Saints skipper Marc MacCallum hoists the SAFL Premier Division trophy after last season's thrilling final day victory over Haldane United
Saturday 23rd August 2014
Umbro Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division
Oban Saints AFC v Kings Park Rangers AFC
Glencruitten 2
Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr Jimmy Litster
Saints begin the defence of their Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division title with a home game against newly promoted Kings Park Rangers at Glencruitten this Saturday. The return of KPR to the top flight sees the resumption of one of the leagues oldest remaining rivalries with the two sides having almost ninety years of SAFL membership between them. Since first meeting in the Scottish Amateur Cup 40 years ago the paths of Saints and KPR have crossed on numerous occasions up and down the league with many enduring friendships being made along the way.
KPR's 51st season in the SAFL brings with it a welcome return to the top flight for the boys from Croftfoot. The club will be hoping to fare considerably better than on their last season in the Premier Division when they finished bottom of the pile and without a single point. KPR have prepared well for the new season with tough friendly matches against Gartcosh United of the Caledonian League Premier Division, Barrhead YM of the Greater Glasgow Premier League Division One, Wellhouse of the Central Scottish Premier Division and Carlton YMCA of the SAFL Premier Division Two.
KPR made their return to competitive action on Wednesday night where they surrendered a two goal lead away at Easthall Star of Premier Division Two in the Centenary Cup first round. Despite a thrilling comeback by the home side to level the tie at 2 -2 the visitors eventually prevailed winning the penalty shoot out 3 - 2. KPR will now face Finnart at home in round two. The first round draws for this season's major cup competitions have also given KPR home advantage. In the Scottish Amateur Cup they will face Mauchline United of the Ayrshire Amateur Football League First Division, in the West of Scotland Cup they will face last season's quarter finalists Eastfield of the Central Scottish League Premier Division.
The Kings Park Rangers squad celebrating last season's 2 - 1 victory at Kintyre Park over Champions Campbeltown Pupils which finally sealed their promotion back to the Premier Division
Kings Park Rangers recent SAFL record:-
2013-14 Premier Division One 2nd (Promoted)
2012-13 Premier Division One 7th
2011-12 Premier Division 10th (Relegated)
2010-11 Premier Division One 3rd (Promoted)
2009-10 Premier Division One 4th
2008-09 Premier Division One 7th
2007-08 Premier Division 10th (Relegated)
2006-07 Premier Division 5th
Saints recent record against Kings Park Rangers:-
2011-12
19th May 2012 Oban Saints 3 - 1 Kings Park Rangers
17th September 2011 Kings Park Rangers 0 - 5 Oban Saints
2007-08
24th May 2008 Kings Park Rangers 1 - 3 Oban Saints
25th August 2007 Oban Saints 3 - 1 Kings Park Rangers
2006-07
28th April 2007 Oban Saints 0 - 1 Kings Park Rangers
23rd September 2006 Kings Park Rangers 3 - 3 Oban Saints
Kings Park Rangers on a recent away trip (well, recent-ish)
Despite the disappointment of the cancellation of their final pre-season warm-up game against Tynecastle of the Strathclyde Saturday Morning Amateur Football League, and the necessity to request a free Saturday last week, the Saints squad have been working hard in training and are eager to mark their return to competitive action with a home victory. With the exception of long term injury victims Donald Campbell, Dene Cassells and Coin Tindall Manager Iain Jackson has a full squad to select from as he seeks to mastermind the defence of the league title. This season's SAFL Premier Division has the makings of an extremely competitive league with Saints title rivals last season Haldane United, Finnart and St Joseph's already setting down markers with impressive away wins last Saturday. An exciting campaign for players, officials and fans alike is about to Start!
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