120 Not Out

Ardenconnel Park, Rhu

Saturday 1st August 2015
Rhu Amateur Football Club 120th Anniversary Tournament
Ardenconnel Park, Cumberland Road, Rhu G84 8RX
11.00am Rhu AFC v Oban Saints AFC
12.30pm Greenock High School Former Pupils AFC v Oban Saints AFC
2.00pm Rhu AFC v Greenock High School Former Pupils AFC



On the basis that they do more than enough travelling during the season Saints normally shun away friendlies however the invitation to participate in the 120th anniversary celebrations of one of Scotland's oldest amateur football clubs was far too good to turn down. It is a big honour to be asked to play at such an historic event and one which the Saints management were delighted to accept. As an added bonus Saints will also get to play their annual friendly match with old friends Greenock High School Former Pupils.
Returning to the Saints squad for Saturday's trip to Rhu are fit again skipper Marc Maccallum and back from his holidays in the USA David McArthur. Dropping out from last weekend's squad are the unavailable Keith Millar and Craig MacEwan while, despite his broken ankle now being out of plaster, Dougal Graham remains sidelined.
With two eighty minute matches back to back Saints Manager Alex Craik will be able to give the full travelling party plenty of game time as the build-up continues to the start of the new league season on Saturday 15th August.
The weather forecast doesn't look good for Saturday but the football on display will more than make up for that and a good say should be enjoyed by all.

The Hosts

Rhu Amateur Football Club can rightly claim to be one of the oldest amateur football clubs still in existence in Scotland having played their first recorded fixture against near neighbours Garelochhead on New Year's Day 1896. The club have won many trophies over the years but season 1966 - 67 was their most successful by far winning the West of Scotland League, the West of Scotland League Cup and, most famously of all, the Scottish Amateur Cup. Rhu enjoyed another successful period in the mid 1980's when they won successive West of Scotland League Cups in '84, '85 and '86 before departing the West of Scotland League for the fledgling Caledonian League. After a promising start in the highly competitive new league where they achieved top four finishes in each of their first four seasons Rhu began to gradually slip down the league ladder to their current place in Division 1B. Rhu finished last season in fourth place which was a creditable "best of the rest" finish behind the leagues best sides Hamilton FP, Cambria and Champions Castlemilk.

Rhu Amateur Football Club 2014 - 15

Rhu Amateur Football Club Scottish Amateur Cup Winners 1967

Our Old Friends

Greenock High School Former Pupils and Oban Saints are no strangers having crossed swords many times over the years since Saints first joined the Scottish Amateur Football League in 1976. At that time GHSFP had already been members of the SAFL for 52 years and had clinched four Division One titles, three West of Scotland Cups and two Scottish Amateur Cups in what were halcyon days for the club. Saints and the "High" have enjoyed a healthy rivalry over the years with many closely contested matches where away wins have been at a premium. You have to go back to the High's centenary year of 2007 for their last victories in Oban when a 1 - 0 win on 6th May helped them clinch the SAFL Premier Division title in what was to prove their last piece of silverware as SAFL members. This victory for the High was closely followed by a 3 - 0 win at the start of the 2007/08 season however Saints regained the upper hand in the remaining competitive fixtures in Oban before the High departed for pastures new.

GHSFP left the SAFL in 2011 for a new challenge in the Central Scottish Amateur Football League where they progressed to the Premier Division after clinching the Division 1A title and winning the 1st Division section winners trophy in 2013. Last season saw the High finish 4th in the CSAFL Premier division with 37 points from 22 games 21 points behind runaway winners Harestanes. The High did however add to their already extensive trophy haul by winning their first CSAFL Cinema Cup and capturing the West of Scotland Amateur Cup for the fourth time.

Since leaving the SAFL the High have continued their rivalry with Saints with an annual pre-season friendly which is now in it's 5th year. All four previous encounters have been won by Saints:-

Saturday 6th August 2011 Oban Saints AFC 4 - 2 Greenock HSFP AFC
Saturday 4th August 2012 Oban Saints AFC 2 - 0 Greenock HSFP AFC
Saturday 3rd August 2013 Oban Saints AFC 2 - 1 Greenock HSFP AFC

Saturday 26th July 2014 Oban Saints AFC 3 - 2 Greenock HSFP AFC

Action from some past Oban Saints v Greenock HSFP encounters

Donald Campbell tries his luck July 2014

Alex Craik joins the attack July 2011

Willie Gemmell and Donald Campbell helped Saints to a 3 - 1 Scottish Amateur Football League Victory over Greenock High School FP at Glencruitten in November 2010 

The Trophies

#monthesaints

EK OK

Saturday 25th July 2015
Pre-season friendly
Oban Saints AFC 3 - 2 East Kilbride AFC
Glencruitten 1
Kick off 1.30pm
Referee Mr James Litster

Saints welcomed frequent pre-season opponents East Kilbride back to Glencruitten last Saturday afternoon after an absence of several years. Crowned Central Scottish Amateur Football League Division One champions at the end of last season EK provided Saints with another excellent workout as Manager Alex Craik continues to prepare his side for the new season ahead. Alex opted for the same starting eleven that defeated Vale of Leven Juniors the previous week with the exception of skipper Marc Maccallum whose slight groin strain wasn't risked. Marc's place in the back four was taken by Dene Cassells with Donald Campbell taking the Captain's armband. The visitors kicked off attacking the club house end and were immediately up to full throttle winning every 50/50 challenge and generally looking sharper than Saints in every department. EK cashed in on their early dominance in the ninth minute after a good move up the left wing - a low cross to the near post looked easy enough for the Saints defence to deal with but despite several attempts the danger wasn't cleared and the EK centre forward bundled the ball over the line to give the visitors the lead. From the restart Saints probed for an opening but there was no way through a very solid looking EK defence. Donald Campbell's perseverance won Saints an eleventh minute free kick just outside the box in what could definitely be considered Willie Gemmell territory however the big defender's effort flew well wide of target without troubling the goalkeeper. Saints fell further behind in the twelfth minute to another scrappy goal after failing to deal with a long ball through the middle. Once again several opportunities to clear the danger were spurned before a shot from the edge of the box deflected off Dene Cassells completely wrong footing Thomas McCulloch to double the visitor's advantage. Saints set about trying to establish a foothold in the game but, despite some good crosses into the box by Lewis Cameron, continued to struggle to break down the EK defence. In the fourteenth minute Saints finally managed to get in behind the EK rearguard after a good move up the right touchline involving Lewis Cameron, Myles McAuley and Martin Bonar. Cutting in from the right Lewis shot low and hard to the near post but EK keeper David Murray was equal to it and pulled off a fine save. Clear cut chances were few and far between for both sides and EK should have done better in the twenty first minute after a swift counter attack up the left wing. Leaving the Saints defence trailing in his wake the EK wide man drove into the box but pulled his shot across the face of the Saints goal and out for a throw-in on the opposite touchline. Lewis Cameron was beginning to enjoy some degree of success on the right and won a twenty fifth minute corner from which he found the head of Myles McAuley but the Saints midfielder was unable to direct his header on target. Two minutes later Craig MacEwan and Donald Campbell linked up well on the edge of the box to set up a shooting opportunity. Donald shifted the ball onto his right foot opening up space for a  curling shot which went narrowly wide of the keeper's left hand post. On the half hour mark Lewis Cameron made another good run up the Saints right and delivered a tempting cross into the middle where Dean Smith's spectacular goal bound bicycle kick effort was blocked by the EK defence. Saints were certainly playing some better stuff now and came close again with another curling Donald Campbell effort over the crossbar after a Dean Smith cut back on the left wing. Despite having weathered EK's early storm Saints still looked vulnerable with the visitors eager to exploit any mistake. A misplaced Keith Millar pass was pounced upon in midfield setting up a great chance for the visitors to increase their lead,  fortunately for Saints EK shot wide of target passing up a very presentable chance. Saints survived one final scare before the interval when a big EK central defender was afforded the freedom of the Saints eighteen yard box only to direct his free header from a left wing corner kick wide of target.
With next weekend's Rhu tournament in mind Manager Alex Craik made three half time substitutions replacing Scott Maitland, Keith Millar and Dean Smith with Jamie Graham, Paul Kerr and Allan Mackay. Saints started the second half on the front foot with Lewis Cameron driving into the box before being crowded out by three EK defenders. The visitors had the ball in the Saints net in the 47th minute but Referee Jimmy Litster ruled the effort out for offside and with little protest from the EK players it certainly appeared to be a good decision from the Lochgilphead whistler. Saints were beginning to get behind the EK defence with full backs Martin Bonar and Jamie Graham overlapping well on the wings only the final ball was lacking. EK also tried their luck on the flanks with Jamie Graham being forced into a well timed sliding interception to cut out a dangerous looking cross from the right. Saints eventually made the breakthrough in the 56th minute from a short Lewis Cameron free kick after Allan Mackay had been fouled twenty five yards out. Lewis played the ball short to Donald Campbell who tricked his way into the left hand side of the box before picking out Allan Mackay on the six yard line to roll the ball into the net from his favourite distance. On the hour mark Martin Bonar made way for Ross Maitland to make his first pre-season appearance. The Saints full backs continued to ask questions of their EK counterparts with both delivering good crosses which Allan Mackay only narrowly failed to direct on target. Saints drew level in the 67th minute again from a Lewis Cameron free kick won by Allan Mackay. From twenty eight yards out and slightly left of centre Lewis struck a powerful shot past the EK wall beating the keeper's left hand but not the post. With Ross Maitland and Allan Mackay waiting to pounce on the rebound the ball came back off the post,  hit the goalkeeper on the back off the head and bounced into the net. Saints regained possession straight from the restart and launched a lightning quick counter attack sending Ross Maitland tearing up the right wing to deliver a fizzing cross which evaded Allan Mackay in the centre but was diverted into the net by Craig MacEwan's outstretched leg at the back post to give Saints the lead. Saints had their tails up now and were playing some excellent football keeping the home crowd royally entertained. The visitors showed they weren't done yet and Saints needed a timely interception from Dene Cassells to cut out a dangerous cross after good work on the left wing by EK. Saints mopped up the danger from the resulting corner with a good clearing header from Paul Kerr. With ten minutes remaining Manager Alex Craik made his final changes withdrawing Lewis Cameron and Craig MacEwan and replacing them with Matthew Kelly and Kevin Keen. EK kept plugging away and had Saints holding on a little in the closing stages. The eye catching Scott Hadden jinked his way into the right hand side of the Saints box and picked out Calum Robertson on the edge of the box but the big defender sent his shot high and wide of target. With two minutes remaining on Referee Jimmy Litster's watch Willie Gemmell conceded a free kick just outside the Saints box. Scott Hadden chipped the ball over the Saints wall for what should have been a routine take for Thomas McCulloch but the big keeper who had looked assured throughout was a little slow off his line and could only scramble the ball behind for a corner with William Hastings in close attendance. The corner kick from the EK right was comfortably dealt with and Referee Litster brought proceedings to a close shortly thereafter.
Saints now take to the road where they will hope to keep their good pre-season form going at the Rhu invitational tournament celebrating 120 years of Rhu Amateur Football Club.

Willie Gemmell aerial challenge

Scott Maitland

Craig MacEwan takes on the EK right full back

Myles McAuley

The EK left full back keeps his hands out of the way of Martin Bonar's cross

Lewis Cameron and Jamie Graham

Donald Campbell takes on his man on the right touchline

Allan Mackay, Myles McAuley and Kevin Keen

Allan Mackay scores Saints first goal

Lewis Cameron's free kick draws Saints level

#monthesaints

Welcome Back

Saturday 25th July 2015

Pre-Season Friendly

Oban Saints AFC v East Kilbride AFC

Glencruitten 1, Glencruitten Drive, Oban PA34 4EB

Kick off 1.30pm

Referee Mr James Litster

Saints continue their preparations for the new season this Saturday with the welcome return to Oban after a four year absence of regular pre-season opponents East Kilbride AFC. Newly elevated to the Central Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division East Kilbride secured their promotion to the top flight in convincing style last season winning 16 of their twenty league fixtures and losing just one. The solitary reverse came during the first month of the season against Electric after which East Kilbride embarked on a fifteen match unbeaten run which eventually saw them crowned Division 1A winners. In the Central League set-up the winners of Divisions 1A and 1B are both promoted to the Premier Division but they must play-off for the title of Division 1 Champions. East Kilbride took that award in emphatic style defeating Division 1B and East of Scotland Cup winners Steins Thistle 4 - 0. This win completed an impressive league and cup double after the previous Saturday's 3 - 0 victory over Possil YM to lift the McAvoy and McIntyre Cup. In a season to savour East Kilbride also recorded good runs in the major cup competitions reaching round five of both the Scottish and the West of Scotland Cups before losing out to Stenhousemuir Community and Broomhouse respectively. Amongst the notable cup scalps were last season's Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division Champions St Joseph's FP who were thrashed 5 - 1 by East Kilbride in the fourth round of the West of Scotland Cup.
Saturday's match will provide another stiff test for Saints against high quality opposition just what Manager Alex Craik wants with the kick off for the new league season now just three weeks away. East Kilbride begin their league campaign one week earlier with a home match against Saints old Scottish Amateur Football League adversaries St Patricks FP and are therefore likely to be slightly ahead of Saints in their preparations.The usual mixture of holidays, injuries and work commitments will have a major bearing on the Saints squad selection but home fans can expect three or four additions to last weeks squad which defeated Vale of Leven Juniors 3 - 1.
This will be Saints last home pre-season match before they embark on their travels to participate in the Rhu Amateurs tournament and the Argyll & Bute Cup.



East Kilbride AFC recent Central Scottish Amateur Football League finishes:-

2014-15 Division 1A Champions (Promoted)
2013-14 Division 1A 11th
2012-13 Division 1A 8th
2011-12 Division 1A 10th
2010-11 Division 1A 8th
2009-10 Division 1A 11th
2008-09 Division 1A 11th

East Kilbride AFC with their new home and away kits for season 2015-16

A young East Kilbride team at Glencruitten in 2009

In Other News

Saints received a boost on the injury front this week when Dougal Graham came out of plaster following his ankle break sustained in a five-a-side game during the close season. Hopefully it won't be too long before Dougal is back in training and pushing for a place in the team.

#monthesaints

Sunshine After The Rain

Sunshine After The Rain - Elkie Brooks

Saturday 18th July 2015

Pre-Season Friendly

Oban Saints AFC 3 - 1 Vale of Leven FC

Glencruitten 1, Glencruitten Drive, Oban PA34 4EB

Kick off 1.30pm

Referee Mr John Scott

Vale of Leven Football & Athletic Club

An 8am pitch inspection was possibly the last thing on Saints Secretary David Buchanan's mind when he invited former Scottish Junior Cup winners Vale of Leven to Oban for a pre-season friendly. However such are the vagueries of the Scottish summer weather and it was with great relief that he was able to confirm that Glencruitten 1 had survived Friday night's torrential rain and the fixture could go ahead. Symptomatic of the mixed bag of weather, by the time kick off had arrived the rain had given way to bright sunshine and, with the exception of the strong breeze, conditions were perfect.
The semi-professionals from Alexandria playing their first pre-season match looked in the mood and were rewarded for their bright start in the sixth minute when David McNaught exploited a gap in the Saints defence to drill a shot into the bottom corner past Thomas McCulloch's left hand. Saints responded well to this early setback and a good move up the right wing involving Martin Bonar and Myles McAuley set up Lewis Cameron for a shooting opportunity which the Vale keeper did well to parry behind for a corner. Saints midfield trio of Myles McAuley, Keith Millar and Donald Campbell began to take control in the centre of the park allowing full backs Martin Bonar and Scott Maitland to get forward at every opportunity. Lewis Cameron's movement across the front three was creating problems for the Vale defence and his 18th minute shot from the edge of the box cleared the crossbar by a matter of inches after more good build up play on the left. Saints were using both flanks to good effect and a Martin Bonar run into the box on the right was halted by a well timed interception to win Saints a 25th minute corner kick. Lewis Cameron's out swinger was met by Dean Smith whose glancing header squeezed in between the junction of post and bar to bring Saints level. Saints came close again moments after the restart, Scott Maitland made an overlapping run on the left wing and sent over a low cross to the near post where Dean Smith was foiled by a timely interception from the Vale defence. The Vale were stung into action and responded with a couple of chances of their own; a 28th minute David McNaught shot was comfortably gathered at his near post by Thomas McCulloch after a swift attack up the left wing by the Vale. Switching to the right the Vale forced a 32nd minute corner after a Marc Maccallum sliding challenge cut out a dangerous looking cross. The in-swinging corner from the right was expertly flighted to the far post but Saints keeper Thomas McCulloch showed excellent handling to catch the ball cleanly under pressure. Lewis Cameron passed up a glorious opportunity to get on the score sheet in the 35th minute when a long ball from the back picked out a suspiciously offside looking Craig MacEwan in the inside left channel about thirty yards from goal. With no whistle coming from Referee John Scott Craig played on and crossed to Lewis unmarked on the penalty spot. Unfortunately Lewis snatched at the chance and sent a tame shot wide of target. Just one minute later Saints took the lead after another good passing move through the midfield. Dean Smith picked up the ball on the edge of the box with his back to goal where a skilful turn created space for a thumping shot which flew past the Vale keeper into the postage stamp corner. Saints had their tails up now and an audacious lob on the left hand corner of the box from Lewis Cameron took out three Vale defenders to set up Craig MacEwan for a shot that was deflected behind for a corner. Lewis took the corner kick and curled it beautifully into the top corner of the net only to see his effort harshly ruled out for an alleged push in the six yard box. Lewis had his eye in now and tried for the same spot again from a 43rd minute free kick on the left after Craig MacEwan had been brought down. This time the keeper got both hands on it and pushed the ball over the bar for a corner. Eager for another attempt on goal Lewis made for the corner flag on the Saints left much to the ire of the Vale keeper whose protestations were upheld by Referee Scott who correctly ruled that the kick should be taken from the Saints right. The Vale keeper may now wish he had kept his mouth shut as Lewis picked out Martin Bonar eight yards out for the big full back to bullet a header into the net to give Saints a deserved 3 - 1 half time lead.
Vale had the benefit of the stiff breeze in the second half but still it was Saints who were first to threaten when Craig MacEwan was narrowly beaten on the six yard line to a quick free kick from the right from Lewis Cameron. Vale tried to harness the advantage of the wind employing long balls to try and get in behind the Saints defence but the back four of Martin Bonar, Marc Maccallum, Willie Gemmell and Scott Maitland coped well with everything the Vale could throw at them. Vale had the ball in the net in the 56th minute when a long ball looked to have finally caught out the Saints rearguard but as the Vale striker rounded Thomas McCulloch Referee John Scott blew for offside before the ball could be rolled into the net. On the half hour mark Manager Alex Craik withdrew Keith Millar and Dean Smith replacing them with Matthew Kelly and Allan Mackay. In the 71st minute Mackay linked up well on the left with Donald Campbell to pick their way through the Vale defence before a timely interception on the edge of the box frustratingly denied Donald just as he was about to pull the trigger. Allan Mackay's physical presence was posing a different set of problems for the Vale defence as he renewed acquaintances with centre half Robert MacKenzie newly signed from Saints former Scottish Amateur Football League rivals Haldane United. In the 72nd minute Allan held off the close attentions of his marker and fed Lewis Cameron on the right wing, the cross from Lewis picked out Craig MacEwan on the six yard line but his hook shot was well saved by the Vale keeper. This proved to be Craig's final contribution and he was replaced on the left of the front three by Kevin Keen. Keen was quickly involved in the action when his strong run at the heart of the Vale defence was halted by a crude challenge 25 yards from goal. Allan Mackay steered his low free kick towards the left hand post where the keeper got down well to make a good save. The keeper couldn't hold onto the shot and Matthew Kelly pounced on the loose ball directing it back on target where the keeper completed an excellent double save. Despite Saints enjoying the majority of the possession they still had to be mindful of the Vale long ball. With ten minutes remaining on the clock a deep Vale free kick to the back post was met by a Vale striker but, under pressure from Saints skipper Marc Maccallum, his looping header was comfortably saved by Thomas McCulloch. Saints excellent passing and movement continued right to the end and in the 87th minute Allan Mackay and Lewis Cameron combined to set up Donald Campbell for a terrific run along the 18 yard line culminating in a fierce left foot shot which had the keeper at full stretch to tip round his right hand post. Saints final opportunity came in the 89th minute when Kevin Keen raced through the inside left channel but his miscued low shot was easily saved at his near post by the Vale keeper.
Referee John Scott, who had enjoyed an easy afternoon, brought a sporting encounter to a halt giving new Saints Manager Alex Craik a win in his first 90 minutes in charge.

Keith Millar and Willie Gemmell

Myles McAuley

Lewis Cameron

Dean Smith heads Saints equaliser

Martin Bonar heads Saints into a 3 - 1 half-time lead

Dean Smith and former Haldane United central defender Robert MacKenzie

Allan Mackay and Lewis Cameron

Thomas McCulloch saves from a late Vale headed chance

The Vale keeper gets down well to save Allan Mackay's free kick

#monthesaints

First Visit From The Vale

Saturday 18th July 2015

Pre-Season Friendly

Oban Saints AFC v Vale of Leven FC

Glencruitten 1, Glencruitten Drive, Oban PA34 4EB

Kick off 1.30pm

Referee Mr John Scott

Saints welcome Vale of Leven Juniors to Oban for the very first time this Saturday afternoon for what should be a good pre-season workout for both sets of players. Saints got their pre-season fixtures schedule off to a flying start last Saturday with their best showing in the D&K Lafferty Cup tournament for many a year and will be keen to build on that against Saturday's visitors. The Vale have yet to play so far this pre-season but have been working hard in training for the past three weeks. Vale currently ply their trade in the Scottish Junior Football Association West Region Central District Second Division where they finished last season in ninth place with 24 points from 20 games played. This third from bottom finish represented Vale's lowest final league position for 50 years and is one which the club are desperate to improve upon. The Vale received a major boost in June of this year when it was announced that former captain and club legend Alex Lacy would be returning to the club to join the coaching set-up. The club also hoped to bring in a number of new faces to the playing staff to assist in their quest to climb the league ladder.

Notwithstanding their current lowly league position the Vale have a long and illustrious history in the game and to secure this pre-season friendly match between the clubs is a major coup for Saints. Originally founded in 1872 Vale of Leven won three successive Scottish Cups (1877 - 79) and became unofficial British champions in 1878 beating English F.A. Cup holders The Wanderers at Kennington Oval. In 1890 they were founder members of the Scottish Football League where, excluding brief flirtations with the Scottish Alliance, the Scottish Football Combination and the Western League, they remained until 1939 when they club disbanded due to the suspension of league football for World War Two. The club immediately re-emerged as Vale of Leven Football and Athletic Club becoming members of the Scottish Junior Football Association. Over the years many league and cup successes followed the biggest of which being the Scottish Junior Cup win in 1953.  

Saints still have a few regulars missing due to injury and holidays but will have a strong squad available for selection for Saturday's match where Manager Alex Craik will be keen to give as many players as possible some valuable game time against experienced opposition. It is anticipated that the Vale will bring their full squad to Oban for the first of their five friendlies before their season kicks off in earnest with a Sectional League Cup tie away at Port Glasgow on Saturday 8th August.

Alex Lacy

Millburn Park, Alexandria Home of Vale of Leven F.C.

Thousands lined the streets of Alexandria, Bonhill and Renton to cheer the Vale's victory parade

The Oban Saints squad for last Saturday's D&K Cup tournament

In Other News

Saints midfield anchor man Paul Kerr and his partner Kerry Forbes this week became proud parents to a new arrival. Congratulations to both and a warm welcome to the Oban Saints family to Finlay.

Oban Saints star of the future Finlay Paul Kerr

Dad Paul does his best to amuse the new arrival with his Superman impression

#monthesaints

D&K Cup 2015 Round Up

Match Officials:-
Donnie Brooks, Jimmy Litster, Gary Logan, John Mackie, Archie Mitchell, Jim Pearson, Martin Rae, John Scott and Tim Woodcock

The Handsome Trophy

Mossfield Stadium

Heart of Midlothian edged out holders Hamilton Academical and hosts Oban Saints to win this year's D&K Lafferty Challenge Cup tournament after an entertaining day's football at Mossfield Sports Complex last Saturday.

Saints kicked off proceedings at Mossfield (pitch 1) against St Johnstone development team and fell behind to a Connor McLaren strike in the seventh minute when the St Johnstone striker capitalised on some slack defensive work by Saints. Donald Campbell brought Saints level in the tenth minute with a crisp strike from the edge of the box after a good run and cross on the right wing from Lewis Cameron. The Perth Saints struck in third minute of the second half when Jason Kerr punished another mix-up in the Saints rearguard. Saints battled well for the remaining twelve minutes but failed to break down a determined and well organised St Johnstone side containing a number of players about to go out on loan to clubs in Leagues 1 and 2 of the Scottish Professional Football League.

Over on Glencruitten 1 (pitch 2) holders Hamilton Academical got their defence of the trophy off to a shaky start falling behind in the first half to Dundee United's development team. Accies recovered slightly in the second half and earned a draw thanks to a late Steven Boyd strike.

Dundee United remained on pitch 2 where they and hosts Oban Saints served up an entertaining and evenly matched contest with the only goal of the match coming from United's eye catching Justin Johnson. The pacy winger eagerly pounced on a moment of hesitation from Paul Kerr to race in on the Saints goal. With Saints Daniel Cassells advancing to narrow the angle the United wide man skilfully lobbed the big keeper to give United the three points.

Back on pitch 1 Alloa Athletic and Heart of Midlothian opened their respective accounts with last season's SAFL Championship winners proving too strong for a very youthful Wasps development team. Player of the tournament Jordan McGhee opened the scoring slotting home from 12 yards after a short corner routine on the left. McGhee had a hand in Hearts second, from another corner on the left the big defender was quickest to react to a near post flick on to stab the ball goalwards from where striker Gary Oliver was able to force the ball over the line from close range. Hearts third and final goal was also scored by Gary Oliver with a neat left foot finish over the advancing Wasps keeper after cutting in from the left.

The punishment for the Alloa youngsters continued on pitch 1 where SPFL Premiership side Hamilton Academical recorded the biggest win of the day in an emphatic 4 - 0 romp. On the score sheet for Accies were Jesus Garcia Tena, Chris Turner and that man of many clubs Trialist.

On pitch 2 the St Johnstone coaching staff got a good look at what their first team will face on the opening day of the SPFL Premiership season when the Perth Saints development team took on the might of the Hearts first team. Jaunma Delgado opened the scoring for the Jam Tarts racing through the middle to tuck a neat left foot finish past the keeper from eight yards out. For their second goal Hearts pressurised the young St Johnstone defence into a mistake as they attempted to play their way out of defence. Gary Oliver's shot from the edge of the D was charged down on the penalty spot but the rebound fell kindly for the Hearts striker allowing him to slot the ball easily past the wrong footed keeper. St Johnstone notched a consolation goal thanks to a mistake by Hearts keeper Neil Alexander. The Scotland international keeper misjudged the flight of a throw in from full back Callum Paterson allowing the ball to bounce up and over his head. Despite the keeper getting a slight touch on the ball with his head he couldn't prevent St Johnstone striker George Hunter from slotting the ball into the empty net to make the final score 2 - 1 to Hearts.

After sitting out the last round of games Saints returned to action on pitch 1 against Hamilton Academical where the hosts shocked the holders by securing the three points. Even more unexpected than the scoreline was the identity of the goalscorer! Predominantly right sided defender Jamie Graham, deputising at left back for injured brother Dougal, fired in a right foot cross come shot from from the left wing which completely deceived Darren Hill in the Accies goal and nestled in the bottom corner of the net much to the delight of the home support. Saints fully deserved their half time lead but were made to battle all the way in the second half as the full timers set about levelling the score. A sustained onslaught from Accies found the Saints defence a tough nut to crack and keeper Thomas McCulloch in no mood to be beaten. The big Saints keeper pulled off three tremendous saves to keep Saints first clean sheet of the day and notch up their first three points.

On pitch 2 Alloa Athletic recovered from the their baptism of fire against Hearts and Accies to steady the ship slightly in a Development League battle against St Johnstone. In a much closer contest the Perth Saints edged out the young Wasps 1 - 0 with George Hunter netting his second goal of the afternoon.

Dundee United and Hearts returned to action on pitch 1 with the Jam Tarts Premiership side surprisingly dropping points to the Arabs Development League team. Hearts opened the scoring in the first half from a Callum Paterson twenty five yard piledriver into the top left hand corner of the net. United levelled in the second half successful pressurising the Hearts defence into a mistake as they attempted to play their way out from the back. A slack back pass was pounced upon by United striker Jordan Muirhead who slotted the ball home past the despairing dive of the Hearts keeper to make the final score 1 - 1.

On pitch 2 a goal in each half from Darian McKinnon and Daniel Armstrong gave Hamilton Academical all three points against St Johnstone whose Development League side continued to give a good account of themselves against their more experienced opponents.

On pitch 1 Dundee United edged out Alloa Athletic by two goals to nil in an all Development League tie of put the Arabs on the seven point mark.

Back on pitch 2 Saints Manager Alex Craik handed himself a starting place joining fellow Hearts fans Craig MacEwan and Dean Smith in facing their boyhood heroes. Saints had the first opportunity of the match in the fourth minute when a delightful pass from Donald Campbell picked out Lewis Cameron on the corner of the six yard box unfortunately Lewis, under pressure from a Hearts defender, was unable to get his shot on target sending it inches wide of the keeper's left hand post. Two minutes later a solo wonder goal from Hearts striker Sam Nicholson gave the Jambos the lead. Picking the ball up wide on the left in his own half Nicholson jinked his way past Donald Campbell and Jamie Graham on the half-way line before driving through the midfield straight at the heart of the Saints defence. With the Saints midfield trailing in his wake Nicholson unleashed an unstoppable twenty five strike which flew past Daniel Cassells right into the postage stamp corner. Despite this setback Saints kept plugging away and came close again before half time. Myles McAuley made a typically powerful run through the Hearts midfield and fed Donald Campbell on the edge of the box. Donald's right foot shot was well held by Jack Hamilton in the Hearts goal. Saints were back on level terms shortly after the restart, Donald Campbell rolled a free kick about thirty yards out and wide on the left into Lewis Cameron on the eighteen yard line. Lewis cut into the box but found his path to goal blocked by three Hearts defenders. Lewis retained possession and laid the ball off to Craig MacEwan on the left of the box who evaded one despairing Hearts lunge before being brought down inside the six yard box. Referee Tim Woodcock was in no doubt about the Saints appeals and immediately pointed to the spot. Much to the surprise of the Saints faithful on the sidelines Dean Smith picked up the ball and placed it on the penalty spot. The Saints fans had no cause for alarm as the Hearts daft striker kept his cool and slammed his penalty kick high into the net giving Jack Hamilton no chance. Hearts had a chance to restore their advantage from a long range free kick but the low effort went wide of the post with Daniel Cassells looking to have his angles spot on. Saints took the lead in the twenty third minute when Craig MacEwan and Donald Campbell combined well on the Saints left for Craig to slip in Donald on the left of the box. Donald's right foot shot across the keeper was beaten out but only as far as Dean Smith twelve yards out who sent a crashing shot into the Hearts net off the underside of the crossbar. Saints were well worthy of their lead and comfortably kept their professional counterparts at bay having one slight scare to endure when Soufian El Hassnaoui headed a corner kick goalwards only to see it thumped to safety by Paul Kerr standing on the goal line guarding the post.

Over on pitch 1 Dundee United and St Johnstone closed their accounts for the day with the Perth Saints edging out the Arabs by one goal to nil thanks to a Greg Page strike leaving St Johnstone on nine points their best ever points tally in eleven tournament appearances.

After recording an unexpected victory over Hearts Saints remained on pitch 2 for their final match against Alloa Athletic. The young Wasps offered little going forward and seemed content to sit in and wind the clock down on what had been a difficult day for them against some vastly more experienced opponents. On the other hand Saints could sense that a further three points were theirs for the taking if the could apply themselves properly. Alloa had an early opportunity when Willie Gemmell misjudged an attempted header back to Daniel Cassells in the Saints goal allowing an Alloa attacker to nip in and head goalwards. The big keeper made a good stop and Willie redeemed himself by recovering to mop up the loose ball and clear the danger. Saints took the lead in the eighth minute when a Lewis Cameron cross from the right picked out Donald Campbell in the box. Ten yards from goal Donald held off his marker to drill a shot into the bottom corner of the net past the keeper's left hand. Saints upped the pressure in the second half and came agonising close to increasing their advantage on two occasions. Four minutes after the restart Lewis Cameron turned the Wasps defence inside out before delivering a pin-point cross into the six yard box. Colin Carswell made a great run from right back but unfortunately couldn't force the ball over the line and the danger was cleared. With two minutes remaining Saints had one last chance to score and once again Lewis Cameron was the Architect. Lewis swung over a testing in swinging corner kick from the Saints left which the Alloa keeper was unable to collect cleanly. The Wasps keeper dropped the ball at the feet of PJ Sinclair barely one yard out but the Saints man somehow managed to squeeze the ball wide of the post when it seemed easier to score.

The stage was then set for a winner takes all final match on pitch 1 between ante-post joint favourites Heart of Midlothian and Hamilton Academical. However, after some head scratching and checking of goal differences, it became apparent that a draw in the final match would bring Saints and St Johnstone back into contention and hand an unlikely tournament victory to the hosts by one goal over St Johnstone. Hearts took the lead in the sixth minute when Accies keeper Darren Hill failed to hold a Billy King shot from the edge of the box spilling the ball to Sam Nicholson for the Hearts striker to force home from eight yards. The notorious Oban summer weather eventually delivered the anticipated heavy rain but it failed to dampen the spirits of the large crowd who remained enthralled to the end of the closest tournament finish for many years. On the pitch the wet under foot conditions added to the drama with tackles sliding in left, right and centre. Accies pressed hard for an equaliser but found Neil Alexander in the Hearts goal to be in top form pulling off a terrific diving save in the twenty fourth minute to preserve the Hearts lead. With Accies throwing everything into attack spaces began opening up for Hearts to exploit and in the twenty ninth minute Gavin Reilly had a glorious chance to seal victory but his run took him wide and his shot from an acute angle went wide of target. Accies piled on the pressure and won a corner deep in stoppage time from which Neil Alexander pulled off a tremendous point blank save to foil Accies and shatter the dreams of the Saints contingent watching anxiously from the sidelines. Referee Gary Logan decided he had seen enough and blew for full time giving Hearts a record breaking fourth tournament victory and sending their far travelled supporters (and the Oban Jambos) home happy. 

The heavy rain cut short the presentation ceremony but tournament organiser David Buchanan still found time to congratulate the groundstaff on two excellently prepared playing surfaces; the match officials on their efficient and unobtrusive handling of the games; the players of all the participating teams for producing a memorable day's football and the spectators for braving the elements and providing a colourfull and highly vocal backdrop to the proceedings. David then introduced Kathleen Lafferty of tournament sponsors D&K Lafferty Contractors who presented winner's medals to the Heart of Midlothian squad, the player of the tournament trophy to Hearts central defender Jordan McGhee and finally the D&K Cup to Hearts Captain Blazej Augustyn.

The Results In Full

Player of the Tournament Jordan McGhee of Heart of Midlothian

Tournament Winners Heart of Midlothian

Lewis Cameron and Dean Smith prepare to kick off against Hamilton Academical

Oban Saints D&K Cup Squad 2015
Back row left to right Peter MacCallum (Coach), Myles McAuley, Donald Campbell, Martin Bonar, Thomas McCulloch, Daniel Cassells, Willie Gemmell, Dene Cassells, Jamie Graham, Craig MacEwan, Keith Millar, Alex Craik (Manager), David Buchanan (Secretary)
Front row left to right Matthew Kelly, Lewis Cameron, Colin Carswell, PJ Sinclair, Scott Maitland, Marc Maccallum (Captain), Dean Smith, Paul Kerr

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