Hit The North

The Fall - Hit The North

Saturday 1st November 2014
The Scottish Amateur Football Association Challenge Cup Competition
3rd Round
Oban Saints AFC v Giffnock North AAC AFC
Glencruitten 2, Mossfield Avenue, Oban PA34 4EH
Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr Peter Laing

Last Time Out

Last Saturday's Scottish Amateur Football League fixture against Alba Thistle was called off on Friday afternoon after a week of heavy rain with even more forecast to come rendered Glencruitten unplayable.

Scenes from Lochavullin Car Park earlier this week

This Saturday Saints welcome 2012/13 Caledonian Premier Division Champions Giffnock North to Glencruitten in the third round of the Foster's Scottish Amateur Cup. Giffnock North currently sit second top of the twelve team Caledonian Premier Division with seven points from three games played. "The North" look to be in good form having suffered only one defeat in all competitions so far this season. That solitary defeat came in the first round of the West of Scotland Cup where last season's beaten finalists were surprisingly edged out by Kilbride Villa of Strathclyde Saturday Morning League Division One. Since that defeat the North have embarked on a run of three consecutive victories including a 7 - 1 away win against Central Scottish Amateur Football League Division 1B Chryston in the Scottish Amateur Cup second round, and a convincing 4 - 0 away league win against current leaders Bearsden.

Giffnock North AAC AFC

Saints and Giffnock North met last season in the fourth round of the West of Scotland Cup. Here's how the result of that match was reported on this blog:-



Saints crashed out of the West of Scotland Cup at Northolm, Giffnock last Saturday when their penalty shoot-out hoodoo struck again. During the ninety minutes plus thirty minutes extra time Saints acquitted themselves well against last season's Caledonian League Premier Division Champions displaying plenty of "bouncebackability" following the previous weekend's Scottish Cup exit at the hands of Eastfield. Saints fell behind midway through the first half when Myles McAuley miss-hit an attempted clearance from a Giffnock North free kick into his own net. A headed goal by Captain Marc MacCallum from a Craig MacEwan corner and a fantastic solo effort from Lewis Cameron gave Saints a well deserved lead. Alas the lead was short lived and Scottish Amateur International midfielder Gary Dickson drew the North level with twenty eight minutes of the ninety still to play.
Despite giving their all for what remained of the match, including extra time, neither team could find the net again and penalty kicks were required to decide the winner. Saints penalty shoot-out misery continued where it left off at the end of last season where the Centenary Cup and Jimmy Marshall Trophy finals were both lost on penalties. Despite starting well with successful kicks from Mattie Rippon and Allan MacKay Saints once again crumbled under pressure. Donald Campbell saw his penalty saved and Craig MacEwan and Lewis Cameron both failed to hit the target giving Giffnock North a 3 - 2 shoot-out win.
Although disappointed at going out of the cup in such a cruel manner Saints can take heart from a good performance against a top quality Giffnock North side which will hopefully be a springboard to a successful SAFL Premier Division campaign.



The result turned out to be a springboard for both sides, Saints went on to clinch a League and Cup double and the North continued their excellent cup run all the way to the final before eventually losing out to all conquering Hurlford Thistle at New Douglas Park, Hamilton.

Giffnock North's Scottish Amateur International Gary Dickson

Saints Captain Marc MacCallum on a rampaging run against Rosyth last season

Lewis Cameron in action against Eaglesham earlier this season

Saturday's match will be Saints toughest test of the season so far, Giffnock North are an excellent team and are in very good form. Manager Iain Jackson will have the usual mixture of injuries and other call-offs to contend with but it remains to be seen whether he can name a ninth different starting eleven in as many matches. Jamie Graham is unavailable due to family commitments. Returning to the squad are Lewis Cameron and David McArthur after missing the West of Scotland Cup win over Glenburn Athletic through illness and holidays respectively. Captain Marc MacCallum who has been out of action since the Scottish Cup second round win at Wallacetoun Sporting Club is touch and go but Donald Campbell, despite inching closer to making his comeback, definitely remains on the sidelines.

In Other News

The draw for the third round of the Colville Park Country Club West of Scotland Cup took place on Monday evening. Saints were drawn away from home against Rosehill Star of Scottish Amateur League Division 1B. The match is scheduled to be played on Saturday 15th November and must be played to a finish with extra time and penalty kicks to decide the winner if necessary.

Oban Saints v Giffnock North "Old Crocks" match Saturday 7th July 2007

#monthesaints 

Changes

Changes

Saturday 25th October 2014
Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division
Oban Saints AFC v Alba Thistle AFC
Glencruitten 2, Mossfield Avenue, Oban PA34 4EH
Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr Thomas D'Alessandro

Last Time Out

Last Saturday at St James Playing Fields Paisley Saints eased past Glenburn Athletic of the Paisley and District Amateur Football League Premier Division to secure their place in the third round of the West of Scotland Cup. It was yet another re-shuffled pack for stand-in Management team David Buchanan and Peter MacCallum to deal with however this latest Saints line-up was ultimately too strong for the hosts to handle. Glenburn had the advantage of the strong wind and the pronounced slope in the first half, despite this Saints were doing most of the early pressing without creating too much by way of clear cut chances. In the 6th minute Dean Smith had a net bound header from a Ross Maitland free kick deflected wide for a corner. Six minutes later Ross Maitland made a good run up the right wing before sending in a low cross to Allan Mackay on the edge of the box. Allan looked well placed to open the scoring but the ball took a wicked bounce before he could control it and the chance was lost. In the 19th minute a flowing Saints move down the left lead to Scott Maitland finding Paul Kerr with a good cross to the back post, unfortunately Paul's flying header flashed inches wide of the post. After 28 minutes Scott Maitland who was having a good game on his return from injury made a driving run through the midfield before being unceremoniously hacked down just outside the Glenburn penalty box. Allan Mackay flighted the resulting free kick over the wall but straight into the arms of Glenburn goalkeeper Martyn Elliot. Saints finally made the breakthrough in the 31st minute when Allan Mackay was on hand to tap in from close range a low Ross Maitland right wing cross. Two minutes later Saints had the ball in the net again but Craig MacEwan's effort was adjudged to be narrowly offside. Glenburn then rallied briefly and enjoyed a decent ten minute spell in which they had Saints pinned back in their own half. The host's best effort of the half came during this spell with a dipping left foot volley from the edge of the Saints box shaving the outside of Daniel Cassells' right hand post. Saints doubled their lead in the 43rd minute when Ross maitland found Dean Smith in the box, Dean skilfully lost his marker before lashing a fierce left foot shot high into the net past the helpless Glenburn keeper. In first half stoppage time Saints put themselves firmly in the driving seat when Allan Mackay finished off another flowing Saints attack down the left wing involving Craig MacEwan, Dean Smith and Scott Maitland.
Possibly thinking the game was already won Saints made a slow start to the second half and were punished for their lethargy in the 57th minute. A long throw from the left touchline evaded Daniel Cassells' attempted punch and was headed in at the back post by Charlie O'Donnell. The goal gave the hosts some encouragement and they continued to threaten from set pieces and, in particular, long throws which they used to good effect. In the 69th minute Saints finally managed to break out of defence to get the killer fourth goal. Dean Smith made a good run into the Glenburn box but was upended by a rash tackle near the goal line. From the resulting penalty kick Allan Mackay sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to complete his hat-trick. Saints then made their first change withdrawing Craig MacEwan who had put in a good shift on the left wing upon his return from injury with David Beaton. In the 75th Scott Maitland found namesake Ross with a deep cross from the left wing, Ross neatly side stepped the Glenburn full back before curling a well placed left foot shot low into the net for Saints fifth goal. Saints made their second and final change in the 80th minute with Dougal Graham coming on to replace Dean Smith. Barely four minutes later Dougal was celebrating Saints sixth goal when he cut in from the left wing to meet an Allan Mackay pass which he threaded through the goalkeepers legs from six yards out. David Beaton's pace and strong running was causing the tiring Glenburn defence problems and the wee man was unfortunate not to get his name on the score sheet. In the 89th minute David collected the ball in his own half and ran through the entire Glenburn rearguard only to see his shot from 18 yards well saved by the Glenburn keeper who despite the scoreline had a good game. Saints put the icing on the cake in 90th minute when Paul Kerr, holding off several challenges along the way, made a driving run through the centre of the Glenburn defence before poking the ball below the keeper to round off the scoring at 7 - 1.

Ross Maitland curls home Saints fifth goal

Dougal Graham nutmegs the goalkeeper for Saints sixth goal

Paul Kerr waltzes through the Glenburn Athletic defence to score Saints seventh and final goal of the match

Separated at birth?

Allan Mackay is unimpressed with the Referee's Father Jack impersonation

Father Jack Apologises

Ch, Ch, Ch, Ch, Changes

With eight different line-ups in as many fixtures Saints have been through more changes than the Thin White Duke himself. The continual enforced changes have seen only Daniel Cassells, Alex Craik, Paul Kerr and Allan Mackay start every match and in two of those goalkeeper Daniel Cassells had to play at centre forward! Key to Saints success last season was a settled squad which they must get back to quickly if they are to emulate their league and cup double winning feats. The probable imminent return of Donald Campbell and skipper Marc MacCallum will bring some welcome stability to the squad ahead of some crucial league and cup fixtures.

Saturday's visitors Alba Thistle are currently bottom of the SAFL Premier Division with one point from their opening four fixtures. That solitary point came against Kings Park Rangers on 30th August, amazingly you have to go back to 13th October 2012 to find Alba's last league draw, a run of 29 league games without a draw. On their only previous visit to Oban Alba proved a tough nut for Saints to crack and the home team were made to battle all the way for their 2 - 0 win courtesy of second half goals from Donald Campbell and Allan Mackay. 

With the exception of their match against Kings Park Rangers Alba's opening league fixtures have all been against title challenging sides. In their last league outing they were unfortunate to lose narrowly in the local derby match against league leaders Thorn Athletic. Alba's cup form has been excellent collecting notable scalps in both the Scottish Cup and the West of Scotland Cup. In last Saturday's West of Scotland second round they defeated last season's SAFL Premier Division runners-up Haldane United. The week previous they pulled of a fantastic 4 - 1 away victory against Ayrshire Amateur Football Association Premier Division high flyers Stewarton United in the second round of the Scottish Amateur Cup. Saints can therefore expect another tough workout against the boys from Paisley this Saturday.

Alba Thistle's league fixtures so far this season:-

16th August 2014 Alba Thistle 0 - 2 Haldane United

23rd August 2014 St Joseph's F.P. 3 - 0 Alba Thistle

30th August 2014 Alba Thistle 1 - 1 Kings Park Rangers

20th September Alba Thistle 2 - 3 Thorn Athletic

Saints previous history against Alba Thistle:-

24th April 2013 Centenary Cup Final Oban Saints 0 - 0 Alba Thistle (Alba win 5 - 4 on penalties)

12th October 2013 SAFL Premier Division Oban Saints 2 - 0 Alba Thistle

29th March 2014 SAFL Premier Division Alba Thistle 4 - 5 Oban Saints

Alba's recent league history:-

2007/08 Paisley & District Division Two Champions (Promoted)

2008/09 Paisley & District Division One Champions

2009/10 Paisley & District Division One Champions (Undefeated)

2010/11 SAFL Division Three Champions

2011/12 SAFL Premier Division Two Champions (Undefeated) (Promoted)

2012/13 SAFL Premier Division One Champions
2013/14 SAFL Premier Division 8th

Promising youngster Peter MacCallum was an unused substitute against Glenburn Athletic, with all the enforced changes his chance will surely come soon

#monthesaints

Feel The Burn

The Colville Park Country Club West of Scotland Cup

Saturday 18th October 2014
Colville Park Country Club West of Scotland Cup 2nd Round
Glenburn Athletic AFC v Oban Saints AFC
St James Playing Fields, Greenock Road, Paisley PA3 2LQ
Kick off 2pm
Referee

Last Time Out

The Burnside bathed in Autumnal sunshine

Basking in autumnal sunshine the Gilmour Street Playing Field, known locally as the Burnside, in the conservation village of Eaglesham provided a picturesque backdrop to last Saturday's Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division match between Eaglesham and Oban Saints. Unfortunately for Saints their performance in the opening stages failed to match the attractiveness of the surroundings as they produced a thoroughly disjointed opening half hour which saw them two goals down and having to chase the game. After the previous week's selection woes Manager Iain Jackson was able to name returning regulars Lewis Cameron, Myles McAuley and Roy McLuckie in the starting eleven. One notable absentee joining the lengthy injury list was Captain Marc MacCallum who was still suffering the effects of an injury picked up in the closing stages of the Scottish Amateur Cup against Wallacetoun Sporting Club. With Dougal Graham also unavailable this meant another defensive reshuffle with Roy McLuckie lining up in defence alongside Alex Craik and Jamie Graham. Mindful of the difficulties Saints had in penetrating a resolute Eaglesham defence at Glencruitten last month Manager Jackson fielded an adventurous 3-4-3 formation with Dean Smith, Paul Kerr, Myles McAuley and David McArthur in midfield and Daniel Cassells, Allan Mackay and Lewis Cameron in attack. Despite the attack minded formation Saints struggled to find any sort of rhythm and failed to threaten the Hams defence. Playing with the benefit of the slope Eaglesham opened the scoring in the 19th minute with the first chance of the match. The normally solid Saints defence, clearly missing the influence of Marc MacCallum, was easily carved open leaving Tony Atley a simple task to slot the ball past Thomas McCulloch in the Saints goal. In the 24th minute Saints already stretched resources suffered blow when top scorer Allan Mackay jarred his back and was forced to retire. Allan's place up front was taken by another of last week's returning absentees Ross Maitland. Saints fell further behind in the 26th minute in similar style to the opener. This time it was Gavin Doherty who strode unchallenged through the Saints defence before rounding keeper McCulloch and tucking the ball away to give the Hams an unexpected two goal lead.
Saints finally woke up and can consider themselves extremely unfortunate not have clawed back at least one goal before half time. In the 31st minute Dean Smith was fouled on the edge of the Hams box and Lewis Cameron's free kick produced the first of a string of excellent saves from the Hams keeper Gordon Taylor. Ten minutes later Saints had a strong penalty appeal waved away by the possibly unsighted referee when Dean Smith was bundled over in the Hams penalty box. In the 43rd minute goalkeeper Taylor pulled off another fine save from a Ross Maitland shot. The ball then broke to David McArthur just inside the Hams box, David fired a terrific shot goalwards only to see it "saved" by the outstretched arm of an Eaglesham defender. On this occasion the referee was well positioned and it is extremely difficult to explain quite how he failed to award Saints a penalty kick. The Saints players were understandably aggrieved by the referee's decision and continued their protests as the teams left the field for the half-time interval. Despite the two goal deficit the closing stages of the first half had given Saints renewed encouragement and with the words of their Manager ringing in their ears it was a determined looking group who took the field for the second half.
Saints dominated proceedings for the entire second half with the Hams digging in for a sustained defensive shift. The best opportunity of the half fell to Lewis Cameron after 55 minutes. Lewis was sent racing through the inside left channel by a deft flick-on from the head of Daniel Cassells but his tame shot was easily smothered by the imposing frame of Eaglesham keeper Gordon Taylor. Saints lost the services of Jamie Graham in the 58th minute, Jamie had been feeling unwell since mid-way through the first half and was unable to continue. Jamies's place in defence was taken by David McArthur with substitute David Beaton slotting into midfield. Saints pulled one back in the 60th minute when a Dean Smith free kick came back off the Hams wall and was drilled into the bottom corner of the net by Ross Maitland. Saints had another chance just one minute later but Lewis Cameron's free kick flew inches over the bar with the keeper rooted to the spot. Saints continued to create chance after chance but couldn't find a way past the Hams keeper who was in inspired form. Being under the cosh for so long Eaglesham took every opportunity to wind the clock down. In an attempt to speed up proceedings Saints coach Peter MacCallum positioned himself behind the Hams goal to ensure the ball was quickly returned to play. Inexplicably the referee to exception to this and ordered Peter back to the half way line. saints kept plugging away to the very last minute and in the closing stages had a point blank Alex Craik header excellently saved and a Martin Bonar chance foiled when the Hams keeper dived bravely at the feet of the Saints substitute.
Alas there was to be no last gasp equaliser and Saints were left counting the high cost of that dismal opening half hour.

Thomas McCulloch clears up-field

Daniel Cassells, Myles McAuley, Dean Smith and Ross Maitland wait for a cross from Lewis Cameron

A chance for David Beaton

David McArthur heads over

Eaglesham goalkeeper Gordon Taylor dives bravely at the feet of Martin Bonar

Martin Bonar is helped off the field by Goalkeeper/Striker/Physiotherapist Daniel Cassells

Up For The Cup?

This Saturday Saints get their West of Scotland Cup campaign underway with a tough trip to Paisley to face Paisley and District Amateur Football Association Premier Division outfit Glenburn Athletic. Saints went out of last season's competition at the fourth round stage when they lost out in that cruelest of ways, the "dreaded" penalty shoot out, to eventual finalists Giffnock North. There was therefore a definite sense of "it could have been us" for Saints when the North ran out at New Douglas Park, Hamilton to face Hurlford Thistle in the final on 5th May. Saints record in this competition is not the best and they are long overdue an extended run in the lesser of the big two cup competitions.
Saturday's opponents Glenburn Athletic have progressed from the Third to the Premier Division in the Paisley and District League set-up with a run of successive promotions. They currently lie 5th place in the Premier Division with six points from five games played having won two and lost three. Glenburn's three defeats have come against the top three sides in the division.
Saints will continue to be without long term injury victims Donald Campbell, Dene Cassells and Colin Tindall but will welcome back Craig MacEwan and Scott Maitland to the squad. David McArthur is on holiday and Martin Bonar has not yet recovered from his collision with Eaglesham's goalkeeper last Saturday.

Glenburn Athletic's league fixtures so far:-

23rd August Elderslie 3 - 2 Glenburn Athletic
30th August Glenburn Athletic 4 - 3 Gallowhill
6th September Apex 3 - 2 Glenburn Athletic
13th September Glenburn Athletic 3 - 5 Arkleston Athletic
11th October Fordbank Star 1 - 3 Glenburn Athletic

Saints recent West of Scotland Cup record:-

2006/07 3rd round
2007/08 3rd round
2008/09 5th round
2009/10 3rd round
2010/11 2nd round
2011/12 4th round
2012/13 4th round
2013/14 4th round

D.I. Burnside of TV's The Bill

Oban circa 1870

Burnside Cottages were located where Glenfoot Terrace, Miller Road is now

Burnside F.C.

Eight of this successful team went on to represent Oban Saints

#monthesaints

By George

The gate post at King George V Playing Fields, Ayr photograph courtesy of Scott Struthers

Saturday 11th October 2014
Umbro Scottish Amateur Football League
Eaglesham AFC v Oban Saints AFC
Eaglesham Playing Fields, Gilmour Street, Glasgow G76 0LG
Kick off 2.00pm
Referee Mr Alan Lamb

Last Time Out

A combination of injuries, holidays and work commitments deprived Saints of almost an entire team of players for last Saturday's trip to Ayrshire. It was therefore a most unfamiliar line-up that took the field against Ayrshire Amateur Football League Division Two leaders Wallacetoun Sporting Club in the Foster's Scottish Amateur Cup 2nd round. Saints resources were so stretched that first choice goalkeeper Daniel Cassells emerged from the changing rooms wearing the number 10 shirt with Thomas McCulloch taking Daniel's place between the posts. The small contingent of Saints supporters were left rubbing their eyes in disbelief at this unexpected change but that disbelief was soon dispelled when Daniel produced an excellent performance in the Saints attack alongside Allan Mackay. The new look forward line was ably supported by an equally unfamiliar looking midfield consisting of Martin Bonar, Dean Smith, David McArthur and Dougal Graham in front of Paul Kerr in his familiar anchor role. Only the defence had a look of normality about it with Alex Craik flanked by Captain Marc MacCallum and fit again Jamie Graham.
Saints were on the attack from the first whistle and almost opened the scoring in the first minute when Daniel Cassells got on the end of an Allan Mackay header to fizz the ball across the Wallacetoun goalmouth with Dean Smith only inches away from connecting at the back past. In the eighth minute Daniel Cassells fed David McArthur in the inside left channel, Dean Smith was again the target at the back post but David's cross was deflected behind foe a corner. Saints opened the scoring in the 11th minute after Allan Mackay had been fouled 25 yards from goal. Allan took the free kick himself and his low shot totally deceived Matt McClymont in the Wallacetoun goal beating him just inside his left hand post. Saints were having a lot of joy on the left wing with Dougal Graham and David McArthur linking up well with the strikers to create several decent scoring opportunities which unfortunately nobody was able to convert. The Saints defence was coping well with the Wallacetoun attack limiting them to just a few long range efforts. Wallacetoun's closest attempt came from a well taken 37th minute free kick which cleared the Saints wall but was well fielded by Thomas McCulloch in the Saints goal.
Saints continued to take the game to the home side in the early part of the second half and came close to doubling their advantage when Daniel Cassells fed Dean Smith just inside the box only for Dean's well struck shot to be saved by the Wallcetoun keeper. Wallacetoun were enjoying much more of the play in the second half and at only 1 - 0 down were still very much in the tie. With half an hour remaining Wallacetoun made a bold double substitution increasing their options up front. The change paid off quickly when in the 66th minute a slip by Alex Craik was quickly pounced upon setting up Wallacetoun striker Mark MacLean on the right hand side of the box. The tall striker strode forward and lashed an unstoppable shot high into the net past a helpless Thomas MacCulloch. The home side had their tails up now and sensed that there may be something in the game for them after all. Saints continued to create chances and came close again with another Allan Mackay free kick from a similar position to his first half opener, unfortunately on this occasion Allan's free kick was narrowly off target. In the 74th minute Saints Manager Iain Jackson made what was to prove a match winning double substitution when he replaced Daniel Cassells and Dougal Graham with youngsters Shaun MacIver and David Beaton. The fresh legs were proving difficult for the tiring Wallacetoun defence to cope with and in the 85th minute Wallacetoun's central midfielder Glass who had been impressive throughout was booked for a cynical trip on David Beaton as the youngster threatened to break through on goal. Dean Smith hoisted the resulting free kick into the Wallacetoun box where Allan Mackay beat his man in the air to flick the ball accross the face of goal narrowly evading the outstretched leg of substitute Daniel Cameron who had replaced Martin Bonar after 61 minutes. With the prospect of a replay at Glencruitten on everybody's minds second half substitutes Shaun MacIver and David Beaton combined well to put David through on goal in the 90th minute. With only the goalkeeper to beat David was unceremoniously hauled down by Wallacetoun Captain Nicky Warren leaving the referee an easy decision to award a penalty kick and issue the Wallacetoun skipper with a red card. Regular penalty taker Allan Mackay safely dispatched the spot kick to give Saints a narrow but deserved victory over a decent Wallacetoun side who look well on course to secure a third successive promotion in their bid to reach the top tier of the Ayrshire Amateur League.  

An early chance for David McArthur

Allan Mackay opens the scoring with a 25 yard free kick

Daniel Cassells was a revelation at Centre Forward

Daniel Cameron at the back post was unable to convert this Allan Mackay flick-on

David Beaton rushes to congratulate Allan Mackay on his 90th minute winner

This Saturday Saints are back on their travels again when they visit newly promoted Eaglesham. The "Hams" won promotion to the Premier Division thanks to a third placed finish in last season's Premier Division One and Castlemilk's defection to the Caledonian League. Eaglesham currently occupy 7th place in the SAFL with three points from their opening four fixtures. The Hams opened their league campaign with two high scoring away defeats firstly at Thorn Athletic where they lost out by the odd goal in nine, followed by a 7 - 4 reverse at near neighbours Busby. On their only home appearance so far the Hams recorded a 2 - 1 home win over last season's Premier Division runners up Haldane United a result which will have raised a few eyebrows among keen followers of the Scottish Amateur Football League. The Hams' last league action was their away trip to Oban five weeks ago where despite a battling performance they lost out to a second half Craig MacEwan goal. Since their visit to Oban the Hams have been in SAFL Centenary Cup and SAFA Scottish Amateur Cup action. In the Centenary Cup they edged past local rivals Busby 5 - 4 on penalties after a 2 - 2 draw before exiting the competition at the Quarter Finals stage losing 3 - 2 to Hillington. In the Scottish Amateur Cup Eaglesham joined thirty other SAFL teams in the hat for the third round draw with a 2 - 0 away win at Carlton YMCA of SAFL Division 1B.
Saints have an excellent record against the Hams and must ensure that runs continues if they are to keep in touch with the league's early pace setters Thorn Athletic and St. Joseph's F.P. who go head-to-head on Saturday at Johnstone Community Sports Hub. Saints will still be without their long term injury victims however a good number of last weeks absentees should return to the squad for this important league fixture.



Eaglesham's recent SAFL finishes:-

2013/14 Premier Division One 3rd Promoted
2012/13 Premier Division 10th Relegated
2011/12 Premier Division One 2nd Promoted
2010/11 Premier Division Two 3rd Promoted
2009/10 Premier Division One 9th Relegated
2008/11 Premier Division One 4th
2007/08 Premier Division One 5th
2006/07 Premier Division One 5th
2005/06 Premier Division One 4th
2004/05 Premier Division Two Champions Promoted



Saints recent record v Eaglesham:-

Jimmy Marshall Trophy Quarter Final
25th April 2009 Eaglesham 1 - 7 Oban Saints

Jimmy Marshall Trophy 1st Round
17th October 2009 Oban Saints 3 - 1 Eaglesham

SAFL Premier Division
20th April 2013 Eaglesham 0 - 4 Oban Saints
5th May 2013 Oban Saints 2 - 0 Eaglesham
6th September 2014 Oban Saints 1 - 0 Eaglesham

Eaglesham's 2011/12 Promotion Winning Side

Craig MacEwan scores the only goal of the game in last month's reverse fixture

In Other News

The draw for the third round of the Scottish Amateur Football Association Challenge Cup Competition took place in Dalgetty Bay, Fife on Wednesday 7th October. Saints were drawn at home to face either Chryston of the Central Amateur Football League Division 1B or Giffnock North of the Caledonian League Premier Division. The Chryston and Giffnock North 2nd round tie was postponed last week so they will try again this Saturday. The third round tie is scheduled to be played on Saturday 1st November. 

David James, nowhere near as good as Big Dan!

#monthesaints

Hit The Road Jack

Hit The Road Jack

Saturday 4th October 2014
The Scottish Amateur Football Association Challenge Cup Competition
2nd Round
Wallacetoun Sporting Club v Oban Saints AFC
King George V Playing Fields
Mosside Road
Ayr
KA8 9ET
Kick Off 2pm
Referee Mr Nathan McMullen

Last Time Out

Without a game last weekend, due to a September Weekend fixture holiday declared by the Scottish Amateur Foorball League, a good number of the Saints players and management took in the Oban Camanachd v Fort William Marine Harvest National Division league title decider shinty match at Mossfield. Everything was going well for the local team with a first half Daniel MacIntyre strike giving them a well deserved half time lead. At this point the "Camancheros" appeared to be well on their way to winning the league and with it a return to top flight shinty next season but the proceedings were soon to turn into a farce. In a bizarre incident the referee was hit in the "family jewels" by a thumping clearance from Camanachd's Captain Scott MacMillan. Much to the hilarity of the large crowd the referee went down like a tonne of bricks, however the hilarity soon turned to concern and despair when it became apparent that the referee was in no fit state to continue. Amazingly, despite there being several qualified referees and two high ranking Camanachd Association officials present, nobody seemed to know what to do. Amid scenes of utter confusion Fort William seized their opportunity to get out of jail by successfully calling for the match to be abandoned much to the ire of their opponents. The match is now to be replayed and is guaranteed to be a feisty affair. Oban Camanachd have already offered to play on any date chosen by the Camanachd Association and have decided on free admission for spectators waiving their normal £3 charge. The re-match is guaranteed to generate massive interest and attract a bumper crowd. I wonder if the SAFL would consider another fixture holiday??

Saints produced their best performance of the season so far to record a convincing 3 - 0 win over Busby at Glencruitten on Saturday 20th September. Saints had managed just one point from two previous home matches against Busby and were anticipating another tough afternoon against the East Renfrewshire side. A strong start to the match by Saints soon had Busby pinned back in their own half and Craig MacEwan, Lewis Cameron, Allan Mackay and Ross Maitland all came close to giving the home side the lead. Just as it appeared that Busby had managed to reach the interval without conceding Saints eventually made the breakthrough when Roy McLuckie finished off an excellent Saints move involving Craig MacEwan, Ross Maitland, Lewis Cameron and Paul Kerr. A one goal advantage at half time was the very least that Saints first half play merited and better was to follow in the second half. With only seven minutes of the second half played Saints doubled their lead through a clever Lewis Cameron lob over advancing Busby keeper Danny Moy. The veteran keeper was having another good game between the posts denying Saints on a number of occassions but with ten minutes remaining Allan Mackay finished off the scoring with a deft chip over the keeper following good approach play by David McArthur and Dean Smith. The Saints Management, delighted as they were with the passing and movement in midfield and attack will also be quietly satisfied with a third consecutive clean sheet which helps keep Saints in touch with early pace setters Thorn Athletic and St Joseph's FP.

Saints Captain Marc MacCallum tussles with Busby striker Billy McGhee

Saints defender Dougal Graham and Busby wide man Stuart Kinloch link arms

This Saturday Saints begin another Scottish Amateur Cup adventure with a tricky away tie against Wallacetoun Sporting Club of the Ayrshire Amateur Football Association Second Division. Following two successive promotions and a blistering start to the new season Wallacetoun currently sit proudly on top of the Truckpoint Ayrshire Second Division with maximum points from their opening seven games and are one of only two teams in the AAFA set-up with a 100% record so far. The Toun have also been prolific scorers with forty two league goals to date including a 17 - 0 demolition of Vale of Girvan. The Ayrshire Cup has also been a happy hunting ground for the Toun with the scalps of Premier Division sides Dirrans Athletic and Lochan seeing them safely through to the third round where they have been drawn away to Second Division Prestwick against whom they have already recorded a 5 - 4 league victory. The only blot on an otherwise perfect start to the season for the Toun was a narrow Thistle Bar Trophy first round exit at the hands of Third Division Auchinleck Boswell.

Saints come into this fixture on the back of three successive victories and look to be slowly getting back to the form which brought them a league and cup double last season. Saints enjoy a good recent record in the Scottish Amateur Cup reaching at least the fifth round stage in all but two of the last eight seasons. Saints also have a good recent record in Scottish Cup ties on Ayrshire soil having notched up victories over Knockentiber in the 2006 - 07 7th round and Caledonia in the 2011 - 12 2nd round. Saints will be desperate to make amends for last season's meek 7th round exit against eventual losing semi-finalists Eastfield of the Central Scottish League Premier Division when despite having home advantage Saints produced their worst performance of the season to go down 2 - 0 in disappointing style. Saturday's match looks to be a very difficult fixture for Saints so early in the competition with the free scoring Toun attack sure to give the frugal Saints defence a thorough examination. Saints will be without their long term injury victims Donald Campbell, Dene Cassells and Colin Tindall while Scott Maitland is also still suffering the effects of his knee injury suffered against Kings Park Rangers.

King George V Playing Fields

Wallacetoun Sporting Club

Two of Ayr's Famous Sons:-

Rambo

John Loudon McAdam 1756 - 1836 Pioneer of modern road construction

In Other News

The draw for the second round of the Colville Park Country Club West of Scotland Amateur Cup took place on Monday 22nd September. Saints were drawn away from home to Glenburn Athletic of the Paisley and District Amateur Football League Premier Division. The tie is scheduled to be played on Saturday 18th October.

Saints received a major boost with the news that long term injury victim Donald Campbell's broken metatarsal is at last beginning to heal. Early indications are that Donald could return to action before the end of the year which is fantastic news for the player and the club.

Donald Campbell

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