched teams after a 2 -2 draw at Northolm Park. Marc's goal came at the end of the first half when he headed home a Craig MacEwan corner to level the scoring at 1 - 1. Unfortunately Marc picked up a nasty knee ligament injury in this match which kept him out of action for eight weeks. Ironically Marc returned to action as a substitute for Saints other major injury of the season broken leg victim Dene Cassells in the Jimmy Marshall Trophy semi-final.

8th =
Myles McAuley

League                         0
Jimmy Marshall Trophy 0
Scottish Amateur Cup   2
West of Scotland Cup   0
Total                             2

Myles McAuley battles it out in midfield with Eastfield's Scottish Amateur International Martyn Shields

A foot injury kept Myles out of Saints first four games of the season but upon his return to the side he soon became in integral part of the side forming a magnificent midfield partnership with Paul Kerr and Donald Campbell. Both of Myles' goals came in the Scottish Amateur Cup. Goal number one was Saints second goal in the 8 - 2 second round replay victory away at Independent when Myles thumped home from 12 yards following a Lewis Cameron cut back, Goal number two came in the fourth round against Ellon Amateurs of the Aberdeenshire Amateur Football League Division One (East) when Myles forced home from close range a left wing cross from Craig MacEwan.

Myles McAuley, Donald Campbell and Marc MacCallum pictured before a Scottish Amateur Football Association trials match part of the selection process for the Scottish Amateur national team

8th =
Shaun MacIver

League                         0
Jimmy Marshall Trophy 2
Scottish Amateur Cup   0
West of Scotland Cup   0
Total                             2

Shaun MacIver nets his first goal for Saints

Since forcing his way into the first team reckoning three impressive substitute appearances, including two goals in one game, have marked Shaun out as one for the future. Late appearances in the league against Alba Thistle and Finnart saw Shaun acquit himself well against some very experienced defenders. Shaun's two goals came in the Jimmy Marshall Trophy second round match against Lochgilphead Red Star at Glencuitten. Both goals were well timed headers, the first from an excellent right wing cross from Roy McLuckie, the second at the back post from a left wing Ross Maitland cross. Shaun certainly has the talent to succeed in the amateur game, hopefully he can supply the necessary application required to accompany it.

7th
Paul Kerr

League                         3
Jimmy Marshall Trophy 1
Scottish Amateur Cup   0
West of Scotland Cup   0
Total                             4

Formally describing himself as "a squad player with Oban Saints" on his Twitter bio, Paul has rightfully updated that (although I'm not sure about the Mondo's pole dancing champion bit) to "Part of the Oban Saints Invincibles". Starting all but two of Saints thirty two matches Paul has become an integral part of the Saints midfield. In addition to his accustomed central midfield role Paul has also performed sweeper duties admirably when the need arose. Seeking to emulate his hero Frank Lampard Paul has added goals to his game and netted against Haldane United in Saints second match of the season but had to wait until April to add to that tally when he opened the scoring in a crucial league fixture away at St Joseph's. Paul's most important strike came in the Jimmy Marshall Trophy semi-final win over Thorn Athletic. Saints had fallen two goals behind, had lost Dene Cassells to injury and were staring "down the barrell" before Paul hauled Saints back into the match just before half time. Paul's fourth and final goal of the season was Saints second in the 2 - 0 home win over Inverclyde in the penultimate match of the season.

Paul Kerr makes the points safe for Saints against Inverclyde at Glencruitten. Looking on is Colin Carswell who had seen his earlier effort tipped onto the post by the Inverclyde keeper.

6th
Ross Maitland

League                         6
Jimmy Marshall Trophy 1
Scottish Amateur Cup   1
West of Scotland Cup   0
Total                             8

Ross Maitland taps in from close range to salvage a point for Saints at home to Castlemilk

A veteran of countless Saints campaigns Ross enjoyed his best season for a number of years with an excellent return of eight goals from his wide midfield position. Equally at home on the right or left Ross also provided some valuable assists for the main strikers. The wee man's most important strikes were undoubtedly his equaliser at home to Castlemilk when a lethargic performance threatened to derail Saints title challenge; and his late winner away at title rivals Finnart which effectively ended their title hopes. His excellent season also earned Ross a return to the Argyll Select which he has graced on many occasions in the past although it seems that age may now preclude a return to the SAFL select which he has also represented many times.

A young Ross Maitland (front row, third from right) with the Scottish Amateur Football League Select in March 2002

Ross Maitland nets a late winner away at Finnart to keep Saints firmly on track for the SAFL Premier Division title

Part two, featuring Saints top five scorers, will follow next weekend (hopefully!).

#monthesaints

Make Mine A Double (Part Two)

Saints rounded off a memorable season with the capture of an historic league and cup double in a nerve wracking four day spell last week starting with the Jimmy Marshall Trophy Final on Wednesday and culminating with the Premier Division title in a final day showdown against Haldane United at Glencruitten on Saturday.

Saturday 31st May 2014
Umbro SAFL Premier Division
Oban Saints 2 - 1 Haldane United
Glencruitten, Oban
Kick off 2pm
Referee: Gary Logan

Saints line up:

Daniel Cassells, Jamie Graham, Alex Craik, Marc MacCallum (Captain), Ross Maitland, Myles McAuley, Paul Kerr, Donald Campbell, Craig MacEwan (Mattie Rippon), Lewis Cameron, Allan Mackay (Roy McLuckie). Unused substitutes: Colin Carswell, David McArthur

When heavy rain and high winds caused the cancellation of this fixture back on 14th December nobody could have predicted that it would eventually become a title decider. The weather on Saturday could scarcely have been more different to that in December when Saints embarked on a run of nine blank Saturdays out of twelve. With the weather dial set to "scorchio" and the Glencruitten playing surface in excellent condition the scene was perfectly set for an undefeated Saints side to face their closest rivals in a winner takes all final match of the season.
Haldane United in their first season in the SAFL top flight came into the match on a high having put together a seven match winning run to give them a chance of snatching the title from Saints at the last gasp. Despite managing to keep their unbeaten run going Saints had been starting to look a little nervy in recent weeks but it soon became apparent that the nerves had been banished in favour of a steely determination to get the job done.
Saints came flying out of the blocks immediately taking the game to Haldane. As early as the second minute Lewis Cameron tricked his way down the left wing before drilling a tantalising cross along the six yard line. Alas for Saints there were no takers but the tone was already set for wave after wave of Saints attacks. In the 12th minute Allan Mackay flicked on a Donald Campbell free kick to Lewis Cameron who fired wide of goal keeper Chris Connolly's right hand post. Saints were punished for their profligate finishing when Haldane made their first foray up field. Craig MacEwan gave away a free kick wide on the Saints left which gave Haldane the opportunity to capitalise on their set piece height advantage. The ball was floated towards the back post where it was met by a towering header from Haldane Captain Daniel McIlmun who bulleted the ball across Daniel Cassells in the Saints goal and into the bottom corner of the net. The Haldane contingent celebrated wildly and rightly so as it was a beautifully executed cross and header to catapult them into pole position.
Saints were unbowed by this set back and went straight back on the attack with Myles McAulay and Allan Mackay both missing great chances to get Saints back in the game. The breakthrough came in the 37th minute when Craig MacEwan got on the end of a Donald Campbell free kick to level the scores and put Saints back in the title driving seat. Saints continued to pile forward and a goal mouth scramble in the 40th minute had hearts in mouths for both sets of supporters. Craig MacEwan came close to doubling his tally when he headed narrowly over from yet another Allan Mackay flick on. Half time brought a welcome relief from the frenetic action and a chance for both sides to regroup for a final assault on the league title.
It was Haldane United who set the tone for the second half pressing Saints higher up the pitch and generally taking the game to Saints. Haldane's biggest threats came from set pieces and long throws but the Saints defence held firm and were always looking to launch counter attacks. One such breakaway saw the end of Craig MacEwan's involvement in the match when he was brought down on the half way line when threatening to burst through on goal. Craig carried on for a couple of minutes but was clearly struggling  and Manager Iain Jackson brought on Mattie Rippon to replace him in the 59th minute. Haldane continued to press for a second goal giving the large crowd cause to fear the worst but Saints still held steady. In the 74th minute Roy McLuckie came on to replace a tiring Allan Mackay who had lead the line excellently against a physically imposing Haldane defence. Roy slotted into midfield allowing Mattie Rippon to join Lewis Cameron up front and once again the pace and trickery of this pair would come up trumps for Saints.
With twelve minutes remaining on referee Gary Logan's watch Lewis Cameron broke through the Haldane defence drawing former Scottish Amateur international keeper Chris Connolly off his line and squaring the ball to strike colleague Mattie Rippon to fire an unstoppable left foot shot low into the net. This second goal gave Saints the comfort margin their fans had so desperately wanted and also drained the hope from the Haldane team who had put up a spirited performance until then. From that point onward the outcome seemed predetermined and Saints held on to record a 13th victory of an undefeated league campaign.



"An unbelievable climax to the league season" as the late, great Brain Moore once said.

http://youtu.be/FRmHrVhEegA

Glencruitten was in excellent condition for this crucial fixture

Haldane United prior to the match



Lewis Cameron has his progress up the left wing halted

Myles McAuley misses an early chance after a strong run from midfield

Allan Mackay misses from what used to be his favourite distance

Craig MacEwan equalises for Saints

Lewis Cameron, Allan Mackay, Myles McAulay and Alex Craik all rush to congratulate Craig on his equaliser

Craig MacEwan heads narrowly over from an Allan Mackay flick-on





Mattie Rippon makes it 2 - 1 to Saints

Skipper Marc MacCallum hoists the Premier Division trophy

Saints number one supporter Iain Neilson with Marc MacCallum and the Premier Division trophy

The Haldane boys stop off at Inveraray for a light refreshment on the way home

Oban Saints AFC Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division Champions 2013 - 14

#monthesaints