OK Computer

Radiohead - No Surprises

Saints have no fixture this weekend.

Last Weekend's Fixture

Saints recovered from a 1 -  0 deficit after a lacklustre first half performance to record an ultimately convincing win over the Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division's bottom club Kings Park Rangers at Glasgow Green last Saturday. The win keeps alive Saints faint hopes for retaining the Premier Division title however those hopes now depend on St Joseph's FP and current leaders Thorn Athletic dropping points. Manager Iain Jackson had Ross Maitland and Myles McAuley available for selection again but resisted the temptation to throw them straight back into the action electing to name exactly the same starting line-up which had knocked Haldane United out of the Jimmy Marshall Trophy the week previous. Remarkably, with just four weeks of the season remaing, this was the first time the same starting eleven had been possible in consecutive fixtures. After a cagey opening ten minutes Saints created the first chance of note when Lewis Cameron made a good run up the right wing and picked out Dean Smith just inside the box with neat cut-back. Dean's low shot beat James McLaughlan in the King's goal but shaved the outside of the keeper's right hand post. Two minutes later Thomas McCulloch, now elevated to first choice Saints goalkeeper, made his first telling contribution of the afternoon when he did well to hold a powerful header from King's striker Dean MacCallum from an inswinging free kick wide on the Saints left. King's were working very hard in midfield to stop Saints getting into their stride and were putting the Saints rearguard of Jamie Graham, Alex Craik and Dougal Graham under pressure from set pieces and long throw-ins at every opportunity. On the half hour mark Saints hit King's on the break when Dean Smith latched onto a ball over the top from Dougal Graham. Dean held off the chasing King's defenders well and slipped the ball to strike partner Allan Mackay on the edge of the D. Allan attempted to try and catch the keeper out with a quick shot but his effort lacked any real power and was saved comfortably. King's demonstrated their aerial threat again in the 33rd minute. From a long throw on the Saints right the ball was flicked on at the near post by Dean McCallum to Chas Mauchin who beat the close attentions of Donald Campbell to send in a header which glanced off Thomas McCulloch's left hand post and behind for a goal kick. Sixty seconds later King's attempted the same move from the opposite touchline but the strong breeze blowing across the park gave the throw extra length and the Saints keeper was able to come out and make a comfortable catch. Saints struggles continued with passes going astray in midfield and the front pairing of Allan Mackay and Dean Smith making little impact on the well marshalled King's defence. King's central defender Robert Smith pounced on another stray pass in the 39th minute to burst forward from his defensive beat. His strong run was finally halted 28 yards from goal by a scything tackle from Jamie Graham which earned the Saints defender a yellow card for his troubles. The free kick was fired in low and hard forcing Thomas McCulloch into a smart save low down to his right. McCulloch cleared upfield where Allan Mackay flicked a header onto Craig MacEwan on the left wing, Craig's left foot cross on the run was met by Dean Smith who did well to head narrowly over from a very difficult chance. Saints at last looked to be getting a foot hold in the game and moments later came close again. Craig MacEwan sent in another cross from the left picking out Allan Mackay whose header under pressure went wide of the keeper's right hand post. Disappointingly, after finally getting themselves into the game, Saints fell behind in the 43rd minute from another King's set piece. A deep free kick from the Saints left was headed powerfully beyond the despairing dive of Thomas McCulloch by Chas Mauchin to nestle in the bottom corner of the Saints net. Immediately after the restart Saints were dealt another blow when Craig MacEwan pulled up with what appeared to be a groin strain and was replaced on the left wing by Ross Maitland. There was little time left before the interval and Referee James Carberry, sporting a bright orange training bib to set his dark coloured referee's kit apart from Saints navy blue colours, brought a disappointing first half from Saints to an end.
Saints kicked off the second half and immediately signalled their intent to up their game with a 22 yard shot from Donald Campbell which keeper McLaughlan did well to hold. Two minutes later Dougal Graham picked out Lewis Cameron on the left who cut inside and curled a shot from the edge of the box towards the top corner which the King's keeper again did well to hold onto. Saints had King's on the ropes now and the breakthrough came in the 49th minute from the unlikeliest of sources. Ross Maitland pressurised the King's defence into conceding a throw-in on the Saints left level with the six yard line. Ross took the throw himself picking out Donald Campbell with his back to goal and tightly marked by the King's defence. With a deft touch Donald gained himself enough space to hit the byeline and chip an exquisite left foot cross to the back post for the waiting David McArthur who headed home from a tight angle to finally open his Saints goal scoring account. The restart offered King's the chance to get out of their own half and a stinging 25 yard right foot shot from Neil Scott forced Thomas McCulloch into a smart save. In the 55th minute Allan Mackay won a free kick 26 yards out when he was crudely bundled over when threatening to burst into the box. Allan took the free kick himself firing it low and hard to the keeper's right. The shot was too hard for the keeper to handle and he spilled the ball at the feet of the on-rushing Lewis Cameron, however full credit to the King's net minder he recovered well to smother the attempt from Lewis from four yards out. Two minutes later Saints won another free kick just outside the box and slightly left of centre. Lewis Cameron curled in the free kick which the keeper tipped over from just under his crossbar. Lewis took the resulting corner kick from the right and picked out Allan Mackay at the near post who lost his marker to volley into the net and give Saints the lead. Manager Iain Jackson decided to ring the changes at this point and replaced David McArthur and Dean Smith with Scott Maitland and Myles McAuley. Lewis Cameron moved forward to join Allan Mackay in attack with Ross Maitland moving to the right wing, Scott Maitland took the left wing and Myles slotted into the centre alongside Paul Kerr and Donald Campbell. Saints continued to dominate and had King's pinned back in their own half with the strong running of Myles McAuley now adding to the problems already being created by the constant probing passes from Donald Campbell. In the 75th minute Saints came close again when a Lewis Cameron in-swinging corner from the Saints left had to be cleared off the King's goal line at the near post. Saints made their final change with ten minutes remaining withdrawing Allan Mackay and replacing him with Martin Bonar. Martin made an instant impact flicking on another Donald Campbell ball out of midfield to Scott Maitland on the left wing. Scott made good progress up the wing and picked out Donald Campbell with a cut-back to the edge of the box. Donald's first time shot wrong footed the goalkeeper but struck the base of the post before being scrambled behind for a corner. Saints extended their lead in the 85th minute when Myles McAuley made a terrific run up the right wing to get on the end of a measured through ball from Ross Maitland. On the corner of the box Myles checked back onto his left foot and curled a delightful cross to Scott Maitland at the back post who glanced a header into the bottom corner for his first goal in Saints colours. Saints rounded off the scoring just one minute later when a perfectly weighted pass from Myles McAuley sent Martin Bonar through the inside right channel and in on goal. With the big striker about to pull the trigger his progress was crudely halted by a trip from behind giving the referee an easy decision to award a penalty kick. Donald Campbell assumed responsibility for the spot kick which he calmly converted sending the keeper the wrong way. There being no further chances of note Referee Carberry, who was given an easy afternoon's work by the players, brought proceedings to a halt to keep Saints in the title race for at least one more week.

KPR hit the post

Thomas McCulloch saves a KPR free kick

Donald Campbell with KPR striker Dean McCallum

KPR repel another Saints attack

No takers for Lewis Cameron's cross along the six yard line

Myles McAuley hurdles a challenge in midfield

Lewis Cameron sprints through with Barry McCallum tracking back

Scott Maitland opens his Saints goal scoring account to make it 3 - 1 to Saints

Donald Campbell rounds off the scoring from the penalty spot

Did anyone just hear the ice-cream van?

Brilliant, there it's over there!

In Other News

Last weeks report that this season's remaining league fixtures had now been set appears to have been somewhat premature following some kind of malfunction causing the Scottish Amateur Football League fixture computer to generate the wrong fixtures. The guy from IT has been round for a look however, despite switching it off and back on again several times, the computer has not fully recovered and at present the full fixture list remains a mystery. 

#monthesaints

Louie Louie

The Kingsmen - Louie, Louie

Saturday 25th April 2015
Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division
Kings Park Rangers AFC v Oban Saints AFC
Glasgow Green Football Centre
28 Kings Drive
Glasgow
G40 1HB
Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr James Carberry

Last Weekend's Fixture

Saints edged past Haldane United in a tense and, at times, scrappy Scottish Amateur Football League Jimmy Marshall Trophy quarter final tie at Glencruitten last Saturday afternoon. In stark contrast to Haldane's last visit to Oban when torrential rain forced a switch to the 3G pitch at Oban High School this match was played in glorious April sunshine on an excellent Glencruitten surface perfect for good football. With both teams seemingly out of the running for the Premier Division title they contested so well last season, the Jimmy Marshall Trophy represented the only realistic hope of ending this season with some silverware. A typically close match between the two evenly matched teams was therefore anticipated. Saints were without Manager Iain Jackson, Daniel Cassells and Marc MacCallum who were on holiday, Ross Maitland and Myles McAuley who were working on Colonsay and Ally McKerracher who has surprisingly elected to switch sports and join up with Oban Celtic Shinty Club. Making a welcome return to the squad were Allan Mackay and Scotland Amateur International Lewis Cameron. Haldane had their own selection problems with eight regulars unavailable and a travelling squad of just twelve fit players. Saints started brightly attacking the railway end with Lewis Cameron curling a first minute shot off the junction of post and bar. Moments later Lewis forced his way into the Haldane box and, from a tight angle, elected to shoot when a cut back to the waiting strike pair of Allan Mackay and Dean Smith looked to be the better  option. The shot from Lewis was comfortably saved at his near post by Haldane keeper Pat McCune. With just two minutes on the clock Saints came close again with Allan Mackay flashing a drive from the edge of the eighteen yard box inches over the crossbar. Haldane weathered the initial storm from Saints and had their own first attempt on goal in the fifth minute with a long range shot going well wide of Thomas McCulloch's left hand post. The battle for midfield supremacy then began in earnest with the Saints five of David McArthur, Lewis Cameron, Paul Kerr, Donald Campbell and Craig MacEwan being made to work extremely hard to get their normal passing game going. In the 16th minute Lewis Cameron and David McArthur combined well on the right wing to force a corner kick but the outswinger from Lewis was easily dealt with by the Haldane defence. Haldane's main threat comes from set pieces and Saints would have been working hard in training to tighten up on the soft goals conceded from corner kicks in the previous fixture against Thorn Athletic. After twenty minutes Haldane forced their first corner and set about testing the resolve of the Saints defence. Haldane skipper and main aerial threat Daniel McIlmun evaded markers Alex Craik and Craig MacEwan to meet the corner kick from the right with a powerful header which Jamie Graham did well to head off the line and behind for a second corner. The second corner was scrambled to the edge of the box where it was met by a fierce shot which was deflected wide for yet another corner. This time Alex Craik won a convincing header to clear the danger and settle the nerves on the touchline. In the 23rd minute Haldane tried again from distance but the shot lacked power leaving Thomas McCulloch was an easy save. In the 27th minute Lewis Cameron and David McArthur again combined well on the right, David made a terrific run to the bye-line before sending in a tantalising cross which fizzed across the face of goal agonisingly out of the reach of Allan Mackay and Dean Smith. The Saints defensive trio of Jamie Graham, skipper Alex Craik and Dougal Graham were keeping the Haldane attack in check restricting them to shots from distance the best of which came on the half hour mark from Euan Kennedy which Thomas McCulloch did well to hold. From the big keeper's clearance Saints launched an attack up the left wing with Craig MacEwan making a surging run to the bye-line. Craig sent over a deep cross which Paul Kerr did well to head back across goal to Allan Mackay who fired a terrific 16 yard volley which took keeper McCune two attempts to  force behind for a corner. In the 37th minute Donald Campbell, Allan Mackay and Craig MacEwan carved open the Haldane defence to create a fantastic chance for Craig whose left foot shot under pressure from the retreating defenders was well saved on his six yard line by keeper McCune. Three minutes later Saints were on the attack again and Paul Kerr found himself in space just inside the Haldane box. From a knock down from Allan Mackay Paul shot for goal Frank Lampard style. Unfortunately Paul's shot was more Frank Lampard Senior (19 goals in 584 senior appearances) than Junior and it sailed high over the bar. At the other end Haldane won a free kick from which Daniel McIlmun got a header on target forcing Thomas McCulloch into a smart save. In the 42nd minute Haldane won another free kick this time electing to try a shot on goal which was flighted high and wide of target. Saints final opportunity of the first half came from a Lewis Cameron left wing corner which Jamie Graham was unable to connect with under pressure from the Haldane defence.
Haldane carved out the first opportunity of the second half forcing Thomas McCulloch into a smart save from another long range shot. In the 48th minute Dougal Graham launched a Saints counter-attack up the left wing, Craig MacEwan fed Dean Smith in the box whose goal-bound shot was blocked and cleared to the edge of the box. David McArthur picked up the loose ball and attempted to play in Dean again, his pass was blocked  but only as far as Donald Campbell who shot narrowly over the bar. Three minutes later Dean Smith looked to have created a great chance for himself when he turned towering defender Daniel McIlmun on the Haldane 18 yard line. With the goal at his mercy Dean was very harshly adjudged by Referee Jimmy Litster to have fouled the big Haldane skipper which given the size difference between the two must to have been quite a feat for Dean. In the 56th minute David McArthur and Allan Mackay linked up well in the inside right channel with Allan laying the ball off to David whose weak shot was easily saved by Pat McCune. Two minutes later Haldane forced their way into the Saints box which took the Saints defence three attempts to halt eventually forcing the ball behind for a corner. With the Saints rearguard preparing for another aerial attack Haldane went short with the corner picking out Euan Kennedy lurking on the corner of the box whose stinging shot brought out another good save from Thomas McCulloch. On the hour mark Saints forged a good opening from a throw-in on the right. Donald Campbell picked out Craig MacEwan on the left who fired in a terrific cross which keeper McCune at full stretch managed to touch behind for a corner. In the 65th minute Allan Mackay held up a Donald Campbell through ball under pressure from the Haldane defence and laid the ball off to Lewis Cameron who burst forward only to be crudely stopped in his tracks by a trip from behind. Lewis took the resulting free kick himself and found the head of Craig MacEwan whose powerful header was well held by keeper McCune. Saints were now upping the pressure in search of a goal and came close in the 67th minute when Donald Campbell shot through a ruck off players from 15 yards out bringing out another good save from keeper McCune. Two minutes later Donald repeated the feat this time beating McCune only for Allan Mackay, standing in an offside position inside the six yard box, to deflect the ball wide of target. With twenty minutes remaining acting Management duo of Secretary David Buchanan and Coach Peter MacCallum made their one and only change of the afternoon replacing Dean Smith with Scott Maitland. Scott took up a position on the right side of midfield with Lewis Cameron moving forward to join Allan Mackay in attack. The speed and trickery of Lewis Cameron was now giving the tiring Haldane rearguard problems and his switch to attack eventually paid dividends in the 84th minute. Lewis forced his way into the left hand side of the Haldane box and cut back onto his right foot before curling an excellent finish into the net beyond the helpless Haldane keeper. With time running out Haldane now had to go for broke and launched the ball forward at every opportunity. Saints were sitting deep but remained relatively untroubled by the Haldane long balls. Spaces were now opening up at the other end for Saints to exploit which, although no further goal scoring chances were created, helped to run down the clock for the nervous Saints faithful watching anxiously from the sidelines. Referee Jimmy Litster, who had an easy afternoon's work, brought proceedings to a halt giving Saints a third consecutive Jimmy Marshall Trophy semi-final to look forward to.
The semi-final against St Joseph's FP will take place at Millburn Park, Alexandria home of Vale of Leven Juniors on Wednesday 13th May 2015. The tie will kick off at 1845 hours and will be played to a finish on the night with penalty kicks to decide the winner if the scores are level after 90 minutes. The winners will face either East Kilbride, Ferguslie Star or Goldenhill in the final at Somervell Park, Cambuslang on Sunday 31st May.

Jamie Graham clears Daniel McIlmun's header off the line

Saints clear their lines from another aerial attack

David MacArthur's tantalising cross has no takers

Craig MacEwan's first half chance

Donald Campbell's shot is safely gathered by Pat McCune

Donald Campbell with Euan Kennedy and Daniel McIlmun in close attendance

Lewis Cameron nets the only goal of the game

This Saturday Saints will make their second visit of the season to Glasgow Green where they will hope to fare considerably better than last November's 4 - 1 defeat at the hands of Finnart. Saturday's opponents are old rivals Kings Park Rangers who currently prop up the Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division with eight points from their fourteen matches so far. After a seven year absence from the Premier Division KPR opened their league campaign with a 2 - 1 defeat against reigning champions Saints at Glencruitten on 23rd August. The Croftfoot men picked up four points from the following three fixtures but this early promise soon disappeared as they embarked on a run of eight straight defeats to leave them facing an uphill struggle to remain in the top division. KPR's form has improved considerably in their most recent fixtures including an away win at Campbeltown Pupils, which is never an easy place to visit, and a 2 - 2 home draw against Eaglesham last midweek. KPR were also unlucky to go out of the Jimmy Marshall Trophy on penalty kicks against Eaglesham following a 0 - 0 draw at the Burnside. The return of KPR to the top flight sees the resumption of one of the Scottish Amateur Football League's oldest remaining rivalries with KPR and Saints 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. Saints can expect a tough afternoon against KPR as they look to keep alive their faint hopes of retaining the Premier Division trophy which they won in such convincing style last season. Manager Iain Jackson should have Ross Maitland and Myles McAuley available after missing last week's match through work commitments however PJ Sinclair drops out also through work commitments.

Kings Park Rangers league record so far this season:-

23rd August 2014 Oban Saints 2 - 1 Kings Park Rangers
30th August 2014 Alba Thistle 1 - 1 Kings Park Rangers
13th September 2014 Kings Park Rangers 0 - 2 Thorn Athletic
4th October 2014 Kings Park Rangers 2 - 1 Busby
11th October 2014 Kings Park Rangers 0 - 3 Campbeltown Pupils
1st November 2014 Finnart 4 - 0 Kings Park Rangers
15th November 2014 Eaglesham 4 - 3 Kings Park Rangers
29th November 2014 Kings Park Rangers 1 - 3 Haldane United
6th December 2014 Busby 2 - 1 Kings Park Rangers
13th December 2014 Thorn Athletic 3 - 2 Kings Park Rangers
7th February 2015 Haldane United 5 - 2 Kings Park Rangers
28th February 2015 Kings Park Rangers 0 - 2 Finnart
14th March 2015 Campbeltown Pupils 0 - 1 Kings Park Rangers
15th April 2015 Kings Park Rangers 2 - 2 Eaglesham

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:-

2014-15
23rd August 2015 Oban Saints 2 - 1 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

Dean Smith celebrates his 88th minute winner when the sides met at Glencruitten in August

In Other News

The Scottish Amateur Football League fixture computer has been fired up for the final time this season and the five remaining title contenders now know exactly what lies in store for them in the coming weeks until the Premier Division season ends on Saturday 23rd May. Title favourites are current leaders Thorn Athletic closely followed by St Joseph's with Saints being joined in the chasing pack by Eaglesham and Finnart. Saints remaining fixtures are as follows:-

Saturday 25th April 2015

Kings Park Rangers v Oban Saints

Saturday 9th May 2015

Haldane United v Oban Saints

Saturday 16th May 2015

Oban Saints v Finnart

Wednesday 20th May 2015

Oban Saints v Campbeltown Pupils

Saturday 23rd May 2015

Alba Thistle v Oban Saints

#monthesaints

The Last Time

The Rolling Stones - The Last Time

Saturday 18th April 2015
Scottish Amateur Football League Jimmy Marshall Trophy Quarter Final
Oban Saints AFC v Haldane United AFC
Glencruitten 2, Mossfield Avenue, Oban, Argyll PA34 4EH
Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr James Litster

Last Saturday

Saints faltering League title defence looks to have finally hit the buffers after a frustrating afternoon against Thorn Athletic last Saturday. Playing on the well prepared grass surface at Glencruitten for the first time since November Saints produced much the better football against their great rivals from Johnstone but were undone by three cheaply conceded goals from corner kicks. Saints resources were stretched by the non availability of Lewis Cameron, Daniel Cassells, Allan Mackay, Scott Maitland and Roy McLuckie. Ally McKerracher returned after missing the previous match at St Joseph's FP and PJ Sinclair joined the squad for the first time this season. Saints started brightly attacking the railway end with the front pairing of Ally McKerracher and Dean Smith forcing a corner kick in the first minute. Ross Maitland's inswinger from the left was comfortably dealt with by the Thorn defence whose aerial prowess was ultimately to prove the difference between the teams. In the fourth minute Thorn played a long ball up to Craig McGlone just inside the Saints box, the Thorn striker was easily dispossessed by Dougal Graham however Dougal misplaced his pass out of defence and Thorn forced their first corner of the match with a long range shot from Niall Kennedy deflecting off Alex Craik. Paul Young, so often in the past Thorn's main threat with his excellent dead ball deliveries, flighted over an inswinger from the right which gave the unmarked Craig McGlone a simple header from inside the six yard box. Two minutes later Thorn won another corner kick again from a deflected shot from outside the box. Young again took the corner kick, this time from the right, and his out-swinger  was met by Stuart Robertson's untracked run at the near post to put Thorn two goals up. Saints were stunned by this setback and for a while struggled to assert their usual midfielder authority. Thorn had their tails up at this point and were using the pace of Dean Scott to good effect on the left wing to keep Saints pinned back. The Saints midfield three of Myles McAuley, Paul Kerr and Donald Campbell soon began to gain the upper hand and in the 12th minute a pin point Donald Campbell picked out a good run forward from Dean Smith. Thorn goalkeeper and Captain Liam McWilliams was well off his goal line but pulled off a spectacular save to deny Dean who couldn't believe his luck. Good work by Craig MacEwan and Donald Campbell on the Saints left won another corner in the 14th minute but again the Thorn defence coped well with Ross Maitland's cross. In the 23rd minute Ally McKerracher, who was giving the Thorn defence plenty to think about, won a good knock down from a Paul Kerr long ball which Dean Smith was inches away from connecting with in the Thorn box. More good work on the left, this time from Myles McAuley and Craig MacEwan forced a 25th minute corner from which Saints decided to try a different approach which almost backfired spectacularly. Myles played the ball low to Ross Maitland on the corner of the Thorn box who seemed to be caught in two minds and was dispossessed allowing Thorn to launch a counter attack. With Alex Craik and Marc MacCallum both upfield Saints were indebted to a perfectly timed sliding challenge from Dougal Graham just inside his own half to stop the Thorn attack in it's tracks. In the 35th minute Saints looked to have a good shout for a penalty kick when Craig MacEwan's driving run into the Thorn box saw the Saints wide man bundled over four yards from the touchline, however Referee John Scott was not convinced and awarded a goal kick. Saints got back in the game in emphatic style with a 40th minute piledriver from Donald Campbell. Craig MacEwan played the ball up to Ross Maitland who held the ball up well on the edge of the box before laying it off to Donald Campbell to thump the ball high into the net giving Liam McWilliams no chance. This was just the boost Saints needed with half time fast approaching but their earlier failings were to haunt them yet again. Straight from the restart Thorn danger man Dean Scott won a corner on the left giving Paul Young another opportunity to display his set piece talents. This time Young picked out defender Donny Morrison in the six yards out to power a header past Thomas McCulloch in the Saints goal. Saints dusted themselves down from this latest set back and forced another corner on the left. Ross Maitland finally found a Saints head but Craig MacEwan's thumping header crashed off the Thorn cross bar before being scrambled to safety. Referee John Scott brought the first half to an end with the visitors by far the happier with the first forty five minutes.
With words of encouragement from Manager Iain Jackson ringing in their ears Saints started the second half in determined mood and it clear from the outset that Thorn were content to dig in and protect their lead. In the 53rd minute Ally McKerracher forced his way into the Thorn box and had a good effort saved by Liam McWilliams. After ten second half minutes Thorn had a rare foray into the Saints half which ended tamely with the ball trundling through to Thomas McCulloch just inside his penalty area. The big keeper mis-hit his clearance straight to midfielder Paul Young, fortunately the ball landed at Young's weaker right foot and his shot was easily dealt with by the extremely relieved goalkeeper. Saints received a welcome slice of good fortune in the 62nd minute when Paul Kerr burst into the Thorn box and was bundled over for a penalty Kick which Donald Campbell thumped high into the postage stamp corner. With almost half an hour left to play Saints had plenty of time to capitalise on their supremecy but failed to convert any of their many chances into goals. In the 69th minute Dean Smith passed up Saints best opportunity of the match when, after linking up well with Ally McKerracher, and holding off the challenge of a Thorn defender he squeezed the ball wide of the advancing goalkeeper but also agonisingly wide of the keeper's right hand post. One minute later Dean had another good chance but was foiled at the near post by a good save by McWilliams after an excellent run and cross from Ross Maitland. Saints continued to dominate and were in complete control of the midfield. In the 72nd minute Ally McKerracher had the ball in the net for what looked liked a deserved equaliser but Referee Scott gave the benefit of an extremely tight offside decision to the visitors much to the consternation of the Saints management and support. Two minutes later McKerracher was again on the wrong end of close call from the referee. Ally had his progress into the Thorn box halted by a clumsy challenge from behind which sent him sprawling. Referee Scott waved away the loud Saints appeals heightening the sense of frustration being felt on the touchline. The Saints pressure was now incessant and Craig MacEwan was next to try his luck with a strong run along the 18 yard line before firing a right foot shot across the face of goal and wide of the keeper's right hand post. After 82 minutes Saints Manager Iain Jackson made his one and only change of the match replacing Dean Smith with Martin Bonar. Martin was soon involved sending Donald Campbell through the inside right channel where the combined efforts of Thorn's left fullback and goalkeeper prevented Donald from picking out Craig MacEwan unmarked on the penalty spot. In the 85th minute Ross Maitland was denied by the impressive McWilliams who did well to smother a stinging shot at his near post from the Saints wide man. Saints has one final opportunity in the 90th minute when Craig MacEwan rose above the Thorn defence but was unable to direct his header from a Ross Maitland corner on target. Referee John Scott, who had handled a potentially difficult fixture well, brought proceedings to a halt sending the travelling contingent into raptures. Being the better side for almost the entire 90 minutes this will be an extremely difficult defeat for Saints to take but with a home Jimmy Marshall Trophy quarter final match against Haldane United took look forward to there is still much to play this season.

The Thorn defence clears Saints first minute corner kick

Craig McGlone opens the scoring for Thorn

Stuart Robertson (out of shot) doubles Thorn's advantage

Donald Campbell

Craig MacEwan crashes a header off the crossbar

Paul Kerr

Donald Campbell nets from the penalty spot 

Dean Smith beats the goalkeeper and the post

Ally McKerracher is foiled by another excellent save from Liam McWilliams

Niall Kennedy stops Ross Maitland with a well timed sliding tackle

Myles McAuley forces his way up the right wing

Craig MacEwan can't find the target with this last minute header

The Last Time?

Following last week's farewell to Thorn Athletic, this Saturday see's Haldane United make their final visit to Oban as a Scottish Amateur Football League club before they depart in search of a fresh challenge in the Central Scottish Amateur Football League. This is, unfortunately, a well worn path with Aikenhead Thistle, Gourock Athletic, Greenock High School FP, Postal United and St Patrick's FP all undertaking the same journey in recent seasons. Haldane are a very well run and ambitious club and their departure is a blow to the Scottish Amateur Football League especially as it comes at the same time as Thorn Athletic and Eaglesham's defection to the Caledonian League.
Haldane United's brief spell in the Scottish Amateur Football League has been a successful one securing four promotions, one cup and two league titles in six seasons. However, despite coming agonisingly close last season, the much prized Premier Division title looks now to have escaped their grasp. Haldane currently sit in third place in the Premier Division with twenty four points from sixteen games, five points worse off than leaders Thorn Athletic who have played two games fewer. Saints sit a further two points behind Haldane in fourth spot but with three games in hand over their rivals for what is now likely to be a runners up spot at best.
This Saturday's Jimmy Marshall Trophy quarter final tie will provide a welcome distraction from their league frustrations for both clubs in what looks to be their only realistic chance of silverware this season. Saints hold the upper hand in the four matches between the clubs so far but every game has been extremely close with little to choose between two very well matched sides. Saints will welcome back three of last week's absentees however, with the usual mixture of work and personal commitments hampering selection, Manager Iain Jackson looks sets to continue the frustrating run of being unable to name starting XI twice. The match must be played to a finish on the day with penalty kicks deciding the winner if the scores are level after 90 minutes. A semi-final tie at a neutral venue still to be appointed against either Eaglesham or St Joseph's FP awaits the winner.





Saints and Haldane United's progress to the Quarter Finals of this season's Jimmy Marshall Trophy:-

First Round

24th January 2015 Lochgilphead Red Star 1 - 6 Haldane United
14th February 2015 Easthall Star 1 - 4 Oban Saints

Second Round

21st February 2015 Haldane United 5 - 3 Campbeltown Pupils
21st March 2015 Oban Saints 8 - 1 Jamestown


Saints record against Haldane United:-

8th May 2013 SAFL Jimmy Marshall Trophy Semi-Final Haldane United 0 - 2 Oban Saints
24th August 2013 SAFL Premier Division Haldane United 3 - 3 Oban Saints
31st May 2014 SAFL Premier Division Oban Saints 2 - 1 Haldane United
7th March 2015 SAFL Premier Division Oban Saints 5 - 3 Haldane United




Haldane United's league fixtures so far this season:-

16th August 2014 Alba Thistle 0 - 2 Haldane United
23rd August 2014 Eaglesham 2 - 1 Haldane United
6th September 2014 Campbeltown Pupils 2 - 7 Haldane United
13th September 2014 Haldane United 1 - 5 Finnart
20th September 2014 St Joseph's FP 1 - 1 Haldane United
11th October 2014 Haldane United 2 - 2 Busby
8th November 2014 Haldane United 1 - 3 Thorn Athletic
15th November 2014 Haldane United 0 - 0 Campbeltown Pupils
29th November 2014 Kings Park Rangers 1 - 3 Haldane United
7th February 2015 Haldane United 5 - 2 Kings Park Rangers
28th February 2015 Haldane United 3 - 1 Eaglesham
7th March 2015 Oban Saints 5 - 3 Haldane United
14th March 2015 Thorn Athletic 2 - 0 Haldane United
21st March 2015 Busby 2 - 6 Haldane United
15th April 2015 Haldane United 1 - 2 St Joseph's FP



Haldane United's Scottish Amateur Football League Record:-

2008/09 Division 2A Champions and Coronation Cup Winners Promoted
2009/10 Division 1 Champions Promoted
2010/11 Premier Division Two 2nd Promoted
2011/12 Premier Division One 3rd
2012/13 Premier Division One 2nd Promoted
2013/14 Premier Division 2nd

Action for last month's league fixture between Saints and Haldane United

Ally McKerracher keeps his eye on the ball

Haldane captain Daniel McIlmun cancels out Donald Campbell's opener

The Saints players celebrate Donald Campbell's second goal levelling the scores at 3 - 3

Myles McAuley

Craig MacEwan heads home to make it 5 - 3 to Saints

Donald Campbell's free kick brings out an excellent save from Haldane keeper Pat McCune

Haldane United at Glencruitten 31st May 2014

In Other News

While Saints were entertaining Thorn Athletic at Glencruitten last Saturday striker Lewis Cameron was making a second half substitute appearance for the Scottish Amateur Football Association Select against the Leinster Senior League Select. The match, played a Leah Victoria Park the home of Tullamore Town FC, finished 1 - 1 after 90 minutes with John Paul Grant of Colville Park heading the Scottish select into a brief lead on the half hour mark before being pegged back four minutes later. After keeper David McEwan of Southside AFC had given the visitors the advantage with a fine save, Lewis held his nerve to score the crucial final penalty in a 5 - 4 shoot-out victory to bring the Graham Harkness Memorial Trophy back home to Scotland.

Lewis Cameron Scores The Winning Penalty

#monthesaints

We'll Meet Again

Vera Lynn - We'll Meet Again

Saturday 11th April 2015

Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division

Oban Saints AFC v Thorn Athletic AFC

Glencruitten 2, Mossfield Avenue, Oban, Argyll PA34 4EH

Kick off 2pm

Referee Mr John Scott

Last Weekend's Fixture

Saints travelled to Duntocher last Saturday to face much fancied St Joseph's FP in a vital Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division clash. The Saints from Duntocher were on an impressive run of form which had taken them to the seventh round of the Scottish Amateur Cup so the Oban lads were expecting a difficult afternoon. Saints kicked off playing down the gentle William Street slope and into an unfamiliar yellow object in the sky which was later identified by those with long memories to be the sun. Saints started well and carved out a very presentable chance in the second minute. Ross Maitland, who was making his first appearance since the West of Scotland Cup defeat at Harestanes in January, was fed on the right wing by Myles McAuley, Ross made good progress up the wing and sent over a low cross but failed to pick out either of the front pairing of Allan Mackay and Lewis Cameron. After this bright start the game quickly developed into a midfield battle with clear cut chances for both sides at a premium. St Joes had their first attempt on goal in the 4th minute but Captain Colin Gailey's long range effort flew high over the Saints cross bar. One minute later Gailey was allowed to collect the ball in midfield under no challenge and make a strong run at the Saints defence. Gailey picked out David Gallagher on the edge of the box but his shot again failed to trouble Daniel Cassells in the Saints goal and the ball slipped weakly wide of target. The Saints midfield five of Ross Maitland, Myles McAuley, Paul Kerr, Donald Campbell and Craig MacEwan were enjoying a good battle with their St Joes counterparts but the heavy underfoot conditions were making it difficult for both sides to settle into their usual passing game. In the 8th minute Saints won a throw in on the left touchline level with the penalty spot. Allan Mackay collected Myles McAuley's throw with his back to goal and picked out Donald Campbell on the edge of the box, Donald shifted the ball onto his left foot but his shot was comfortably saved by Kevin Connor in the St Joes goal. Saints survived a scare at the other end when a speculative effort from left back Martin McComish deflected off Alex Craik and struck the base of the post before being cleared to safety by Dougal Graham. In the 14th minute St Joes sent another long range effort wide this time from striker Ryan Holms. Saints opened the scoring in the 18th minute in a move which owed much to the persistence of Donald Campbell who, incidentally, was only able to make this trip after securing a passage on a specially chartered sailing from a storm bound Colonsay on Friday night. From a Myles McAuley throw in on the left Allan Mackay collected the ball in the box but was dispossessed in what looked a risky challenge by full back Craig Cameron. The ball broke clear and Donald Campbell linked up well on the edge of the St Joes box with Lewis Cameron and Craig MacEwan before forcing his way into the penalty area. Donald fired off a fierce right foot shot which Kevin Connor did well to stop, the rebound came back to Donald who again fired goalward only to see his effort stopped once more by the keeper, at the third attempt Donald kept his composure to slot the ball wide of the keeper who was unable to repeat his earlier heroics. The midfield battle thereafter resumed with Saints unable to create a chance of note and St Joes reduced to taking pot shots from distance. In the 33rd minute Daniel Cassells made hard work of another speculative effort from Colin Gailey and spooned the ball behind for a corner when it seemed easier to catch it. The big keeper quickly made amends for this error of judgement by saving John Paul Seagrave's point blank header from the resulting corner kick. Just one minute later St Joes capitalised on a rare lapse in concentration in the Saints defence. Full back Craig Cameron was allowed to cut in from the right wing and make his way across the front of the Saints box he then picked out midfielder Gary Redpath who made a good run into the box and beat Daniel Cassells with a tidy finish low down to the keeper's left. The half time whistle arrived with the only other incident of note being a needless booking for dissent being picked up by Saints skipper Marc MacCallum.
In the early part of the second half Saints were finding a bit more joy going forward and were looking the most likely to add to the scoring. In the 51st minute Dougal Graham came venturing out of defence and had his progress crudely halted by a John Paul Seagrave challenge which earned the big defender a yellow card. Lewis Cameron who looked threatening every time he had the ball had a good effort on target in the 55th minute which deflected wide for a corner before it could test the keeper. In the 59th minute Donald Campbell tried his luck from the edge of the box but saw his effort well saved by Kevin Connor who was having a good game between the posts for the home side. On the hour mark Lewis Cameron was clattered from behind in the middle of the park however after a quick rub from Davie Buchanan's magic sponge he looked set to continue. From the resulting free kick the ball was forced out of play for a Saints throw in allowing Lewis to rejoin the action. Myles McAuley took the throw and found Allan Mackay who sent Ross Maitland off on a run up the right wing. The wee man hit the bye-line and send over a looping cross which evaded the goalkeeper's clutches and was met at the back post by a trademark Craig MacEwan header to give Saints a 2 - 1 lead. Amid the celebrations it soon became apparent that Lewis Cameron was unable to shrug off his ankle knock and he was replaced by Dean Smith who had made the trip despite having only just recovered from a bout of tonsilitis. Saints continued to restrict the hosts to long range efforts and in the 70th minute Daniel Cassells was forced to pull off a good save from one such Colin Gailey effort. At the other end some good approach play from Myles McAuley set up Dean Smith for a chance on goal but the out of sorts striker couldn't get any power behind his shot which landed tamely at the keeper's feet. In the 78th minute Saints Manager Iain Jackson made his second change withdrawing Ross Maitland who had enjoyed a productive return to the side on the right wing with Martin Bonar. St Joes were beginning to turn up the heat now with Saints dropping further back to protect their slender lead. Manager Jackson brought on some fresh legs replacing Allan Mackay and Craig MacEwan with David McArthur and Scott Maitland. Scott took up Craig's wide left position and David was deployed just in front of the central midfield three leaving Dean Smith as the lone striker. The hosts continued to push for an equaliser but were getting no joy from the Saints back line of Marc MacCallum, Alex Craik and Dougal Graham who were coping well with everything St Joes had to offer. Saints were now sitting very deep and were looking to play the ball up to Dean Smith at every opportunity. Unfortunately Dean was unable to hold the play up for any length of time and the ball just kept coming back at the Saints defence. In the closing stages Saints had to withstand a series of St Joes corners but again the defence stood solid. Referee Andrew Seymour who had handled proceedings well brought the action to an end with Saints delighted to have secured another three valuable points in the league title race.

 

Allan Mackay and Christopher Scouller

Donald Campbell and St Joes goalscorer Gary Redpath

Donald Campbell opens the scoring

Craig MacEwan with Craig Cameron in hot pursuit

Lewis Cameron holds off John Paul Seagrave

Kevin Connor punches clear

David McArthur wins a header in midfield

We'll Meet Again

This Saturday Saints welcome Thorn Athletic to Glencruitten for the final time on Scottish Amateur Football League business. Regrettably the ambitious Johnstone based club have decided their interests would be better served in the Caledonian League which they will join in time for the commencement of the 2015 - 16 season. This is a blow to the Scottish Amateur Football League, not only for the loss of yet another well run club but also the disappearance from the fixture list of the keenly contested matches between Saints and Thorn. Since first locking horns back in 2010 a great rivalry has developed between the two clubs which has produced many classic league and cup encounters. Saints held the upper hand in last season's epic five match struggle knocking Thorn out of the Scottish Amateur Cup and the Jimmy Marshall Trophy on the way to winning a league and cup double. Despite Saints overall success they still failed to inflict defeat on Thorn in Oban where their great rivals enjoy an excellent record. The boys from Johnstone clearly relish their visits to Oban and it is a great pity that this will be their last unless the clubs are paired together in the Scottish Amateur or West of Scotland cups.
Only one point currently separates third placed Thorn and fourth placed Saints in what has developed into an enthralling six club race for the Premier Division title. A win in this eagerly anticipated contest will therefore not only secure bragging rights for some time to come but will also inflict a serious blow on the title ambitions of the losers. As always in this fixture Thorn will be backed by a large travelling support which will contribute to what is sure to be a fantastic "cup tie" atmosphere. Saints go into this crucial fixture unbeaten in five since going out of the West of Scotland Cup to recently confirmed semi-finalists Harestanes Amateurs. Thorn are also in good form with four wins from five in all competitions since going out of the Scottish Amateur Cup to Eastfield in December. A cracking game is therefore in prospect which will hopefully prove a fitting tribute to the great rivalry and mutual respect that exists between the clubs. Saints will be without Lewis Cameron who will be in Ireland on international duty with the Scottish Amateur Football Association squad (see below) but will have available Jamie Graham, Ally McKerracher and Roy McLuckie who all missed last Saturday's match against St Josephs FP.


Thorn Athletic's league fixtures so far this season:-

16th August 2014 Thorn Athletic 5 - 4 Eaglesham
23rd August 2014 Finnart 3 - 3 Thorn Athletic
30th August 2014 Thorn Athletic 2 - 1 Oban Saints
13th September 2014 Kings Park Rangers 0 - 2 Thorn Athletic
20th September 2014 Alba Thistle 2 - 3 Thorn Athletic
11th October 2014 Thorn Athletic 1 - 1 St Josephs FP
25th October 2014 Busby 1 - 0 Thorn Athletic
8th November 2014 Haldane United 1 - 3 Thorn Athletic
22nd November 2014 Campbeltown Pupils 3 - 1 Thorn Athletic
13th December 2014 Thorn Athletic 3 - 2 Kings Park Rangers
14th March 2015 Thorn Athletic 2 - 0 Haldane United
21st March 2015 Thorn Athletic 2 - 1 Campbeltown Pupils


Thorn Athletic's cup exploits this season:-

Scottish Amateur Cup

2nd Round 4th October 2014 Thorn Athletic 4 - 0 Westerlands A
3rd Round 1st November 2014 The Spartans 0 - 4 Thorn Athletic
4th Round 6th December 2014 Eastfield 5 - 2 Thorn Athletic


West of Scotland Cup

2nd Round 18th October 2014 Redbrae Athletic 0 - 6 Thorn Athletic
3rd Round 15th November 2014 Thorn Athletic 3 - 3 Ashvale Victoria (AET) 2 - 3 on penalty kicks



SAFL Jimmy Marshall Trophy

1st Round 14th February 2015 Thorn Athletic 2 - 1 Inverclyde

2nd Round 28th February 2015 Thorn Athletic 3 - 4 Ferguslie Star

SAFL Centenary Cup

1st Round 20th August 2014 Neilston 1 - 0 Thorn Athletic



Thorn Athletic's record in Oban:-

24th April 2010 Jimmy Marshall Trophy 1/4 Finals Oban Saints 2 - 3 Thorn Athletic
3rd September 2011 SAFL Premier Division Oban Saints 1 - 1 Thorn Athletic
27th October 2012 SAFL Premier Division Oban Saints 1 - 2 Thorn Athletic
31st August 2013 SAFL Premier Division Oban Saints 1 - 1 Thorn Athletic
15th January 2014 Scottish Amateur Cup 6th Round Oban Saints 1 - 1 Thorn Athletic



Thorn Athletic's record in their 6 seasons in the Scottish Amateur Football League:-

2008 - 09 Premier Division Two Champions (Promoted)
2009 - 10 Premier Division One Champions (Promoted)
2010 - 11 Premier Division 3rd
2011 - 12 Premier Division 3rd
2012 - 13 Premier Division 8th
2013 - 14 Premier Division 6th

Thorn Athletic

Action from the 2 - 1 defeat at McMaster Sports Centre earlier this season

Skipper Marc MacCallum joins the attack

Thorn's Niall Kennedy with Craig MacEwan and Allan Mackay in hot pursuit

Manager Iain Jackson delivers his half time team talk

Lewis Cameron heads Saints into a short lived second half lead

Lewis Cameron, Scott Maitland and Thorn Athletic stalwart Paul Young

A late offside chance for Craig MacEwan

A last minute stramash in the Thorn Athletic box

In Other News

After catching the eye of Manager Bruce McNaught in the recent Scottish Amateur Select victory over the Ayrshire Amateur Football Association select, Lewis Cameron has been named in the Scottish Amateur Football Association squad to face the Leinster Senior Football League select on Saturday 11th April for the Graham Harkness Memorial Trophy. Good luck to Lewis and all those who made it into the squad.

Lewis Cameron at last Sunday's Scotland squad training session

In Other Other News

The semi-final draw for the Scottish Amateur Football League Jimmy Marshall Trophy was made at the league meeting last Saturday night. Holders Saints or quarter final opponents Haldane United have been paired with Eaglesham or Alba Thistle or St Joseph's FP. The other semi-final tie will be contested by Motherwell Thistle or Kilbowie Union or East Kilbride AFC v Ferguslie Star or Neilston or Goldenhill. The draw ensures that the final at Somervell Park, Cambuslang on Sunday 31st May will be contested by one team from the Premier Division and one from either Premier Division One or Two.

#monthesaints