In The Pink

Saturday 20th September  2014
Scottish  Amateur  Football  League  Premier  Division
Oban Saints AFC  v Busby AFC
Glencruitten 2
Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr John Scott

Last Time Out

Saints edged a highly competitive Argyll Derby against Campbeltown Pupils at Kintyre Park last Saturday afternoon thanks to a 59th minute Allan Mackay strike. The last time this fixture was played was in 2009 but absence doesn't always make the heart grow fonder and this was a typically hard fought encounter from which Saints were delighted to take all three points. Victory however came at a cost for Saints with central defender Alex Craik joining the lengthy injury list when he suffered a back strain after just ten minutes. On the plus side midfield anchorman Paul Kerr once again demonstrated his versatility by dropping into defence where he produced an accomplished display in the sweeper role.

Busby

This Saturday Saints host Busby in what is the East Renfrewshire side's first away match of the league season. Busby's last visit to Oban was for their final match of the 2013-14 season but was nothing like the end of season fixture that might have been envisaged. Saints were involved in a four way tussle at the top of the league with Haldane United, Finnart and St Joseph's while Busby had already secured their Premier Division status for another season. Busby in their Shocking Pink away kit produced a disciplined defensive performance which Saints found extremely difficult to penetrate while hitting Saints on the break with some lightning quick counter attacks. Two goals from Busby striker Billy McGhee threatened to de-rail Saints title charge but an inspirational closing twenty minutes from Donald Campbell and two goals from talismanic striker Allan Mackay finally secured a share of the points keeping Saints title hopes alive.
Saints currently occupy third spot in the SAFL Premier Division behind St Joseph's and league leaders Thorn Athletic. Saturday's opponents Busby are currently in seventh place with three points from their opening four fixtures. Although Busby have endured a difficult start to the season they enjoy a good record in Oban and will once again prove to be tough opponents for a Saints side still struggling to rediscover their title winning form of last season. Saints will again be without Scott Maitland who remains on the injured list with long term absentees Donald Campbell, Dene Cassells and Colin Tindal. On a more positive note both Alex Craik and Jamie Graham should be available for selection.

Busby's league fixtures so far this season:-

Busby 3 - 6 Finnart
Busby 7 - 4 Eaglesham
Busby 0 - 3 St Joseph's
Busby 0 -  2 Campbeltown Pupils

Busby's recent record in Oban:-

2013-14 Oban Saints 2 - 2 Busby
2007-08 Oban Saints 2 - 3 Busby

Busby's recent SAFL record:-

2013-14 Premier Division 5th
2012-13 Premier Division One 4th Promoted
2011-12 Premier Division One 4th
2010-11 Premier Division One 7th
2009-10 Premier  Division One 3rd
2008-09 Premier Division One 5th
2007-08 Premier Division 9th Relegated
2006-07 Premier Division One Champions Promoted

Other News

In other news Saints players Lewis Cameron, Myles McAuley and Craig MacEwan featured for the Scottish Amateur Football League Select in a 2 - 2 draw against a Lothian and Edinburgh Select last Sunday. All three Saints players had a good game with Lewis getting on the score sheet with a particularly eye catching performance.