Move On

Saturday 2nd April 2016
Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division
Oban Saints AFC v Goldenhill AFC
Glencruitten 2
Mossfield Avenue
Oban
Argyll
PA34 4EH
Referee Mr. Jim Rose

Following Thursday nights disappointment in the Scottish Amateur Cup Semi Final Saints have no time to dwell on what might have been and return to league business this Saturday afternoon in a match which is sure to have a significant bearing on the final destination of the Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division title. Visitors Goldenhill are undefeated in eight Premier Division matches with only Saints and Finnart managing to take points from the newly promoted side. Goldenhill's sensational form has not been restricted to league matches and has propelled them into the semi finals of both the West of Scotland Cup, where they will face the mighty Colville Park, and the Scottish Amateur Football League Centenary Cup against current Premier Division leaders St Joseph's FP. Victory in the Centenary Cup semi-final would give Goldenhill the chance to avenge one of only two defeats so far this season which came last Saturday in the third round of the Scottish Amateur Football League Jimmy Marshall Trophy at the hands of Premier Division One promotion chasing Ferguslie Park. The West of Scotland Cup semi-final creates another revenge opportunity for the Gowdie as it was Colville Park who inflicted their only other defeat in the fifth round of the Scottish Amateur Cup.

Saints only previous encounter with the Gowdie came last November in a thrilling 4 - 4 Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division draw at Clydebank High School. A close range Craig MacEwan finish followed by a sensational Paul Kerr looping header gave Saints a two goal half time lead which, in truth, should have been more. Saints were severely punished for their first half profligacy when their lead was cancelled out by two James Gallagher goals in as many minutes at the start of the second half. Gallagher completed the turn around and his hat trick in the fifty third minute slotting a knock down past Thomas McCulloch. Craig MacEwan and Ross Maitland combined well for Ross to bring Saints level before Dean Smith turned the result on it's head again after Scott Rennie failed to hold a Willie Gemmell twenty five yard piledriver. Saints were then afforded a two man advantage when first Jack Bennett and then Chris McGrath received their marching orders from Referee Gordon Hay. Despite being reduced to nine men it was the Gowdie who looked most likely to add to the scoring in the closing stages. Eventually the panic stricken Saints rearguard was breached for the fourth time in the eighty ninth minute when Damon Gray headed a long throw-in past Thomas McCulloch to give the home side an unlikely but thoroughly deserved share of the points.

#monthesaints

Scaling The Heights

Thursday 31st March 2016
The Scottish Amateur Football Association Challenge Cup Competition

Semi Final Tie
Oban Saints AFC v Leven United AFC
New Douglas Park, Hamilton ML3 0FT
Kick off 7.30pm
Referee Mr Kenny Taylor
Assistant Referee Mr Kieran Traynor
Assistant Referee Mr Ross Holms
Fourth Official Mr Graeme Bowman

This Thursday evening Saints travel to New Douglas Park home of good friends Hamilton Academical for the most important fixture in the Club's fifty six year history. After forty plus years of competing in Scottish amateur football's blue riband event Saints now stand within one match of an appearance in the final of the Scottish Amateur Football Association Challenge Cup Competition. Barring the path to the final at Hampden Park are fellow semi-final debutantesLeven United of the Kingdom Caledonian Amateur Football Association. 

Leven's route to the semi finals has been an arduous one including three replays and two penalty shoot outs. Having won both of the Kingdom Caledonian League cup competitions last season Leven started their national cup campaign in confident mood making short work of first opponents Newcraighall Leith Victoria strolling to a comfortable 7 - 0 away victory. New up was another away trip to Victoria Locos who took Leven to a replay at King George V Park before the Fifers ultimately triumphed by seven goals to three. Having successfully negotiated the early regional stages of th competition Leven treated their home support to another goal glut in round three putting seven past Carluke without reply. Round four included the novelty of a ferry journey across the Firth of Clyde for a hard fought win over Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division One Dunoon Amateurs. Leven took arguably their biggest scalp in round five knocking out Caledonian League Premier Division Giffnock North in a penalty shoot-out after home and away 2 - 2 draws. Round six again paired Leven with top quality opposition in the shape of East Kilbride YM. Once again Leven failed to capitalise on their home advantage and were taken all the way to a second consecutive penalty shoot-out before eventually booking their place in their first ever Scottish Amateur Cup Quarter Final against Linlithgow Thistle. After a very even opening forty five minutes were given a massive and ultimately decisive advantage when Thistle lost two players to red cards midway through the second half. Leven put the extra space to good use stretching their disheartened opponents to clinch a 3 - 0 victory and secure an historic semi-final appearance.

Leven have used the extra momentum of their Scottish Cup run to good effect and have also won through to the quarter finals of the Fife Amateur Cup and the semi finals of the Kingdom Caledonian League Cup. 

Like most teams still involved in the later stages of the big cup competitions Leven lag well behind in terms of completed league fixtures and are currently in fifth place in the Kingdom Caledonian League thirteen points behind leaders Bowhill Rovers. However with only five points dropped so far and twelve remaining fixtures Leven look well placed to launch an assault on the league title which they last won in 2009.

Saints run to the semi finals may have featured only half of the number of fixtures faced by Leven United however the quality of the opposition faced rendered the passage equally difficult. After a West section first round bye Saints enjoyed a comfortable 9 -1 win over Millbeg Villa of Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division Two in round two which featured five goals from Craig MacEwan plus two from Donald Campbell and one each from Dean Smith and Allan Mackay. This was followed in round three by a walkover due to the collapse of scheduled opponents Condorrat Club. The fourth round began a run of fixtures against much fancied opposition and a string of notable scalps for Manager Alex Craik in his first season in the Saints hot seat. A solitary fourth round Donald Campbell strike edged Saints past three time Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division winners Postal United now of the Central Scottish Amateur Football League. The resumption of football following the Christmas and New Year break saw Saints paired with last season's beaten finalists Craigshill Thistle in round five. Donald Campbell was on the score sheet again adding to a brace from Dean Smith and a sensational Willie Gemmell free kick giving Saints a thoroughly deserved victory over the Livingston side. Saints repeated this score line in the sixth round away at Stirling City of the Central Scottish Amateur Football League with a rare Keith Millar goal rounding off the scoring after Craig MacEwan, Donald Campbell and an unfortunate own goal had already put Saints in the driving seat. It was back to Glencruitten for the sixth round visit of reigning Caledonian League Premier Division Champions Doune Castle who were put to the sword in clinical style with Scott Maitland joining regular goal scorers Craig MacEwan, Dean Smith and Donald Campbell on the score sheet in a 5 - 1 win. Saints debut in the Scottish Amateur Cup semi-final was earned two weeks ago with a narrow 2 - 1 over the recently reformed and thoroughly revitalised Shortlees Amateurs from Kilmarnock. Another spectacular effort from Willie Gemmell's seemingly inexhaustible store of free kicks was cancelled out from the penalty spot by Keir Knapp before Allan Mackay kept his nerve to slot home a late winner after after a sensational run by Donald Campbell.

After a long absence this year's final returns to it's traditional home of Hampden Park. Awaiting Saints or Leven United in the showcase Hampden Park final are tournament favourites Colville Park or Possil YM of Central Scottish Amateur Football League Division 1A.

With the exception of long term injury victim Martin Bonar and the suspended Dene Cassells, and barring any last minute work related call off's, Manager Alex Craik will have a full squad at his disposal as he plots to lead Saints to the previously unscaled heights of the Scottish Amateur Cup final.

Leven United Fife Amateur Cup Winners 2012 - 13

Leven United's Scott Methven in action for the SAFA Select

New Douglas Park

Leven United's Recent Kingdom Caledonian Amateur Football Association record:-

2011-12 Fourth Division 4th
2012-13 Kingdom Caledonian League 2nd and Fife Amateur Cup Winners
2013-14 Kingdom Caledonian League 2nd
2014-15 Kingdom Caledonian League 4th. Kingdom and Caledonian Cup Winners


Leven United's results so far this season:-

Kingdom Caledonian AFA 

8th August 2015 Leven United 1 - 3 Bowhill Rovers
11th August 2015 Cupar Hearts 1 - 8 Leven United
15th August 2015 Leven United 6 - 0 Eastvale
18th August 2015 Leven United 3 - 0 Kettle United
5th September 2015 Kinross 0 - 2 Leven United
12th September 2015 Leven United 3 - 1 Rosyth Civil Service
26th September 2015 Greig Park Rangers 2 - 6 Leven United
10th October 2015 Strathmiglo United 3 - 3 Leven United
28th November 2015 Leven United 8 - 1 Glenrothes
23rd January 2016 Eastvale 0 - 7 Leven United

Kingdom Caledonian AFA League Cup

Round One
22nd August 2015 Leven United 5 - 0 Cupar Hearts

Round Two
29th August 2015 Greig Park Rangers 2 - 2 Leven United
Leven United win 3 - 2 on penalty kicks


Caledonian Cup

Round One
Bye

Round Two
24th October 2015 Glenrothes 0 - 9 Leven United



Fife Amateur Cup

Round One
17th October 2015 Leven United 8 - 2 Auchtermuchty Bellevue

Round Two
21st November 2015 Leven United 2 - 1 Bowhill Rovers

Round Three
27th February 2016 Leven United 3 - 1 Valleyfield

Round Four
26th March 2016 Rosebank Rangers - Leven United

Leven United's Progress to the Scottish Amateur Cup Semi Finals:-

Round One
Bye

Round Two
3rd October 2015 Newcraighall Leith Victoria 0 - 7 Leven United

Round Three
31st October 2015 Victoria Loco 2 - 2 Leven United
7th November 2015 Leven United 7 - 3 Victoria Loco

Round Four
19th December 2105 Leven United 7 - 1 Carluke

Round Five
9th January 2016 Dunoon Amateurs 1 - 2  Leven United

Round Six
6th February 2016 Leven United 2 - 2 Giffnock North
13th February 2016 Giffnock North 2 - 2 Leven United (After Extra Time)
Leven United win 4 - 1 on penalty kicks

Round Seven
5th March 2016 Leven United 1 - 1 East Kilbride YM
12th March 2016 East Kilbride YM 2 - 2 Leven United (After Extra Time)
Leven United win 5 - 3 on penalty kicks

Quarter Final
19th March 2016 Leven United 3 - 0 Linlithgow Thistle



Saints progress to the Scottish Amateur Cup Semi Finals:-

1st Round
Bye

2nd Round
3rd October 2015 Oban Saints 9 - 1 Millbeg Villa

3rd Round
31st October 2015 Condoratt Club v Oban Saints - Walkover to Saints

4th Round
12th December 2105 Postal United 0 - 1 Oban Saints

5th Round
9th January 2016 Oban Saints 4 - 1 Craigshill Thistle

6th Round
6th February 2016 Stirling City 1 - 4 Oban Saints

7th Round
5th March 2016 Oban Saints 5 - 1 Doune Castle

Quarter Final
19th March 2016 Oban Saints 2 - 1 Shortlees Amateurs

Round Two - Donald Campbell nets Saints second goal against Millbeg Villa

Round Four - Saints skipper Marc Maccallum in the thick of the action against Postal United

Round Five - Craigshill Thistle keeper Robert Sinclair produces a terrific save to Deny Ross Maitland

Round Six - Willie Gemmell, Keith Millar and Dene Cassells celebrate Keith's late strike against Stirling City

Round Seven - Scott Maitland scores Saints fourth goal against Doune Castle

Quarter Final - Willie Gemmell opens the scoring against Shortlees Amateurs

#monthesaints

Stuck In The Middle

Stuck In The Middle - Stealers Wheel

Saturday 26th March 2016
Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division
Oban Saints AFC v St Joseph's FP AFC
Glencruitten 2, Mossfield Avenue, Oban, Argyll PA34 4EH
Kick Off 2pm
Referee Mr John Scott

Last Time Out

Saints survived a second half onslaught from a very impressive Shortlees Amateurs side at Glencruitten last Saturday afternoon to book their first ever Scottish Amateur Cup semi-final slot. The home side had the better of the first half with Shortlees keeper Garry Murdoch pulling off excellent saves to deny Donald Campbell and Ross Maitland. Dean Smith also came agonisingly close to opening the scoring scooping a difficult chance over the crossbar from inside the six yard box. The deadlock was eventually broken seven minutes before the half time interval by dead ball expert Willie Gemmell. Craig MacEwan won a free kick twenty two yards out and slightly left of centre, perfect territory for Willie's deadly right foot. Willie certainly didn't disappoint and curled the ball round the Shortlees wall and into the net past a rooted to the spot Garry Murdoch.

Shortlees carried far more threat in the second half and the pressure from the visitors eventually told in the sixty ninth minute. Lees danger man Keir Knapp made a strong run into the Saints box where he was upended by a mistimed tackle from second half substitute Myles McAuley. Knapp took the kick himself which he squeezed under the dive of Thomas McCulloch who guessed correctly but just couldn't get down quick enough to prevent Knapp's effort hitting the back of the net. The visitors were in the ascendency at this point and, urged on by their boisterous supporters, looked the more likely to net a crucial second goal. However it was Saints who succeeded in the respect with just two minutes of the ninety remaining. A tremendous jinking run from Donald Campbell tore open the Lees defence before rolling the ball to substitute Allan Mackay to calmly side foot the ball past Murdoch's left hand and into the bottom corner of the net. Just one minute later Myles McAuley had a tremendous opportunity to put the tie beyond any doubt but couldn't get the ball out of his feet when picked out at the back post after a good run and cross by Craig MacEwan. Referee Gallacher played five minutes of stoppage time but the Saints defence remained firm to secure a narrow but deserved 2 - 1 win.

Saints will now face Leven United of the Kingdom Caledonian Amateur Football Association in a semi final tie to be played at New Douglas Park home of Saints good friends Hamilton Academical on Thursday 31st March.

Stuck In The Middle

The big games keep on coming for Saints and just five days before their Scottish Amateur Cup semi-final tie at New Douglas Park is yet another crucial fixture when old rival St Joseph's FP come calling on league business. On their last visit to Glencruitten on 22nd November 2014 St. Joe's produced a scintillating performance to inflict Saints heaviest home defeat in many a long year. Despite going into the half-time interval on level terms with a goal a-piece Saints struggled to contain their visitors from Duntocher and were blown away in the second half. David Gallagher, John Paul Seagrave and Blair Mulgrew were all on target for St Joe's before Ryan Holms added to his first half strike to complete a miserable day for the home side whose only consolation came in the shape of Craig MacEwan's second half goal to add to Donald Campbell's ninth minute opener. St. Joe's also prevailed in the last two fixtures between the clubs winning last May's Jimmy Marshall Trophy semi-final at Millburn Park, Alexandria 2 - 0 with first half goals from Gary Redpath and Thomas Wilson; and this season's keenly contested September league encounter at William Street, Duntocher 1 - 0 thanks to a looping Ryan Craig shot just before half-time. Saints will take succour from a much improved performance on the day against the reigning champions which was the catalyst for a fifteen match unbeaten run ended only by defeat in the West of Scotland Amateur Cup to Colville Park on 13th February.

The reigning Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division Champions and Jimmy Marshall Trophy holders made a blistering start to the defence of their league title winning five matches on the bounce to open up a considerable gap at the top of the table. However heavy defeats at the hands of East Kilbride FC Amateurs, Finnart and most recently Alba Thistle have seen that lead eroded considerably with the gap to second placed Goldenhill now just one point. Saints meanwhile lie four points behind St Joe's in fourth place but with a game in hand over their old foes. A win for Saints on Saturday will therefore thrust them right back into contention for a second league title in three seasons.

St Joe's made a convincing start to their defence of the Jimmy Marshall Trophy with an emphatic 11 - 0 home win against Premier Division Two side Tarbert. They are also already through to the Centenary Cup semi-finals where they will face Goldenhill for a place in the final against Premier Division One promotion hopefuls Ferguslie Star. St Joe's only regret of a positive season so far will be their failure to improve upon last season's excellent showing in the Scottish Amateur Cup which took them to the seventh round and a narrow exit at the hands of eventual competition runners up Craigshill Thistle.

Team News

Manager Alex Craik could be forgiven for having his thoughts fixed entirely on next Thursday's Scottish Amateur Cup semi-final however the significance of Saturday's clash with St Joseph's cannot be underestimated. It may be only the first game of the second half of the league season but with ten points already dropped there is now little margin for error if Saints are to regain the Premier Division trophy from St Joseph's. Also still very much in contention for league title success in their first Premier Division season are East Kilbride FC Amateurs and Goldenhill who, like Saints, have had their attentions taken away from league business by good runs in the national cup competitions. Goldenhill are already through to the semi-finals of the West of Scotland Amateur Cup where they will face either Drumchapel Amateurs or Colville Park. East Kilbride FC Amateurs are also still going strong in the West of Scotland Cup and have a sixth round tie against St Mungo's this Saturday for the right to play Shortlees in the quarter-finals. The winner of this season's Premier Division title looks set to come from those four however last weekend's 3 - 0 defeat for St Joseph's against Alba Thistle demonstrates that every team in the league is capable of producing the goods on their day which makes for a compelling title run-in.        

The Saints Gaffer will want to give each of his squad as much game time as possible ahead of Thursday's Scottish Amateur Cup semi-final and therefore faces some challenging selection dilemmas as he bids to maintain his side's interest on three trophy fronts. Martin Bonar remains sidelined through injury while Dene Cassells serves the second of his six match suspension. With those two exceptions the Gaffer should have a full squad at his disposal.

St Joseph's FP AFC SAFL Premier Division fixtures so far this season:-

22nd August 2015 Shawlands FP 2 - 6 St Joseph's FP
5th September 2015 St Joseph's FP 1 - 0 Oban Saints
12th September 2015 Campbeltown Pupils 0 - 5 St Joseph's FP

19th September 2015 St Joseph's FP 2 - 1 Finnart
24th October 2015 East Kilbride Rolls Royce 1 - 3 St Joseph's FP
28th November 2015 East Kilbride FC Amateurs 6 - 0 St Joseph's FP
12th December 2015 St Joseph's FP 2 - 1 East Kilbride Rolls Royce
6th February 2016 St Joseph's FP 3 - 0 Alba Thistle
13th February 2016 Finnart 3 - 1 St Joseph's FP
19th March 2016 Alba Thistle 3 - 0 St Joseph's FP

St Joseph's SAFL Centenary Cup exploits this season:-

1st Round 15th August 2015 St Joseph's FP 4 - 0 Motherwell Thistle

2nd Round 29th August 2015 St Joseph's FP 3  - 0 Inverclyde
3rd Round 5th March 2016 St Joseph's FP 5 - 2 East Kilbride FC Amateurs

St Joseph's SAFL Jimmy Marshall Trophy exploits this season:-

1st Round Bye
2nd Round 27th February 2016 St Joseph's FP 11 - 0 Tarbert


St Joseph's West of Scotland Amateur Cup exploits this season:-

1st Round Bye
2nd Round 17th October 2015 St Joseph's FP 2 - 1 Glentynan Thistle
3rd Round 21st November 2015 Kilsyth 2 - 1 St Joseph's FP


St Joseph's Scottish Amateur Cup exploits this season:-

1st Round Bye
2nd Round 3rd October 2015 St Joseph's FP 7 - 2 Rannoch
3rd Round 31st October 2015 St Joseph's FP 3 - 1 Cumbernauld Colts
4th Round 5th December 2015 Albion 4 - 2 St Joseph's FP

St Joseph's FP AFC recent Scottish Amateur Football League finishes:-

2006/07 Premier Division One 4th

2007/08 Premier Division One 2nd Promoted

2008/09 Premier Division Champions

2009/10 Premier Division 6th and Centenary Cup Winners

2010/11 Premier Division 6th

2011/12 Premier Division 6th

2012/13 Premier Division 5th

2013/14 Premier Division 3rd and Centenary Cup Runners Up

2014/15 Premier Division Champions and Jimmy Marshall Trophy Winners

The St Joseph's FP player celebrate winning the 2014-15 SAFL Jimmy Marshall Trophy

Saints home record against St Joseph's FP:-

2008/09 Premier Division Oban Saints 2 - 3 St Joseph's FP

2009/10 Premier Division Oban Saints 2 - 0 St Joseph's FP

2010/11 Premier Division Oban Saints 8 - 1 St Joseph's FP

2011/12 Premier Division Oban Saints 3- 1 St Joseph's FP

2012/13 Premier Division Oban Saints 0 - 1 St Joseph's FP

2013/14 Premier Division Oban Saints 1 - 1 St Joseph's FP
2014/15 Premier Division Oban Saints 2 - 5 St Joseph's FP

Action from some past Saints v St Joe's encounters at Glencruitten

Marc Maccallum and Donald Campbell 17th March 2012

Willie Gemmell's indirect free kick hits the St Joseph's wall 17th March 2012

Allan Mackay and Craig Cameron 14th September 2103

In Other News

The draws for the quarter and semi-finals of the Scottish Amateur Football League Jimmy Marshall Trophy were made recently. The winners of Saints third round tie away at Premier Division Two FC Clydebank will have an away quarter final tie against either Kings Park Rangers or Hillington. Whichever of those four that comes out on top will face either Alba Thistle or Motherwell Thistle in the semi-finals the date and venue for which has yet to be announced.

#monthesaints

Into The Semis

Saturday 19th March 2016
The Scottish Amateur Football Association Challenge Cup Competition

Quarter Final Tie
Oban Saints AFC 2 - 1 Shortlees AFC
Glencruitten 2, Mossfield Avenue, Oban, Argyll PA34 4EH
Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr James Gallacher
Assistant Referee Mr Steven Johnston
Assistant Referee Mr Jonathan Zadok

Saints starting line-up:-

Thomas McCulloch

David McArthur
Marc Maccallum (Captain)
Jamie Graham
Scott Maitland

Willie Gemmell
Paul Kerr
Donald Campbell

Ross Maitland
Dean Smith
Craig MacEwan

Used Substitutes:-

Myles McAuley
Allan Mackay
Brian Mackay
Keith Millar

Unused Substitute:-

Dougal Graham

Saints Goalscorers:-

Willie Gemmell ⚽
Allan Mackay 

Match Report

⚽

Oban Saints survived a second half onslaught from a very impressive Shortlees Amateurs side to book their first ever Scottish Amateur Cup semi-final slot in front of a large crowd at Glencruitten last Saturday afternoon. With nerves jangling all around it was a typically cool finish from second half substitute Allan Mackay which sealed the victory and put Saints within ninety minutes of a trip to Hampden Park on Sunday 22nd May. 

With the exception of the suspended Dene Cassells Manager Alex Craik selected the same starting eleven to face the Ayrshire Amateur Football Association First Division side that had seen off Caledonian League Premier Division leaders Doune Castle in the seventh round. Dene's place in central defence was taken by Jamie Graham who had recovered from the bout of flu that had restricted him to a substitutes role against Doune. Taking his place alongside Dougal Graham, Allan Mackay. Keith Millar and Myles McAuley on a strong Saints bench was new signing Brian Mackay.

The visitors kicked off attacking the Mossfield end and immediately showed their attacking intent with Alex Duffy threading a pass between David McArthur and Marc Maccallum on the right of the Saints back four looking for the diagonal run of Craig McIntosh. However Saints keeper Thomas McCulloch was alert to the danger and came sliding out to the edge of his box to safely gather the ball. Saints first effort on goal came in the second minute from the unlikely source of Jamie Graham who came striding out from the back to strike a thirty five yard shot well over the Shortlees crossbar. The Lees are a good footballing side with a wealth of experience in their ranks however they are not shy in using the aerial route to goal and looked to exploit the height advantage of towering central defender Gordon Minor at every set-piece. Right full back Gregg Calder launched a deep free kick from the half way line looking for the head of Minor after Willie Gemmell was penalised for a late challenge on Joseph Gold. The free kick evaded the head of Minor and was cleared for a throw-in by Jamie Graham. The Lees then unleashed another of their weapons with a long throw from the right touchline from left full back Graeme Anderson which Greig Rankin headed well wide of target under pressure from Willie Gemmell. A very interesting midfield battle was developing between Saints play maker Donald Campbell and the vastly experienced Jim Caldwell. Donald got the better of his man in the sixth minute to clip a pass to Craig MacEwan cutting in from the left. Craig slipped past Gordon Minor and unleashed a powerful right foot shot on target from the eighteen yard line which was charged down by Shortlees defensive rock five time Scottish Junior Cup winner William Mason. Saints dead ball expert Willie Gemmell had his first sight of goal in the eighth minute after Dean Smith had turned Gordon Minor and been tugged back by the big centre half twenty eight yards from goal. Unfortunately Willie's sights weren't yet fully focused and he sent his curling effort high over the Shortlees crossbar. The understandably nervous start from both sides continued and it wasn't until fifteen minutes in that the first effort on target was mustered. Willie Gemmell was involved again this time with another weapon in his armoury the long throw. Willie's throw from the right touchline, level with the six yard line, was flicked on by Dean Smith at the near post to Craig MacEwan who tried to guide his header inside the post but with insufficient power to trouble Shortlees keeper Garry Murdoch who gathered easily. Two minutes later Shortless danger man and Scottish Amateur Cup winner with Hurlford Thistle Keir Knapp caught out the Saints back four with a diagonal pass from the left looking for the run of Alex Duffy but Thomas McCulloch was again quick to read the danger and came well off his line to cut out the cross. Saints path to goal was blocked for a second time by William Mason whose performance at the heart of the Shortlees defence belied his forty plus years of age. Willie Gemmell played a free kick from the half way line to Craig MacEwan who came short to meet it before turning the ball wide to Scott Maitland on the left wing. Scott picked out Donald Campbell inside the penalty box who turned away from Jim Caldwell making space for a right foot shot from seventeen yards which Mason was once again perfectly positioned to block. Saints repeated the Gemmell to MacEwan free kick routine in the twentieth minute with Craig playing in Donald Campbell on the left of the box for a powerful left foot shot which Garry Murdoch did well to hold at his near post. The Lees countered again on the left with Knapp sending a deep cross to the back post looking for the head of Craig McIntosh but Jamie Graham climbed well to head the ball behind for a corner kick. The corner from right was met with a powerful near post header from Paul Kerr to clear the danger. Another of the game's interesting personal duels was that of Saints skipper Marc Maccallum and Shortlees principal goal threat Keir Knapp. On the half hour mark Knapp made a dangerous run into the Saints box but his progress was matched all the way by Maccallum who forced him wide with the Lees man eventually running the ball harmlessly out of play. Saints upped the pressure on the visiting defence with two good chances to open the scoring in quick succession. Craig MacEwan made a good run on the left wing and played the ball to Dean Smith on the eighteen yard line. With his back to goal Dean held the ball up well before slipping in Ross Maitland on the left of the Shortlees box. Ross bore down on goal and from the corner of the six yard box shot left footed trying to squeeze the ball in between Garry Murdoch and his near post but the Lees keeper narrowed the angle well to turn the ball behind for a corner kick. Ross took the kick himself and sent a dangerous ball into the six yard box which Murdoch failed to gather cleanly under pressure from Marc Maccallum with the ball dropping to Dean Smith who scooped a difficult chance over the cross bar from three yards range. Following on from Craig MacEwan and Donald Campbell Paul Kerr was next to have a goal bound shot blocked by William Mason. Paul's twenty five yard rocket was turned away by the outstretched left leg of the Lees defensive stalwart with Graeme Anderson mopping up the loose ball. With ten minutes of the first half remaining Saints had a strong claim for a penalty kick denied by Referee Gallacher. Craig MacEwan made a good run into the Shortlees box before going down under a sliding challenge from right back Gregg Calder. Despite loud appeals from the Saints contingent the Dumbarton whistler judged the tackle to be fair and waved play on. The deadlock was broken in the thirty eighth minute from the deadly right foot of Willie Gemmell. Craig MacEwan won a free kick twenty two yards from goal and slightly left of centre when he was brought down by Gordon Minor. Willie adjusted his sights from his previous off target effort and curled a delightful shot around the wall and into the postage stamp corner past a static Garry Murdoch. Straight from the restart Shortlees broke up the left wing with Keir Knapp setting up Joseph Gold for a long range shot which Thomas McCulloch held well. With the clock ticking down to the half-time interval The Lees took the aerial route again when Graeme Anderson sent in a deep free kick from just inside the Saints half looking for the head of Gordon Minor. The giant centre half flicked on from the edge of the box but Saints skipper Marc Maccallum won the second ball and cleared well setting up Craig MacEwan for a counter attack. Craig hurdled a desperate lunging tackle from Anderson on the halfway line with Referee Gallacher playing a good advantage, however Craig was unable to keep the ball in play and Mr Gallacher brought the play back for a free kick to Saints flashing the yellow card in Anderson's direction in the process. Saints failed to capitalise on the set-piece and Mr Gallacher brought the first half to an end with Saints good value for their narrow lead. 

Saints kicked off the second half looking for the second goal which they hoped would make the tie safe but again they struggled to unlock the Shortlees back line who defended their eighteen yard line doggedly. William Mason kept up his personal crusade to ensure that no shots from open play would find their way through to keeper Murdoch when he blocked a David McArthur effort from twenty yards just inside his own box. The visitors slowly started to gain the upper hand and a long throw from Graeme Anderson forced Thomas McCulloch into an excellent finger tip save diving to his right to turn a glancing Keir Knapp round the post. Knapp was in the thick of the action again in the fifty third minute bursting through from midfield before threading a pass through the inside left channel looking for the run of Greig Rankin. David McArthur recovered well to make an important interception denying Rankin what would have been a terrific chance for the equaliser. After ten second half minutes Craig MacEwan succeeded in hitting the bye-line after a good run up the right wing. Having finally managed to turn the well drilled Lees defence Craig was disappointed to see his cut back drift into the keeper's arms and out of the reach of Dean Smith's near post run. Ross Maitland also managed to get in behind the Lees defence but couldn't bring David McArthur's through ball under control. The wee man's blushes were spared however when Assistant Referee Steven Johnston flagged him offside. There were scarlet faces in Saints defence in the fifty eighth minute when Marc Maccallum and Thomas McCulloch left a long Shortlees punt upfield to one another. Keir Knapp pounced on the moment of indecision between keeper and defender picking up the loose ball and rounding the keeper before being thwarted by a tremendous last ditch tackle by Maccallum. Moments later danger man Knapp fizzed a long range drive inches wide of Thomas McCulloch's right hand post. On the hour mark Saints Manager Alex Craik decided to ring the changes withdrawing Ross Maitland and goal scorer Willie Gemmell replacing them with the fresh legs of Brain Mackay and Myles McAuley. It didn't take Myles long to make an impact on proceedings unfortunately it was at the wrong end. Keir Knapp cut in from the right and made a terrific run along the eighteen yard line where he was upended just inside the box by McAuley. The rash tackle earned Shortlees a penalty kick and the Saints midfielder a yellow card. Knapp took the spot kick himself and although McCulloch guessed correctly the ball squirmed underneath his body and nestled in the back of the net to bring the visitors level. Shortlees had their tails up now and, urged on by their substantial travelling support, certainly fancied themselves to kick on and get the winner. With fifteen minutes remaining Allan Mackay entered the fray replacing Dean Smith up front and doing his usual good job of winning headers and holding the ball up. Shortlees continued to ask questions of the Saints defence but skipper Maccallum marshaled his troops well restricting the visitors to shots from distance. Joseph Gold and Jim Caldwell both sent efforts wide of target when set up by Gordon Minor knock downs from Graeme Anderson free kicks. Keir Knapp was brought down by Scott Maitland on the right hand corner of the box giving the Shortlees top goal scorer the chance to showcase his dead ball skills. Fortunately for Saints his left foot shot was high and wide of target posing more of a problem to ball boy Peter MacCallum than keeper Thomas McCulloch. In the eightieth minute Saints had a set-piece opportunity of their own when Paul Kerr was bundled over by Greig Rankin twenty eight yards from goal. With Willie Gemmell off the field Allan Mackay assumed responsibility and had Garry Murdoch scrambling across his goal line to field a curling right foot shot just inside his left hand post. As time ebbed away a replay in Kilmarnock was looking the most likely outcome however there was time for one last twist in the tale. In the eighty eighth minute Donald Campbell made a sensational driving run at the heart of the Lees defence. With defenders trailing in his wake Donald burst into the box and laid the ball off to Allan Mackay to calmly slot the ball past the left hand of Garry Murdoch and into the bottom corner of the net. Cue scenes of delirium both on and off the field as Saints players and supporters celebrated the goal wildly. Two minutes later Saints had the chance the completely kill the tie when Brian Mackay combined with Craig MacEwan on the right wing sending Craig to the bye-line. Craig cut the ball back for Myles McAuley at the back post for what should have been a routine tap-in but the ball stuck underneath McAuley's feet allowing Gregg Calder to clear the danger. Sixty seconds into the five minutes of stoppage time allowed by Mr Gallacher Saints made their final change with Keith Millar coming on the replace Craig MacEwan. Such were the nerves on the touchline that the stoppage time seemed to last forever and the Saints faithful had two final close shaves to endure before the agony was over. A long punt into the box fell kindly for Jim Calder but the close attentions of Paul Kerr caused Calder to miscue and send his shot well wide of target. Finally in the ninety fifth minute Shortlees won a corner on the left with keeper Murdoch running the full length of the park to join the attack. Gregg Calder's in-swinging corner curled over the hands of Thomas McCulloch but, much to the relief of all in navy blue, landed on the roof of the net. Referee Mr Gallacher who, ably supported by Assistant Referees Steven Johnston and Jonathan Zadok, handled the match impeccably brought proceedings to an end confirming an historic win for Saints.        

Saints will now face Leven United of the Kingdom Caledonian Amateur Football Association in a semi final tie to be played at New Douglas Park home of Saints good friends Hamilton Academical on Thursday 31st March.

Craig MacEwan finds his path to goal blocked by William Mason

Donald Campbell shapes to shoot

Shortlees keeper Garry Murdoch

Ross Maitland

Willie Gemmell gives Saints the lead

Willie Gemmell is mobbed by delighted Saints players, substitutes and the Manager!

Scott Maitland

Dean Smith, Ross Maitland and Donald Campbell prepare to get the second half underway

Donald Campbell with William Mason and Jim Caldwell

Keir Knapp nets from the penalty spot to bring Shortlees level at 1 - 1

We all live in a mental housing scheme

Donald Campbell wheels away in celebration after setting up Allan Mackay for Saints winning goal

Allan Mackay is congratulated by his team mates on his winning goal

Myles McAuley misses a last minute opportunity to score a third

Saints ball Ref!

#monthesaints

At The Edge

Stiff Little Fingers - At The Edge

Saturday 19th March 2016
The Scottish Amateur Football Association Challenge Cup Competition

Quarter Final Tie
Oban Saints AFC v Shortlees AFC
Glencruitten 2, Mossfield Avenue, Oban, Argyll PA34 4EH
Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr James Gallacher

This Saturday afternoon at Glencruitten Saints Manager Alex Craik bids to make history by leading his charges into the previously uncharted territory of the Scottish Amateur Cup semi-finals. Barring the path to a semi-final showdown against either Kingdom Caledonian AFA high flyers Leven United or Linlithgow Thistle of the Lothian and Edinburgh AFA Premier Division are Ayrshire AFA First Division outfit Shortlees Amateurs.

The Lees are the form team in the Ayrshire Amateur ranks with a 100% start to their league campaign and a place in the semi-finals of the Ayrshire Cup already secured as they strive to go one better than last season's runners-up spot against all conquering Hurlford Thistle. Their semi-final slot was confirmed last weekend with a 3 - 1 away win against fierce local rivals New Farm Loch whom Saints fans will recall from the West of Scotland Amateur Cup fourth round tie at Oban High School in January. On that occasion Saints also prevailed by three goals to one before falling at the next hurdle to the seemingly invincible Colville Park. Shortlees however made it a double of quarter final qualifications in the national cup competitions with last month's six round 4 - 0 win over three time winners Dalziel High School Former Pupils of the Caledonian League Premier Division.

The Lees have also been relentless in their pursuit of Scottish Amateur Cup glory cementing their place in the quarter-finals with a thoroughly convincing 5 - 0 win over Lothian and Edinburgh AFA Championship leaders Shotts Victoria taking their goal tally to thirty four goals in seven matches. Saints however can point to an equally impressive run in Scottish amateur football's most prestigious competition which notably includes the scalps of last season's runners-up Craigshill Thistle and runaway Caledonian League Premier Division leaders Doune Castle.

A good turnout of local fans is anticipated and with the Shortlees supporters likely to travel in large numbers to cheer on their favourites the stage is set for a thrilling cup tie between two well matched teams standing at the edge of semi-final glory.

Team News

Manager Alex Craik's preparations for the biggest test of his tenure so far received a set-back when last Saturday's Scottish Amateur League Premier Division match against league leaders and reigning Champions St Joseph's FP had to be postponed on the morning of the match. Glencruitten 2 failed to withstand Friday and Saturday's deluge leaving an eager to go Saints squad kicking their heels and hoping that the cancellation will not prove too disruptive of the terrific head of steam built up in recent weeks. Alex's team selection options narrowed somewhat with the news that the re-occurrence of Martin Bonar's foot injury will keep him out of action for the remainder of the season. This significant blow was compounded when news of Dene Cassells' suspension for his ordering off against Colville Park in last month's West of Scotland Amateur Cup tie came through from Hampden park. Dene's moment of madness in the dying minutes of the fifth round tie will keep him on the sidelines for six matches which is enormously frustrating at this crucial stage of the season. On a more positive note Saints confirmed the re-signing of Brian Mackay who will be a valuable addition to the squad with the big fixtures coming thick and fast. Despite losing Martin and Dene from his plans Manager Craik should still be able to name a strong squad as plots to take Saints into their first ever Scottish Amateur Cup semi-final.


Shortlees Ayrshire Amateur Football Association record:-

2011-12 Fourth Division 4th
2012-13 Fourth Division 3rd Promoted
2013-14 Third Division 4th Promoted
2014-15 Second Division Champions Promoted and Ayrshire Cup Runners Up


Shortlees results so far this season:-

Ayrshire AFA First Division

8th August 2105 Dailly 0 - 5 Shortlees
15th August 2015 Shortlees 5 - 1 Kilbirnie
17th August 2015 Fenwick Thistle 2 - 5 Shotlees
22nd August 2015 Shortlees 12 - 1 Fenwick Thistle
26th September 2015 Glenburn Miner's Welfare 1 - 5 Shortlees
10th October 2015 Shortlees 6 - 0 Beith



Ayrshire Cup

Round One
Bye

Round Two
29th August 2015 Shortlees 4 - 1 Westkirk Thistle

Round Three
21st November 2015 Galston United 1 - 3 Shortlees

Quarter Finals
12th March 2016 New Farm Loch 1 - 3 Shortlees



Ayrshire AFA James Scott Trophy

Round One
12th September 2015 Hurlford 1 - 5 Shortlees

Round Two
19th September 2015 Shortlees 0 - 2 Clark Drive



West of Scotland Cup

Round One
Bye

Round Two
24th October 2015 Cambusnethan Talbot 2 - 5 Shortlees

Round Three
28th November 2015 Shortlees 6 - 0 Mearns

Round Four
19th December 2015 Shortlees 2 - 0 Cumbernauld Colts

Round Five
13th February 2106 East Kilbride Thistle 2 - 9 Shortlees

Round Six
27th February 2016 Shortlees 4 - 0 Dalziel HSFP

Shortlees Progress to the Scottish Amateur Cup Quarter Finals:-

Round One
5th September 2015 Crosshouse Waverley 0 - 11 Shortlees

Round Two
3rd October 2015 Drumchapel FP 0 - 6 Shortlees

Round Three
7th November 2015 Westkirk Thistle 1 - 5 Shortlees

Round Four
12th December 2105 Hillington 1 - 2 Shortlees

Round Five
23rd January 2016 Shortlees 2 - 1 Holytown Colts Youths

Round Six
6th February 2016 Shortlees 3 - 0 Pennies

Round Seven
5th March 2016 Shortlees 5 - 0 Shotts Victoria



Saints progress to the Scottish Amateur Cup Quarter Finals:-

1st Round
Bye

2nd Round
3rd October 2015 Oban Saints 9 - 1 Millbeg Villa

3rd Round
31st October 2015 Condoratt Club v Oban Saints - Walkover to Saints

4th Round
12th December 2105 Postal United 0 - 1 Oban Saints

5th Round
9th January 2016 Oban Saints 4 - 1 Craigshill Thistle

6th Round
6th February 2016 Stirling City 1 - 4 Oban Saints

7th Round
5th March 2016 Oban Saints 5 - 1 Doune Castle

Round Two - Donald Campbell nets Saints second goal against Millbeg Villa

Round Four - Saints skipper Marc Maccallum in the thick of the action against Postal United

Round Five - Craigshill Thistle keeper Robert Sinclair produces a terrific save to Deny Ross Maitland

Round Six - Willie Gemmell, Keith Millar and Dene Cassells celebrate Keith's late strike against Stirling City

Round Seven - Scott Maitland scores Saints fourth goal against Doune Castle 

News From Down Under

An impressive pre-season from former Saints striker Lewis Cameron has cemented his place in the Rochedale Rovers starting eleven for their assault on the Brisbane Premier League. After a tricky start to the league campaign losing their first two fixtures Rovers got their first point on the board with a hard fought 1 - 1 draw against Peninsula Power. This was followed up last Saturday with their first league win of the season against Albany Creek Excelsior. An eye catching performance from Lewis in a convincing 3 - 0 away win earned him the sponsor's Man of the Match award. You can watch edited highlights from the Albany Creek versus Rochedale Rovers match and a brief post-match interview with Lewis by clicking the links below.

Lewis Cameron receives Man of the Match award

Edited highlights from Albany Creek Excelsior v Rochedale Rovers 

Sponsorship

Following an appeal in an Oban Times article written by young reporter David McPhee Lewis has attracted sponsorship from two local businesses. Lewis' former employers the Floorshop and former Saints team-mate Sean Ford of Sean Ford Joinery answered the call and will sponsor Lewis for the 2016 Brisbane Premier League season.  

Sean Ford and the Floorshop's number one floor layer Paul Kerr look on as a bloodied Dene Cassells is helped from the field by Davie Buchanan in the 2013 Jimmy Marshall Trophy final at Somervell Park, Cambuslang

#monthesaints