I Ain't Superstitious

Howlin' Wolf - I Ain't Superstitious

Saturday 29th August 2015
Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division
Oban Saints AFC v Campbeltown Pupils AFC
Glencruitten 2, Mossfield Avenue, Oban, Argyll PA34 4EH
Kick Off 2pm
Referee Mr James Litster

If things come in three's then prepare for some kind of unwelcome landmark occasion this Saturday when Campbeltown Pupils visit Glencruitten for the first Argyll Derby of the season. Saints inauspicious start to the season has included the first goalless draw in the Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division for 9 years (possibly longer as that is as far back as the league's digital records go) and the end of Saints six match winning streak at Battery Park, Greenock. But, as Chester Arthur Burnett aka Howlin' Wolf might say, I ain't superstitious!

This Saturday Saints welcome Argyll rivals Campbeltown Pupils to Glencruitten for what is widely considered to be the biggest of all the Argyll derbies. As derby matches go Pupils v Saints is not exactly local but the 88 or so miles between the two clubs does nothing to diminish their fierce rivalry. The battle for football supremacy in Argyll has raged long and hard since Saints gained admission to the Scottish Amateur Football League in 1976 paving the way for the other Argyll teams. Saints and Pupils have been by far the most successful of the Argyll clubs with both enjoying spells as "top dogs". Saints may have been first to join the SAFL but it was Pupils who were first to fulfill the criteria for admission to the Premier Divison. Similarly it was Pupils who were the first Argyll club to be crowned SAFL Premier Division Champions beating their Oban rivals to this prestigious accolade by 10 years. Since then the balance of power has swung towards Saints with the Oban club now in it's 14th consecutive season in the top flight during which time Pupils have yo-yo'd between the three divisions in the Premier League set-up. 

After a five year absence Pupils returned to the Premier Division last season on the back of two consecutive league championships, the foundation for this resurgence being a phenomenal home record of just two defeats in three seasons. Unfortunately for Pupils they were unable to continue that excellent home record in the Premier Division and lost six of their nine home fixtures. They did, however, fare slightly better on the road and gathered enough points on their travels to ensure top flight survival for another season.

The return of the Argyll Derby was a welcome addition to the fixture calendar last season and one in which Saints enjoyed the upper hand. A 59th minute Allan Mackay strike was enough to secure the points for Saints in a highly competitive match at Kintyre Park, Campbeltown last September. At Glencruitten on the final day of the season skipper Paul Grumoli converted a third minute penalty kick to give Pupils the lead but a goal in each half from top scorer Mackay saw Saints prevail to finish a frustrating season on a winning note and end retiring Manager Iain Jackson's tenure on a high. 

On the team news front striker Dean Smith serves the last of his three match suspension picked up for a red card against Alba Thistle last season, Dougal Graham remains someway short of fitness in his recovery from a broken ankle and Dene Cassells is working. With those exceptions Manager Alex Craik should have a full squad available for what is sure to be a full blooded affair for precious league points and local bragging rights. 

Campbeltown Pupils Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division Two Champions 2012 - 13

Campbeltown Pupils league fixtures so far this season:-

15th August 2015 Campbeltown Pupils 1 - 1 East Kilbride Rolls Royce

Campbeltown Pupils' recent record in the SAFL:-

2014/15 Premier Division 7th
2013/14 Premier Division One Champions Promoted
2012/13 Premier Division Two Champions Promoted
2011/12 Premier Division Two 4th
2010/11 Premier Division One 9th Relegated
2009/10 Premier Division One 7th
2008/09 Premier Division 10th Relegated
2007/08 Premier Division One 3rd Promoted
2006/07 Premier Division One 5th

Saints v Pupils in recent seasons:-

2014/15 SAFL Premier Division

13th September 2014 Campbeltown Pupils 0 - 1 Oban Saints

30th May 2015 Oban Saints 2 - 1 Campbeltown Pupils

2008/09 SAFL Premier Division

16th August 2008 Oban Saints 2 - 1 Campbeltown Pupils

20th May 2009 Campbeltown Pupils 3 - 2 Oban Saints

Action from Saints 2 - 1 win over Pupils at Lochgilphead Joint Campus in the Argyll & Bute Cup earlier this month

Donald Campbell opens the scoring for Saints

Shaun Maciver scores the winner for Saints

Action from Pupils last visit to Glencruitten on the closing day of last season

Paul Grumoli gives Pupils the lead from the penalty spot

Allan Mackay heads the winner for Saints

Iain Jackson's last half-time team talk

Allan Mackay beats Shaun Grumoli in the air

Donald Campbell lets fly

#monthesaints

Not So Sweet In Sugar Town

Anxious to improve upon their opening day showing against East Kilbride FC Amateurs Saints made their first away trip of the season last Saturday with normally happy hunting ground Battery Park, Greenock the destination. Lying in wait were newly promoted Inverclyde themselves smarting from a 4 - 0 opening day defeat by Shawlands FP and anxious to get their first points on the board. Work and family commitments deprived Saints of the services of Ross Maitland, Myles McAuley and Allan Mackay with Manager Alex Craik opting for a starting line-up of Thomas McCulloch in goal; a back four of Jamie Graham, Marc Maccallum, Dene Cassells and Scott Maitland; a midfield of Willie Gemmell, Paul Kerr and David McArthur; and a front three of Lewis Cameron, Donald Campbell and Craig MacEwan. Alex named himself on the bench alongside David Beaton, Martin Bonar and Keith Millar. Prior to kick off the players observed a one minute silence for former Scottish Amateur Football League Secretary and Executive Committee member Jack McConnell who had sadly passed away during the week.

Inverclyde Captain Gordon McKillop won the toss and elected to switch ends to defend the Greenock end in the first half. Both sides started slowly with the opening fifteen minutes played out almost entirely in the middle third and no chances of note for either side. The match eventually came to life on the quarter hour mark when determined work on the right by Lewis Cameron forced the game's first corner. Lewis swung over the corner kick where Donald Campbell's challenge prevented Inverclyde central defender Stevie Docherty from making clean contact with his clearing header. The loose ball dropped kindly for Dene Cassells whose snap shot through a ruck of players was deflected wide for a second corner. Lewis Cameron's in swinger from the left was met by a good run to the near post by Craig MacEwan who made good contact but sent his powerful header over the crossbar. Saints were at last beginning to pass the ball about but still without the pace and accuracy necessary to unlock the determined looking Inverclyde defence. Saints best chance of the half came almost exactly at the midway point, Willie Gemmell found a gap in the 'Clyde back four and played an excellent pass sending Craig MacEwan through one-on-one with keeper Michael Ptolomey. The vastly experienced keeper stood up well refusing to commit himself and made a terrific save with his legs sending the ball out for a throw-in. Willie Gemmell found Lewis Cameron with the throw but his curling right foot shot from the corner of the box flew harmlessly over the crossbar. The 'Clyde made their first serious foray up the field in the twenty fifth minute with a terrific right wing cross picking out the unmarked Craig Ellis at the back post whose weak header was comfortably held by Thomas McCulloch in the Saints goal. From the clearance Saints attacked up the right wing and, with the 'Clyde defence looking to have the situation under control, Jamie Graham pressurised left back Gordon McKillop into a mistake and robbed the' Clyde skipper inside his own box. Jamie got his shot from a tight angle on target but once again the legs of keeper Ptolomey came to the rescue of the 'Clyde defence. In the 28th minute Saints skipper Marc Maccallum made a hash of an attempted clearance allowing Darren McGregor the chance to run in behind the Saints back line. The' Clyde centre forward was through on goal but with the Saints defence regaining their ground Marc prevented a shot by pulling back his man just outside the penalty box. The foul earned the 'Clyde striker a free kick and the Saints skipper a yellow yellow card. Fortunately for Saints McGregor sent the free kick high over the crossbar but the relief was shortlived. Barely two minutes later McGregor made a terrific run up the right wing beating Scott Maitland before cutting inside and tucking a neat left foot finish just inside Thomas McCulloch's left hand post. Saints continued to struggle to get behind the well marshaled 'Clyde back four but Willie Gemmell's 37th minute pin point pass to Lewis Cameron eventually unpicked the lock. Lewis cut in from the right but, just as he got his shot away, a last ditch interception from central defender Greg Wilson took the sting out of the shot giving keeper Ptolomey a comfortable save at his near post. With five minutes of the first half remaining Donald Campbell was brought down twenty eight yards from goal and slightly left of centre. Willie Gemmell had already had a free kick from a similar position charged down by the 'Clyde defensive wall, this time he almost cleared the wall but a ricochet off two' Clyde heads sent the ball through for Ptolomey to gather safely. On the stroke of half time the 'Clyde almost doubled their advantage when Jamie Docherty made a terrific run into the box in the inside right channel before shooting across goal where Thomas McCulloch got down well to his right to catch cleanly.

Attacking the Gourock end in the second half Saints went in search of a quick equaliser but, despite a bright opening five minutes, the breakthrough failed to materialise and the frustrations of the first half continued. In the forty seventh minute Scott Maitland was brought down wide on the left just inside the 'Clyde half. Willie Gemmell swung in a dangerous freekick looking for Lewis Cameron at the back post. With Lewis poised for a spectacular volley the ball was prevented from reaching him by the outstretched boot of an Inverclyde defender deflecting the ball behind for a corner. Two minutes later Willie Gemmell and Jamie Graham linked up well on the right but Willie's tempting low cross along the six yard line found no takers in navy blue. On the hour mark Lewis Cameron made a jinking run across the face of the box picking out David McArthur in the inside left channel. David's goal bound shot was charged down bouncing agonisingly out of reach of Craig MacEwan in front of goal. Two minutes later Donald Campbell got on the end of another Willie Gemmell pass and, making a good run on the right, sent over a low cross fractionally too close to keeper Ptolomey and out of reach a Craig MacEwan. Manager Alex Craik rang the changes in the 65th minute sending on David Beaton and Keith Millar to replace Jamie Graham and David McArthur. Alex also decided to switch to a 4-2-4 formation to try and force an equaliser. Unfortunately, with Saints still adjusting to the new shape, the change had completely the opposite effect. The new midfield pairing of Paul Kerr and Keith Millar lost Jamie Docherty with Paul eventually recovering enough ground to get in a challenge bringing down the 'Clyde midfield man midway inside the Saints half. Second half substitute Brendan Gillan's long range freekick dipped just in front of Thomas McCulloch which the big Saints keeper did well to stop. Unfortunately Craig Ellis reacted quicker than the Saints defence and the keeper was left cruelly exposed as the 'Clyde midfielder slotted home the rebound from close range to double the home side's advantage. The second goal knocked the stuffing out of Saints and it was fully fifteen minutes before they could muster another effort on goal when a Lewis Cameron shot from the edge of the box brought out a good save from Michael Ptolomey low down to his right. Saints made their final change in the 82nd minute bringing on Martin Bonar to replace Craig MacEwan. Saints fell further behind in the 86th minute switching off completely at a 'Clyde throw-in on the Saints right. The ball was played to Brendan Gillan on the opposite wing who cut inside Scott Maitland and tucked a neat left foot finish inside Thomas McCulloch's left hand post. With the result well and truly beyond doubt Saints rallied slightly in the closing stages. In the 90th minute Donald Campbell made a good run showing well for a Willie Gemmell throw-in hitting the byeline and sending a tempting cut back to David Beaton whose curled a left foot shot over the junction of post and bar. Saints got their scarcely deserved consolation goal in the 93rd minute when Donald Campbell flicked on a Willie Gemmell pass into the path of David Beaton running through the inside right channel. The youngster easily outpaced central defender Stevie Docherty before lifting the ball over Michael Ptolomey and into the net. There was barely enough time left to restart the match before Referee John McQuilter, who handled the match well, blew for full time bringing a very disappointing afternoon for Saints to an end.

Saints can have no complaints about the result against an Inverclyde team who worked harder throughout and took their chances well. A dramatically improved performance is necessary if Saints are to record their first win of the new season in next Saturday's Argyll Derby at home to Campbeltown Pupils.

The players observe a silence of remembrance for the late Jack McConnell

The Inverclyde wall takes the sting out of Willie Gemmell's free kick

Dene Cassells and Scott Maitland

Thomas McCulloch

Lewis Cameron takes on Stevie Docherty

Paul Kerr beats Lee Docherty to midfield header

Scott Maitland dispossessed by Shaun McCarn

David Beaton takes on Gordon McKillop

Greg Wilson heads clear under pressure from Donald Campbell

David Beaton scores Saints consolation goal

#monthesaints

Sugar Town

Nancy Sinatra - Sugar Town

Saturday 22nd August 2015
Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division
Inverclyde AFC v Oban Saints AFC
Battery Park, Eldon Street, Greenock PA16 7QG
Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr John McQuilter

Battery Park, Greenock

Saints head for the tail o' the bank this Saturday to happy hunting ground Battery Park to face old friends and rivals Inverclyde AFC. Saints have taken maximum points on each of their last six visits to Greenock and last tasted defeat there on 5th April 2008 against an Inverclyde side who would go on to finish the season in second place losing out on goal difference only to Champions St Patrick's FP. Having flirted with relegation in season 2012 - 13, escaping the drop by a single point thanks to a last game of the season 3 - 3 draw against Saints in Oban, the 'Clyde's seven season spell in the Scottish Amateur League Premier Division came to an end in 2014. A 2 - 0 defeat against title chasing Saints at Glencruitten on 24th May 2014 left the 'Clyde in 9th place two points behind Alba Thistle consigning them to Premier Division One. Courtesy of Eaglesham, Haldane United and Thorn Athletic's departure for pastures new, last season's 5th place Premier Division One finish behind East Kilbride FC Amateurs, Shawlands FP, East Kilbride Rolls Royce and Goldenhill was enough to earn the 'Clyde an immediate return to the top flight where they feel they belong and will be determined to remain.

Despite their good record in Greenock Saints can take nothing for granted and will have to improve upon last week's performance in the 0 - 0 draw against East Kilbride FC Amateurs if they are to continue their Battery Park winning streak. Alex Craik has the usual mixture of injuries, suspensions, work and family commitments to contend with in selecting his squad for Saturday but should still be able to name a strong travelling party for his first competitive away match as Manager.

Inverclyde AFC

Inverclyde AFC results so far this season:-

15th August 2015 SAFL Centenary Cup 1st Round Rosehill Star 3 - 7 Inverclyde AFC
19th August 2015 SAFL Premier Division Inverclyde AFC 0 - 4 Shawlands FP AFC

Saints Skipper Marc MacCallum makes the introductions when the Saints and Inverclyde met in the 20113 - 14 SAFL Jimmy Marshall Trophy Final

Inverclyde AFC recent SAFL finishes:-

2006 - 07 Premier Division One 2nd Promoted
2007 - 08 Premier Division 2nd
2008 - 09 Premier Division 7th
2009 - 10 Premier Division 5th
2010 - 11 Premier Division 5th
2011 - 12 Premier Division 8th
2012 - 13 Premier Division 6th
2013 - 14 Premier Division 9th Relegated
2014 - 15 Premier Division One 5th Promoted



Saints record at Battery Park in recent seasons:-

2007 - 08 SAFL Premier Division Inverclyde AFC 3 - 1 Oban Saints
2008 - 09 SAFL Premier Division Inverclyde AFC 1 - 2 Oban Saints
2009 - 10 SAFL Premier Division Inverclyde AFC 2 - 3 Oban Saints
2010 - 11 SAFL Premier Division Inverclyde AFC 2 - 4 Oban Saints
2011 - 12 SAFL Premier Division Inverclyde AFC 3 - 4 Oban Saints
2012 - 13 SAFL Premier Division Inverclyde AFC 0 - 5 Oban Saints
2013 - 14 SAFL Premier Division Inverclyde AFC 0 - 1 Oban Saints

Willie Gemmell opens the scoring in Saints 5 - 0 win at Battery Park on 12th January 2013

#monthesaints

Rare Stalemate

Saints opened their 2015-16 league campaign with an ultra-rare goalless draw against newly promoted East Kilbride FC Amateurs at Glencruitten last Saturday. The Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division new boys were last season's Premier Division One champions and were fully expected to provide a stiff test of Saints own title aspirations.

With every player showing up well in pre-season Manager Alex Craik had some difficult decisions to make in whittling his numbers down to sixteen for the match day squad and an even tougher job in selecting his first competitive starting eleven. Definitely out of the equation were Dougal Graham (injured), Keith Millar (on honeymoon) and Dean Smith (suspended). Throwing his hat into the ring after a three week absence was fit again skipper Marc Maccallum. The Manager elected to start with Thomas McCulloch in goal; a back four of Martin Bonar, Marc Maccallum, Dene Cassells and Scott Maitland ; a midfield of Myles McAuley, Paul Kerr and Donald Campbell; and a strike force of Lewis Cameron, Allan Mackay and Craig MacEwan. On the bench were Willie Gemmell, Jamie Graham, Ross Maitland, David McArthur and Shaun Maciver.

On the most perfect of playing surfaces, beautifully prepared by the Council's grounds staff, Saints kicked off attacking the railway line end and forced the first corner kick of the match after just two minutes. Lewis Cameron's in swinger from the Saints left was easily cleared by the EK defence who were to prove an impossible nut to crack. At the other end EK gave an early indication that they had come in search of more than just a share of the points when, pouncing on a slip on the left of the Saints defence, they forced their way into the Saints box and rattled the outside of Thomas McCulloch's left hand post. Saints carved out a decent chance in the tenth minute getting in behind the EK defence for the first time. Craig MacEwan played a neat pass inside fullback Stuart Cox sending Scott Maitland racing to the byeline where the Saints left back did well do dig out a cross. The cut back found Allan Mackay unmarked on the penalty spot but, with far more time than he realised, Allan planted his header wide of target. The visitors were playing the very same system that Saints are now trying to adopt and looked very comfortable in that shape. Both sides were passing the ball well from the back and through the midfield but the vital final pass in the attacking third was lacking. It wasn't until midway through the first half that Saints were again able to get behind the well drilled EK defence and when they did Allan Mackay was again unable to turn another good Scott Maitland cut back on target. In between times Saints had two efforts from distance, firstly Dene Cassells came striding forward from central defence and fired in a powerful shot from fully thirty yards which looked to be on target but was deflected wide of the danger area. Myles McAuley then had an audacious attempt from a free kick inside the centre circle after Lewis Cameron had been brought down. Spotting EK goalkeeper Ross Meldrum off his line, Myles took the free kick quickly but sent his lobbed effort narrowly wide of the retreating keeper's right hand post. EK were also trying to push their fullbacks forward with skipper Gavin Thomson being used to good effect on the left wing. In the 23rd minute Thomson combined well with centre forward Jonny Diack but the striker's shot from a tight angle hit the side netting. On the half hour mark EK has their best chance of the half when the impressive Diack's turn on the eighteen yard line left Dene Cassells for dead and placed him one on one with Thomas McCulloch. Diack elected to shoot first time but the big keeper produced the save of the match to fingertip the ball onto the inside of his left hand post. Thomas reacted quicker than the striker and was up in a flash to safely gather the rebound in front of the posts. Saints enjoyed a better spell towards the end of the half but again couldn't apply the finishing touch. In the 37th minute Craig MacEwan chased down a pass back robbing the goalkeeper leaving him stranded wide of his goal line. Craig squared the ball to Allan Mackay but with the Saints target man just about to pull the trigger EK central defender Gary McDowal got back to knick the ball off Allan's toe. Two minutes later Allan Mackay flicked on a long ball from Myles McAuley sending Lewis Cameron through on goal, Lewis fired in a left foot shot from a narrow angle but the keeper made a good save at his near post to turn the ball behind for a corner. Lewis took the corner which Donald Campbell controlled on the corner of the six yard box and played back to Lewis who again aimed for the near post where his shot was deflected behind for another corner which this time was comfortably dealt with. In the final minute of the half Scott Maitland made another good run to the byeline and delivered a tempting cut back which was once again knicked away with Allan Mackay ready to shoot.

Saints made a good start to the second half but were almost caught out on the break when Jonny Diack beat Paul Kerr and sent a low cross from the left across the face of goal which fortunately for Saints was slightly too heavy for the onrushing Jamie Innes to connect with. In the 49th minute Martin Bonar ventured forward from right back and delivered a good cross into the box for Allan Mackay. Allan's hook shot was blocked on the six yard line and rebounded to Donald Campbell whose shot from the edge of the box was deflected over the crossbar for a corner kick. Lewis Cameron swung in the corner from the right for Craig MacEwan to rise above the defence but send his header over the crossbar. Five minutes later Craig MacEwan cut in from the left and picked out Allan Mackay just inside the box. With his back to goal Allan turned his marker but shot straight at Ross Meldrum who held well. At the other end Saints keeper Thomas McCulloch also held well when forced into a save from a shot from the edge of the box by EK right back Stuart Cox. From McCulloch's  clearance Saints went straight on the attack with Scott Maitland and Craig MacEwan linking up well on the left for Craig to cut into the box and send a tantalising cross along the six yard line which Allan Mackay did well to reach at the back post but couldn't direct on target. Craig tried his luck himself in the 64th minute when he burst into the box but blasted his shot over the junction of post and bar. One minute later from a similar position Lewis Cameron hit the target but his shot was well held by keeper Meldrum. Manager Alex Craik made his first change after 68 minutes bringing on Jamie Graham to replace Martin Bonar at right back. Jamie offered Saints a bit more going forward but his increased sense of adventure left space for EK to expose resulting in the best chance of the match in the 75th minute. After good work on the left, dangerman Jonny Diack beat Marc Maccallum wide on the edge of the box and squared to Scott McEwan for what should have been a routine tap-in but fortunately for Saints the EK man somehow managed to send the ball over the bar much to the relief of all in navy blue. Manager Alex Craik made two further changes replacing Allan Mackay and Lewis Cameron with Shaun Maciver and Ross Maitland but the fresh legs could do nothing to change the outcome of the game. With no further incidents of note in the closing stages Referee Alan Frame, who had enjoyed an easy afternoon's work, brought an even contest to end with the hosts perhaps slightly lucky to escape with a point.

Next up for Saints is a trip to Battery Park, Greenock to face old rivals Inverclyde.

Glencruitten 2 in perfect condition for the opening game of the season

Craig MacEwan and East Kilbride's Stuart Cox

Dene Cassells prepares to let fly

Lewis Cameron

East Kilbride goalkeeper Ross Meldrum

Ross Maitland

Allan Mackay and Gary McDowal

Craig MacEwan heads over

Jamie Graham

#monthesaints

Dawning of a New Era

(Dawning of A) New Era - The Specials

Saturday 15th August 2015
Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division
Oban Saints AFC v East Kilbride FC Amateurs
Glencruitten 2, Mossfield Avenue, Oban, Argyll PA34 4EH
Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr Alan Frame




Saints rounded off their pre-season schedule in the best possible style with the capture of their eleventh Argyll & Bute Cup in Lochgilphead last Saturday. After three forty minute games against Dunoon Athletic, Oban Athletic and Campbeltown Pupils Saints progressed from the group sections to face St Mirren Under 19's in the semi-finals where they defeated the young Buddies by two goals to nil. In a good day for Oban football in general Oban Athletic also progressed to the final however the Argyll & Bute Cup new boys finally ran out of steam and went down 4 - 0 to Saints in a very one sided final.

With the first cup already safely tucked away in the Saints trophy cabinet the Alex Craik era begins in earnest this Saturday with the visit to Glencruitten of newly promoted East Kilbride FC Amateurs. The amateur wing of highly ambitious Scottish Lowland Football League club East Kilbride FC have taken the Scottish Amateur Football League by storm in recent seasons securing an unprecedented four consecutive league titles in a relentless march to the top division, In addition to their hugely impressive league form EKFC Amateurs have also recorded some highly commendable cup runs reaching the seventh round of the Scottish Amateur Cup last season and the sixth round the season before. Last season also saw them reach the final of the Jimmy Marshall Trophy where they lost out by two goals to one to Premier Division Champions St Joseph's FP.

With only the injured Dougal Graham and the honeymooning Keith Millar definitely unavailable, and Skipper Marc Maccallum a doubt, new Saints Manager Alex Craik has a large squad to choose from and faces some tough decisions in selecting his final sixteen for Saturday's first match of the season proper. All players who featured in the pre-season matches acquitted themselves well and will feel they have done enough to claim a place in the match day squad. "Sir" Alex  already shown no hesitation in changing Saints long standing formation and will now relish the chance to put his own stamp on the starting XI. Inevitably some will be disappointed however with a long season ahead there will plenty opportunities ahead for those missing out to force themselves back into the reckoning.    

East Kilbride FC Amateurs SAFL Premier Division 1 Champions 2014-15

East Kilbride FC Amateurs SAFL Division 1A Champions 2013-13

East Kilbride FC Amateurs Scottish Amateur Football League record;-

2014-15 Premier Division One Champions Promoted

2013-14 Premier Division Two Champions Promoted

2012-13 Division 1A Champions Promoted

2011-12 Division 1B Champions Promoted

In Other News

The draws for the first round of the Scottish Amateur Cup and the first and second rounds of the West of Scotland Cup were made on Monday 10th August. Saints were one of 220 West Region teams to receive a bye into round two of the Scottish Amateur Cup and must wait until week commencing 7th September to learn where their journey in "the Scottish" will begin this season. Saints also received a first round bye in the West of Scotland Cup and were drawn away from home in round two to either fellow Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division side East Kilbride Rolls Royce or FC Clydebank of SAFL Premier Division Two. 

Oban Saints victorious 2015 Argyll & Bute Cup squad 

In Other Other News

Last Saturday, former Saints Club Captain and now Player/Coach, Keith Millar finally tied the knot with his long suffering term partner Marion Gemmell. Congratulations to both.

Mr & Mrs Keith Millar

#monthesaints

Argyll & Bute Cup Round-up

Saints rounded off their busy pre-season schedule in the best possible style by winning the Argyll and Bute Cup in Lochgilphead last Saturday. In what was to prove a very good day for Oban football in general Saints defeated the tournament's surprise package Oban Athletic in the final after three group section games and a semi-final.

The eight participating teams were divided into two groups of four playing each once in matches lasting forty minutes. Group One at the Ropework Park consisted of hosts and trophy holders Lochgilphead Red Star, Dunoon, Tarbert and a very youthful St Mirren Under 19's side drafted in to replace Rothesay Brandane who were unable to attend. On the all weather surface at Lochgilphead Joint Campus Group Two was contested by Oban Saints, Campbeltown Pupils and tournament debutants Dunoon Athletic and Oban Athletic.

Match Officials

Allan Frame

Jimmy Litster

Archie Mitchell

Pat O'Donnell

Jim Pearson

John Scott

Group Stages

Injuries, holidays and work commitments robbed Saints of the services of Martin Bonar, Daniel Cassells, Willie Gemmell, Scott Maitland, Keith Millar and Skipper Marc Maccallum however Manager Alex Craik was still able to name a sixteen man squad plus himself if circumstances required. Saints and Dunoon Athletic got things underway in Group Two where Saints were fortunate to survive a very shaky start to reach half time still level at 0 - 0. Saints made a far better start to the second half and took less than sixty seconds to take the lead. Ross Maitland made a good run from his unfamiliar right back berth and swung in a perfect cross for Craig MacEwan to power a header into the bottom corner. Moments later Craig was denied a second goal by a good save by the Athletic keeper when Craig got on the end of a terrific pass from Donald Campbell to fire in a powerful shot. The makeshift back four of Ross Maitland, Jamie Graham, Dene Cassells and David McArthur were still not completely at ease and Athletic equalised in the twenty fourth minute when a cross from their left looped over Dene Cassells leaving the lone Athletic striker one on one with the Saints keeper. The Dunoon man rifled a shot into the top corner man giving Thomas McCulloch no chance. Saints regained the lead in the 29th minute when Donald Campbell made a determined run into the box before slipping the ball to Craig MacEwan to finish neatly into the bottom corner past the keeper's left hand for his and Saints second goal. Saints were well on top now and Manager Alex Craik decided on a couple of changes replacing Dean Smith and Lewis Cameron with Shaun MacIvor and, making his first pre-season appearance, David Beaton. Shaun made an instant impact winning a corner on the Saints left from which Donald Campbell was convinced he had scored. Donald's in swinger appeared to cross the line before being scrambled clear at the near post by the Athletic defence. Referee Jimmy Litster was unconvinced and dismissed the Saints appeals later revealing that he had heard no "beep" therefore the ball couldn't have crossed the line. Whether goal line technology was actually in use at the tournament remains unconfirmed! The game finished without further scoring giving first blood to Saints.

Saints Captain for the day Donald Campbell

Craig MacEwan nets the winner for Saints against Dunoon Athletic

The opening match in Group One saw hosts Lochgilphead Red Star lose out 2 - 1 to 2006 Cup winners Dunoon. This was quickly followed by a convincing 3 - 1 win for the youngsters of St Mirren over Tarbert who were handicapped by the tournament's only red card for a first half hand ball on the goal line.


Back in Group Two Argyll and Bute Cup new boys Oban Athletic put in a very good performance before losing out 1 - 0 to Campbeltown Pupils. Athletic remained on the pitch for match three where they would face Oban Saints for the very first time. With a number of former Saints players in their ranks, and managed by former Saint Steven MacLeod, this promised to be a very interesting encounter. Saints Manager Alex Craik made just one change to the starting XI from the first match deploying Allan Mackay at centre forward at the expense of Dean Smith. Saints signalled their intent right from the start with Donald Campbell getting a shot on target in the first minute which was easily saved by former Saints keeper Graham "Sugar" Douglas. The pair were in action again shortly after this Donald getting considerably more power in his shot which Sugar could only beat away. Lewis Cameron, operating on the right of the front three, won a 7th minute corner on the right from which he found the head of Allan Mackay unfortunately his strike partner couldn't keep his header down and the ball flew over the crossbar. Saints came agonisingly close to opening the scoring in the tenth minute when Craig MacEwan made a good run on the left cutting the ball back to Donald Campbell whose shot was again saved by Sugar. The keeper however could only parry Donald's shot and the ball broke temptingly for Ross Maitland who frustratingly could only turn the ball against the post from one yard out. Saints kept up the pressure with Lewis Cameron forcing another corner on the right. Saints again won the header but this time it was Craig MacEwan who was unable to hit the target. In the 13th minute David McArthur cut in from the left and fired in a terrific right foot shot which appeared to be handled in the penalty box before flying wide of target. Referee Pat O'Donnell however remained unmoved by the Saints appeals and signalled for a corner kick. Lewis Cameron again delivered well with keeper Sugar's attempted punched clearance only reaching David McArthur whose spectacular overhead kick cleared the crossbar by a matter of inches. Saints closed the half with a shot from the edge of the box by Ross Maitland again going the wrong side of the bar for a 0 - 0 half time scoreline. The second half promised more of the same but Athletic put the cat among the pigeons with a 24th minute goal completely against the run of play. A long ball from the back caught out the Saints defence who were forced to concede a corner kick on the Athletic right. The corner kick was swung over for what looked like a routine catch for Thomas McCulloch however the big keeper somehow allowed the ball to slip through his hands onto the grateful head of Athletic captain Craig Campbell whose header looped over Ross Maitland guarding the back post and into the net. Saints were stunned by this totally unscripted reverse and seemed to lose their composure whereas their opponents retained theirs and stuck resolutely to their defensive game plan. Saints rarely threatened in the remainder of the second half failing to exploit the full width of the wide park to get in behind the well disciplined Athletic back line with the tournament new boys comfortably holding on to record a deserved if unlikely win.

Ross Maitland hits the post against Oban Athletic

David McArthur tries unsuccessfully to catch out Graham Douglas at his near post 

Back at the Ropework Red Star gained their only point of the day in a 0 - 0 draw with St Mirren while Dunoon kept up their winning start defeating Tarbert 1 - 0.


The unexpected defeat against Oban Athletic coupled with Campbeltown Pupils 1 - 0 win over Dunoon Athletic left Saints needing to beat Pupils in their final match to maintain their chances of progressing to the knock out stages. Manager Alex Craik sprung a few surprises in his line-up for this crucial match giving the right full back role to young Matthew Kelly and a debut to Elliot Dougall in the middle of the park. The Manager also dropped Craig MacEwan back into the defence with David Beaton coming in to take the right side of the front three with Lewis Cameron switching to the left. Saints opened the scoring in the 8th minute after good work on the right by David Beaton picked out Dean Smith just inside the Pupil's penalty box. Dean showed good strength to hold off his marker and lay the ball off to Donald Campbell to slam the ball into the bottom corner past Reid Anderson's right hand. Instead of settling for what they had Saints were guilty of over committing to attack and left themselves woefully short at the back where Pupils picked them off on the break for the equaliser. Shaun MacIvor came on as a second half replacement for Lewis Cameron but with no breakthrough coming in the first five minutes Saints had to go for broke and switched to an attacking 4 - 2 - 4 formation with Elliot Dougall coming off to make way for Allan Mackay. The switch paid dividends in the 29th minute when an excellent move up the right involving Matthew Kelly, David Beaton and Myles McAuley ended with David crossing to Shaun MacIvor who slammed home from seven yards out to restore the lead. Saints endured a nervous closing ten minutes plus four minutes of stoppage time to secure their place in the semi-finals but still had to wait on the outcome of the final match between Oban Athletic and Dunoon Athletic to find out who would top the section.
Oban won the battle of the Athletics 3 - 0 thanks to a hat-trick from former Saints player Colin Tindal seeing them safely through to the semi-finals as group winners on goal difference eliminating Campbeltown Pupils into the bargain.

Donald Campbell opens the scoring against Campbeltown Pupils

Shaun MacIvor slams home the winner against Campbeltown Pupils

In Group One Red Star's defence of the trophy stuttered to a halt after a 3 - 0 defeat to Tarbert leaving Dunoon and St Mirren to fight it out for top spot which the young Buddies duly earned by beating the Dunoon men 2 - 0.

Third and Fourth Place Playoffs

The playoffs were staged on the all weather pitch at Lochgilphead Joint Campus where, in the first match, Tarbert and Dunoon Athletic drew 1 - 1 with the sides electing not to proceed to a penalty shoot-out. Campbeltown Pupils and Lochgilphead Red Star contested the second play off which ended goalless before Pupils eventually prevailed 5 - 4 in the shoot-out.

Semi-finals

The Oban Saints faced the Paisley Saints in the first semi-final with the Oban lads coming flying out of the traps to take the lead inside sixty seconds. Donald Campbell played a delightful pass inside the Buddie's full back for Kevin Keen to run onto and deliver an inch perfect cross for Allan Mackay to drill home from ten yards. Saints kept up the pressure on the Buddie's youngsters with Kevin Keen narrowly failing to connect at the back post with a terrific Donald Campbell cross in the third minute. David Beaton was enjoying being back on a football pitch after an absence of several months and was unlucky not to score in the 9th minute after an excellent turn and shot was well saved by the Buddie's keeper. Ross Maitland presented Allan Mackay with a good opportunity for his second goal of the afternoon but the striker was unable to keep his shot down after a good cross from the wee man. Donald Campbell was next to try his luck from distance but he was also unable to keep his shot below the crossbar. In the 18th minute Myles McAuley made a powerful run into the box picking out Allan Mackay whose shot from twelve yards was straight at the keeper. Saints had the benefit of playing down the Ropework slope in the second half and in the 24th minute a sweeping move down the right involving David Beaton, Myles McAuley and Allan Mackay set up Donald Campbell for a shot which slipped wide of the keeper's right hand post. One minute later persistent play on the right wing from Kevin Keen won a corner which Ross Maitland placed straight onto Donald Campbell's forehead for the Saints skipper to bullet an unstoppable header into the net. The Buddies were presented with an opportunity to get back into the game when Referee Pat O'Donnell rather charitably ruled that Saints were guilty of holding at a rare St Mirren corner kick. Saints keeper Thomas McCulloch, back on his old Ropework stomping ground, got down well to his left to stop the spot kick allowing the Saints defence to scramble the ball to safety. Manager Alex Craik made three changes for the closing ten minutes withdrawing Allan Mackay, David Beaton and Donald Campbell replacing them with Dean Smith, Matthew Kelly and Elliot Dougal. Matthew Kelly made an instant impact on the left of the front three winning a free kick just outside the box. Matthew took the kick himself teeing up David McArthur for a good right foot strike across the keeper but wide of the post. Saints remained in control comfortably seeing out the final minutes to win 2 - 0 and book their place in the final.

Donald Campbell heads home Saints second goal against St Mirren Under 19's

Thomas McCulloch saves St Mirren's second half penalty kick

Kevin Keen was one of three former Red Star Lochgilphead players in the Saints squad

In the second semi-final Oban Athletic recovered from a 1 - 0 half-time deficit to equalise in the second period sending the tie to a penalty shoot-out. The format was to be three penalties each before sudden death. Dunoon scored with the first penalty before Kris Gillies levelled for Athletic. Graham Douglas saved the second Dunoon kick giving Scott Johnston the chance to put Athletic ahead which he duly completed. The third Dunoon penalty was missed sending Oban Athletic through to the final for a second Oban Derby of the day.

The Final

Saints lined up for the final with Thomas McCulloch in goal; a back four of Ross Maitland, Jamie Graham, Dene Cassells and David McArthur; a midfield of Myles McAuley, Paul Kerr and Donald Campbell; and a front three of Lewis Cameron, Allan Mackay and Craig MacEwan. Saints won the toss of Referee Jimmy Litster's coin and elected to kick up the slope in the first half. The Athletic game plan was identical to the first match however by this time their legs and minds were beginning to tire and Saints had a far easier task in finding the gaps in their defence. In the sixth minute Stephen Kelly hauled down Lewis Cameron twenty five yards from goal giving Saints a free kick in a dangerous position. Allan Mackay took the kick which Graham Douglas got a hand to but couldn't keep out of the net. Two minutes later Saints were two in front, Graham Douglas made an excellent save from a Lewis Cameron shot turning the ball round the post for corner. Lewis took the corner from the Saints right where Sugar made another good stop from a Donald Campbell header but was powerless to stop Myles McAuley  from heading the rebound into the unguarded net. In the 13th minute Lewis Cameron made a terrific run up the left wing and spotted a well timed Craig MacEwan near post run. Lewis picked out the run but Craig's flicked finish went wide of target. Saints extended their lead on the quarter hour with a stunning Allan Mackay 25 yard strike from the corner of the box which flew past Sugar into the postage stamp corner. In the 19th minute Lewis Cameron took one heavy challenge too many and limped off to be replaced by David Beaton just before Referee Litster brought the half to an end.
Saints kicked off the second half attacking the pavilion end and quickly put the result beyond any doubt when David McArthur picked out Donald Campbell's run into the box to lift the ball over the advancing Graham Douglas and into the net to make the score 4 - 0. With the match over as a contest Saints dropped the tempo a little but still managed to test the keeper with a fierce David McArthur shot from the edge of the box from which Sugar pulled off a terrific save. Manager Alex Craik gave late run-outs to Elliot Dougall, Shaun MacIvor, Matthew Kelly and Dean Smith as replacements for Paul Kerr, Allan Mackay, Donald Campbell and Craig MacEwan respectively. Referee Jimmy Litster, who together with assistants Jim Pearson and John Scott, handled a sporting contest well, brought proceedings to an end giving Saints their eleventh Argyll and Bute Cup success.

Donald Campbell introduces the Saints players to the tournament sponsors

Allan Mackay opens the scoring for Saints

Allan Mackay harries the Oban Athletic central defensive pairing of Daniel MacKinnon and Craig Campbell

Paul Kerr wins this aerial joust with Scott MacMillan

Oban Saints Argyll & Bute Cup Winners 2015

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