Going For Gold

Going For Gold - Shed Seven

Saturday 30th April 2016
Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division

Oban Saints AFC v Goldenhill AFC
Glencruitten 2, Mossfield Avenue, Oban, Argyll PA34 4EH
Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr James Litster

This Saturday Saints return to Glencruitten for the first time since the Scottish Amateur Cup quarter final win over Shortlees on 19th March. Regrettably since that euphoric afternoon Saints have failed to recapture the form which propelled them to the semi final at New Douglas Park and have yet to win a game inside ninety minutes. The agonising semi final extra time defeat to Leven United was followed by draws against Finnart and Alba Thistle either side of a penalty shoot win at FC Clydebank in the Scottish Amateur Football League Jimmy Marshall Trophy. The dropped league points leave Saints with an uphill struggle to stay on the heels of Premier Division leaders East Kilbride FC Amateurs and fellow title hopefuls St Joseph's FP and Goldenhill.

The Gowdie are this Saturday's visitors and are currently in third place in the Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division five points ahead of Saints with a slightly superior goal difference. The Clydebank based outfit have enjoyed an excellent season so far taking them all the way to the West of Scotland Cup final at New Douglas Park ironically against the last visitors to Glencruitten Shortlees Amateurs. The Gowdie secured their place in the final with a 2 - 1 win over the mighty Colville Park and will be looking to go one better than Aikenhead Thistle and Thorn Athletic and emulate St Patrick's FP who were the last Scottish Amateur Football League side to win the West of Scotland Cup back in 2007. In similar fashion to Saints the Gowdie's cup run has come at a cost to their league title aspirations with defeat to Shawlands FP last Saturday quickly followed by a 0 - 0 draw against Finnart on Wednesday night. The Shawlands defeat takes away the Premier Division's last remaining unbeaten record and puts East Kilbride FC Amateurs in pole position to take the title.

When Saints and the Gowdie met at Clydebank High School last November it was goals and incidents all the way culminating in a last gasp equaliser for the home side in an eight goal thriller. Craig MacEwan gave Saints the lead which Paul Kerr doubled before half time with a goal of the season contender from a pin-point Willie Gemmell pass. In a devastating spell just after the interval the Gowdie turned the score around taking the lead through two goals from James Gallagher either side of a Daniel Gibson strike which Thomas McCulloch couldn't keep out despite getting both hands to. Saints restored parity with Craig MacEwan beating the Gowdie's offside trap to set up Ross Maitland for a tap-in. Dean Smith was also on hand to finish from close range after keeper Scott Rennie failed to hold a Willie Gemmell pile driver giving Saints the lead once again. The Gowdie then had Chris McGrath and Jack Bennett sent off but refused to give up hope and grabbed a deserved equaliser with a looping Damon Gray header from a poorly defended long throw-in. If this Saturday's match is even half as entertaining then the home crowd are in for a treat.  

Injuries, holidays, suspension and work commitments have stretched Manager Alex Craik's selection options to the limit in recent weeks but he will hope to have something approaching a full squad available for this crucial fixture.

Goldenhill line up for their West of Scotland Amateur Cup Semi Final against Colville Park

Goldenhill's results so far this season:-

Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division

5th September 2015 Inverclyde AFC 2 - 4 Goldenhill AFC
10th October 2015 Goldenhill AFC 3 - 2 Campbeltown Pupils AFC
24th October 2015 Goldenhill AFC 2 - 0 East Kilbride FC Amateurs
21st November 2015 Goldenhill AFC 4 - 4 Oban Saints AFC
12th December 2015 Goldenhill AFC 3 - 1 Alba Thistle AFC
27th February 2016 Goldenhill AFC 3 - 0 Inverclyde AFC
5th March 2016 Goldenhill AFC 2 - 2 Finnart AFC
12th March 2016 East Kilbride Rolls Royce AFC 1 - 2 Goldenhill AFC
20th April 2016 St Joseph's FP AFC 1 - 2 Goldenhill AFC
23rd April 2016 Shawlands FP 4 - 3 Goldenhill AFC
27th April 2016 Finnart AFC 0 - 0 Goldenhill AFC

SAFL Centenary Cup

1st Round
Bye

2nd Round
12th September 2015 Finnart AFC 1 - 6 Goldenhill AFC

Quarter Final
7th November 2015 Goldenhill AFC 4 - 1 Neilston AFC

Semi Final
9th April 2016 St Joseph's FP AFC 1 - 0 Goldenhill AFC

SAFL Jimmy Marshall Trophy

1st Round
Bye

2nd Round
17th February 2016 Busby AFC 2 - 9 Goldenhill AFC

Third Round
26th March 2016 Goldenhill AFC 2 - 4 Ferguslie Star AFC

Scottish Amateur Cup

1st Round
Bye

2nd Round
3rd Ocotber 2015 Dean AFC 2 - 5 Goldenhill AFC

3rd Round
31st October Gryffe Thistle AFC 1 - 2 Goldenhill AFC

4th Round
5th December 2015 Goldenhill AFC 6 - 1 Erskine AFC

5th Round
23rd January 2016 Colville Park AFC 2 - 1 Goldenhill AFC

West of Scotland Amateur Cup

1st Round
19th September 2015 Mill United 1 - 11 Goldenhill AFC

2nd Round
17th Ocotber 2015 Lomond Vale AFC 1 - 9 Goldenhill AFC

3rd Round
14th November Kilbarchan Thistle AFC 1 - 3 Goldenhill AFC

4th Round
19th December 2015 Goldenhill AFC 6 - 4 Carrick AFC

5th Round
13th February 2016 Possil YM AFC 1 - 3 Goldenhill AFC

6th Round
20th February 2016 Goldenhill AFC 2 - 2 Bannockburn AFC After Extra Time
Goldenhill win 5 - 3 on penalty kicks

Quarter Final
19th March 2016 Goldenhill AFC 3 - 3 Hurlford Thistle AFC After Extra Time
Goldenhill win 5 - 3 on penalty kicks

Semi Final
15th April 2016 Colville Park AFC 1 - 2 Goldenhill AFC

Goldenhill's recent SAFL finishes:-

2012 - 13 Division One Promoted and Coronation Cup Winners
2013 - 14 Premier Division Two 2nd Promoted

2014 - 15 Premier Division One 4th Promoted and Centenary Cup Winners

Goldenhill SAFL Centenary Cup Winners 2014 - 15

Action from Goldenhill v Saints at Clydebank High School on 21st November 2015

Craig MacEwan congratulates Ross Maitland on drawing Saints level at 3 - 3

Dean Smith makes it 4 - 3 to Saints

Last minute equaliser for Goldenhill

In Other News

Donald Campbell and Scott Maitland were invited to take part in a Scottish Amateur Football Association Select training session at Colville Park last Sunday. The session was arranged to give National Select Manager Bruce McNaught and his team a closer look at the full cast of hopefuls before he finalises his squad for the forthcoming international against the Northern Amateur Football League in Belfast and the UEFA Regions Cup matches against Estonia, Sweden and hosts Lithuania.

Photographs from @ScotAmFA

#monthesaints

Paisley Park

Prince and the Revolution - Paisley Park

Wednesday 27th April 2016
Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division
Alba Thistle AFC v Oban Saints AFC
Seedhill Park, Lacy Street, Paisley PA1 1QR
Kick Off 6.45pm
Referee Mr Andrew Seymour

Following last Saturday's nail biting Jimmy Marshall Trophy penalty shoot-out success against FC Clydebank Saints quickly turn their attentions to league business with a trip to Seedhill, Paisley to face Alba Thistle. Ten points behind leaders East Kilbride FC Amateurs with eight games to play Saints have little or no margin for error in the battle for the Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division trophy. If they are to keep themselves in the hunt alongside East Kilbride, St Joseph's FP and West of Scotland Cup finalists Goldenhill Saints will have to improve drastically on last season's dismal performance at Seedhill. In the penultimate game of the season for both clubs the Jags looked doomed to relegation but were gifted a lifeline by Saints which they grabbed with both hands ultimately securing their Premier Division status at the expense of Busby four days later with a convincing 5 - 2 win against Eaglesham. The 2 - 1 Jags win was Manager Iain Jackson's final away game in the Saints hot seat and if he had been in two minds about his future at that point then the performance of his charges that day would have surely convinced him it was time to call it a day. 

Similar to last season the Jags are embroiled in a relegation battle but at last look to be hitting their stride taking seven points from three games against title challengers St Joseph's FP and fellow relegation strugglers Campbeltown Pupils and Shawlands FP. The Jags good run came to end last weekend in a 2 - 1 defeat to pace setters East Kilbride FC Amateurs where an excellent performance was cruelly denied a share of the points by a successfully converted last minute penalty kick. 

When the sides met at Glencruitten in September it was Saints who edged a close game to notch their first win of the season. Craig MacEwan opened the scoring for Saints five minutes before the half time interval but Gordon Meredith replied for the visitors just two minutes later. Craig MacEwan restored the lead for Saints who survived a few close shaves before Myles McAuley finally made the points safe in the seventy ninth minute. 

Adding to the usual injury, suspension and holiday problems for this midweek trip to Paisley will be work commitments which will severely test Saints resources and limit Manager Alex Craik's team selection options. Midweek away fixtures are something Saints may have to get used to with the trip to Campbeltown Pupils likely to be scheduled for a Wednesday night and all remaining Jimmy Marshall Trophy dates already confirmed for week nights.  
   

Alba Thistle's fixtures so far this season:-

Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division

5th September 2015 Alba Thistle 5 - 3 East Kilbride Rolls Royce

12th September 2015 Oban Saints 3 - 1 Alba Thistle 

19th September 2015 Alba Thistle 1 - 4 Campbeltown Pupils

24th October 2015 Finnart 2 - 3 Alba Thistle

31st October 2015 East Kilbride Rolls Royce 1 - 0 Alba Thistle

7th November 2015 Alba Thistle 0 - 4 Inverclyde

12th December 2015 Goldenhill 3 - 1 Alba Thistle

6th February 2016 St Joseph's FP 3 - 0 Alba Thistle

5th March 2016 Inverclyde 4 - 0 Alba Thistle

19th March 2016 Alba Thistle 3 - 0 St Joseph's FP

2nd April 2016 Campbeltown Pupils 2 - 2 Alba Thistle

13th April 2016 Shawlands FP 1 - 2 Alba Thistle
20th April 2016 Alba Thistle 1 - 2 East Kilbride FC Amateurs

Scottish Amateur Cup

First Round

Bye

Second Round

10th October 2015 Alba Thistle 1 - 2 Blochairn Star

West of Scotland Amateur Cup

First Round

Bye

Second Round

17th October 2015 Alba Thistle 0 - 5 New Farm Loch

Scottish Amateur Football League Centenary Cup

First Round

15th August 2015 Drumchapel Amateurs Colts 2 - 2 Alba Thistle (4 - 5 on Penalties)

Second Round

29th August 2015 Alba Thistle 2 - 2 Rutherglen (4 - 5 on Penalties)

Scottish Amateur Football League Jimmy Marshall Trophy

First Round

Bye

Second Round

13th February 2016 Alba Thistle 2 - 1 Duncanrig FP

Third Round

12th March 2016 Drumchapel Amateurs Colts 3 - 4 Alba Thistle

Quarter Final

16th April 2016 Alba Thistle 2 - 2 Motherwell Thistle (3 - 5 on Penalties)

Alba Thistle's recent league history:-

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

2008/09 Paisley and District Division One Champions

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

2010/11 SAFL Division Three Champions (Promoted)

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

2012/13 SAFL Division One Champions (Promoted)

2013/14 SAFL Premier Division 8th

2014/15 SAFL Premier Division 8th

Saints record against Alba Thistle:-

SAFL Centenary Cup Final 

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

SAFL Premier Division

12th October 2013 Oban Saints 2 - 0 Alba Thistle

29th March 2014 Alba Thistle 4 - 5 Oban Saints

16th May 2015 Alba Thistle 2 - 1 Oban Saints

12th September 2015 Oban Saints 3 - 1 Alba Thistle

Action from last season's match at Seedhill

A pleasant May afternoon in Paisley

The only highlight of a miserable afternoon for Saints was Paul Kerr's consolation goal

Iain Jackson thinking "I've had enough of this"

#monthesaints

Saints On The Spot

Saturday 23rd April 2016

Scottish Amateur Football League
Jimmy Marshall Trophy Third Round

Colquhoun Park, Conon Avenue, Bearsden, East Dunbartonshire G61 1EN

Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr Greig Allan

FC Clydebank AFC 0 - 0 Oban Saints AFC
Saints win 5 - 4 on penalty kicks

Saints starting line-up:-

Thomas McCulloch

Craig Campbell
Willie Gemmell
Marc Maccallum (Captain)

Ross Maitland
Myles McAuley
Paul Kerr
Scott Maitland
Dougal Graham

Allan Mackay
Keith Millar

Used Substitute:-
David McArthur

Unused Substitute:-
Alex Craik

Saints Scottish Amateur Cup Semi Final hangover continued in the Jimmy Marshall Trophy at Colquhoun Park, Bearsden last afternoon as they struggled to find a way past a determined FC Clydebank of SAFL Premier Division Two. Injuries, suspension and holidays restricted Manager Alex Craik's selection options again forcing him to name himself on the bench this time alongside David McArthur. Adding to the teams problems was an accident on the A82 resulting in an enforced detour through Helensburgh, Cardross and Dumbarton which saw the Saints travelling party arrive at Colquhoun Park just thirty minutes prior to kick off. Alex opted for a return to the 3-5-2 formation favoured by previous Manager Iain Jackson with Craig Campbell, Willie Gemmell and Skipper Marc Maccallum forming the back three in front of keeper Thomas MacCulloch. Ross Maitland, Myles McAuley, Paul Kerr, Scott Maitland and Dougal Graham made up the midfield with Keith Millar joining Allan Mackay in attack. The two sides may be separated by twenty two places on the Scottish Amateur Football League ladder but the Bankies have a lost only two games at home all season and were to prove a tough nut for the depleted Saints line-up to crack.

Stand-in striker Keith Millar had the first opportunity of the match in the second minute but his stabbed effort with the outside of his right foot flew wide of keeper Liam Wood's left hand post. Saints dominated the opening exchanges but offered little in the way of an attacking threat with the home defence doing a good job in snuffing out any danger on the edge of their own box. The Bankies had a rare chance to test Thomas McCulloch in the Saints goal when Dougal Graham gave away a free kick on the corner the box in the twenty fifth minute. Bankies wide man Kevin McInally took aim for the top corner but sent his right foot shot high and wide of target. On the half hour mark Saints finally managed to get through the Bankies back four with Myles McAuley dribbling his way into the box all the way to the six yard line where he was foiled in the act of shooting by a well timed challenge from Ross Jackson. Saints were finding a bit of room on the right and in the thirty ninth minute Ross Maitland got on the end of a long pass from the back from Marc Maccallum to win a throw in level with the penalty spot. Willie Gemmell wound up one of his long throws and found the head of Allan Mackay who beat Graeme Watson to win a near post flick on. Saints had Ross Maitland and Keith Millar piling in at the back post unfortunately the pair got in each others way with neither getting a good contact and the ball rebounding back across the face of goal and wide of keeper Wood's left hand post. As the clock ticked down to the half time interval Saints continued to use the extra space afforded them on the right with first Craig Campbell and then Ross Maitland sending in deep crosses looking for Scott Maitland coming through from left midfield. Craig's cross was slightly over hit and gave Lewis Wood an anxious moment as he watched the ball shave the top of his crossbar on it's way over. Ross was also a little heavy with his cross and left Scott with too tight an angle to test the keeper with his hooked left foot shot hitting the side netting. Referee Greig Allan brought the first half to an end with Saints looking reasonably comfortable at the back but definitely needing to the up the tempo if they were to turn their superior possession into goals. 

Saints did just that and made a bright start to the second half with Keith Millar controlling a Myles McAuley pass on the left hand side of the Bankies box before turning away from Ben Watson and delivering a cross to the back post looking for Paul Kerr. Paul had taken up a good position in the box but, from a standing jump, was unable to generate enough power on his header to trouble Lewis Wood and the big keeper gathered safely under his crossbar. Recent addition to the squad Craig Campbell gives Saints some added height and the big defender was keen to join the attack for every set piece. Dougal Graham won a fifty first minute free kick on the left ten yards inside the Bankies half giving Willie Gemmell a chance to pick out Craig in the box. Willie swung in an excellent delivery but Ross Jackson proved that he is no slouch in the air either by beating Craig to the header to clear the danger. Thomas McCulloch almost gifted the home side the lead in the fifty second minute from a seemingly harmless ball over the top from Fraser Urquhart. Thomas came out to the corner of his box for should have been a routine to take but in a moment's hesitation lost possession to Kevin McInally. The Bankies winger couldn't believe his good fortune but after cutting inside delayed his shot too long allowing Craig Campbell to get back and take the ball off his toes just as he was about to give the home side the lead. Allan Mackay gave Lewis Wood his first real test of the afternoon in the fifty sixth minute turning Graeme Watson well twenty three yards from goal and unleashing a powerful right foot shot which the big keeper could only parry away. Unfortunately for Saints he got just enough on it to take the ball away from the on-rushing Keith Millar who had made a good run anticipating a loose ball. Saints kept the heat on the home defence with a sustained period of pressure leading up to the hour mark. Ross Maitland won a corner on the right and picked out Craig Campbell in the middle who bulleted a header goalward which hit the unsuspecting Alan Rodgers on the back with Martin Fleming hoofing the ball clear for a throw in. Willie Gemmell launched in another long throw from the right which Allan Mackay controlled at the near post and cut back for Craig Campbell who lost his footing in the sandpit in front of the goals and, falling backwards, was only able to hook a weak shot straight at the Bankies keeper. Another Ross Maitland corner from the right was headed clear but only as far as Scott Maitland on the edge of the box who shot high and wide of the postage stamp corner. Myles McAuley reprised his first half run into the box with a similar outcome again delaying his shot too long allowing the chasing pack to close him down. Manager Alex Craik made his only change in the sixty first minute withdrawing Keith Millar and replacing him with David McArthur. The personnel change brought with it a chance of formation with David slotting into his accustomed right back slot alongside Craig Campbell, Marc Maccallum and Dougal Graham. Willie Gemmell moved into midfield to join Paul Kerr and Myles McAuley with Ross Maitland, Allan Mackay and Scott Maitland forming the front three. With sixty six minutes gone Myles McAuley made another good run from midfield and this time elected to shoot from the edge of the box sending in a daisy cutter which Lewis Wood got down well to hold. At the other end Kevin McInally fashioned a shooting opportunity from the corner of the box getting the better of Dougal Graham to send a low shot flashing across the face of goal and wide of Thomas McCulloch's right hand post. A long ball from Mark Bird saw Bankies left winger Andy Campbell get the better of David McArthur who was grateful to see his Skipper Marc Maccallum coming across to cut out the danger on the edge of the box. A handball from Craig Campbell when trying to control a throw-in from Dougal Graham gave the Bankies the chance to pump a high ball into the Saints box. Kevin McInally sent his free kick to the back post where right back Ross Holinsworth got the better of opposite number David McArthur to head the ball back to Ross Jackson. The big central defender sent a right foot shot tantalisingly across the face of goal, inches out of the reach of Fraser Urquhart sliding in at the near post and behind for a goal kick. Surviving this scare Saints almost caught out the Bankies defence with a deep free kick of their own. Craig Campbell made a quick run forward which Willie Gemmell spotted and put the ball straight onto Craig's forehead with the big man desperately unlucky not to make it two goals in two games when Ross Jackson got back to head the ball off the goal line. Making his first start since returning from a long injury lay-off Myles McAuley was never far from the heart of the action and came close to opening the scoring in the seventy fifth minute. Ross Maitland won a throw-in on the right from which Willie Gemmell picked out Allan Mackay for another near post flick-on. The ball fell invitingly for Myles eight yards out but he steered his right foot shot a foot wide of the keeper's left hand post with Craig Campbell inches away from connecting and deflecting the ball on target. The Bankies responded with a hook shot from Allan Sillars in the seventy ninth minute which cleared the top of Thomas McCulloch,s crossbar by eighteen inches. With nine minutes remaining David McArthur made a good run on the right which was halted at the expense of a corner by Alan Rodgers. Ross Maitland swung in a deep corner to the back post which Allan Mackay controlled well and turned away from Graeme Watson before curling a right foot shot inches wide of Lewis Wood's left hand post. Manager Alex Craik probably realised that a goal wasn't going to come when yet another chance fell to the least prolific of goal scorers Myles McAuley. David McArthur and Ross Maitland linked up well on the right to find Allan Mackay in the inside right channel. Allan hit the bye-line and cut back a cross to Myles McAuley who out-jumped Ross Jackson on the six yard line but sent his header looping over the crossbar. Saints final chance of note came in the eighty seventh minute when Ross Maitland crossed from the left for Willie Gemmell to try a spectacular scissor kick which flew over the crossbar. After dominating the majority of the match without scoring Saints were almost caught with a last minute sucker punch when Andy Campbell jinked inside Dougal Graham and fired in a fierce shot which Thomas McCulloch got both hands on to turn around his left hand post for a corner kick. Kevin McInally sent over the corner kick from the right which Ross Jackson headed over before Mr Allan brought blew for full time signalling the need for a penalty shoot-out to decide who would proceed to the quarter finals. 

Ross Maitland had the unenviable task of going first and got Saints off to a positive start sending Lewis Wood the wrong way. David McArthur and Allan Mackay also safely converted for Saints with Alan Rodgers, Fraser Urquhart and Allan Sillars responding for the home side. Scott Maitland followed the example of the previous three takers by going to the keeper's left however this time Lewis Wood guessed correctly and threw up a strong right hand to tip Scott's effort over the crossbar. Thomas McCulloch immediately levelled things up diving low to his right to stop from Kevin McInally and kept a close eye on the loose ball to gather safely at the second attempt. Willie Gemmell put Saints in front again but Andy Campbell scored to send the shoot out into sudden death. 

Paul Kerr stepped up to take the first of the sudden death spot kicks however Referee Allan noticed that the net had come away from the crossbar opening up a hole which he insisted must be repaired before proceeding any further. Bankies official Craig McPherson produced another roll of insulating tape and carried out the necessary repairs while Paul Kerr waited patiently for the signal to proceed. Thankfully the delay had no adverse effect on Paul and he sent Lewis Wood the wrong way tucking the ball low inside the keeper's right hand post to give Saints the advantage. Lewis Wood bravely stepped up to take the Bankies sixth penalty but was left a forlorn figure as his opposite number Thomas McCulloch dropped to his left to smother the ball and send Saints through to face Kings Park Rangers in the quarter final.

Although it was far from a vintage performance from Saints full credit must go to the players whose perseverance was ultimately rewarded with a win which keeps them in the hunt for silverware on two fronts moving into the closing weeks of the season. Commiserations to FC Clydebank who contributed much to an interesting cup tie and were unlucky to loose in the lottery of a penalty shoot-out.

Allan Mackay takes on Graeme Watson

Myles McAuley drives into the Bankies box

Craig Campbell and Allan Sillars

Allan Mackay flicks on Willie Gemmell's throw to Ross Maitland and Keith Millar

Keith Millar and Ross Jackson

Marc Maccallum

Allan Mackay bearing down on goal

Myles McAuley heads over

Scott Maitland gets away from Kevin McInally

Willie Gemmell

Thomas McCulloch saves Kevin McInally's penalty

Referee Greig Allan interrupts the penalty shoot out for some essential net repairs

Paul Kerr nets the winning penalty

#monthesaints

Try Again

Saturday 23rd April 2016

Scottish Amateur Football League
Jimmy Marshall Trophy Third Round

FC Clydebank AFC v Oban Saints AFC
Thorn Park, Thorn Road, Bearsden, East Dunbartonshire G61 4BP

Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr Greig Allan

Try Again

Following last Wednesday's postponement due to a waterlogged pitch FC Clydebank and Saints will try again this Saturday to play their Scottish Amateur Football League Jimmy Marshall Trophy third round match. A week of dry weather should see the grass surface at Thorn Park, Bearsden in good condition for this first meeting of the two clubs.

Two wins in their last two games has lifted The Bankies from tenth to fourth place in Premier Division Two after eleven games played. However, despite their recent upturn in fortunes, their six wins and one draw has yielded only fifteen points due to the deduction of four points for fielding an ineligible player. With the so far undefeated Bridgewater seemingly running away with the league title, the points deduction has left the Bankies facing an uphill struggle to reel in Rosehill Star and Rutherglen in the battle to secure the remaining promotion slot to Premier Division One.

The Bankies reached the third round of the Jimmy Marshall Trophy thanks to a penalty shoot-out win over second in the table Rutherglen after a thrilling 3 - 3 draw on 13th February. Rutherglen gained revenge for that defeat in a recent league encounter inflicting only a second home defeat of the season on the Bankies. Considering that the Bankies only other home defeat came in the Scottish Amateur Cup at the hands of finalists and runaway Central Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division leaders Colville Park they are likely to provide a significant obstacle to Saints hopes of a fourth consecutive Jimmy Marshall Trophy quarter final appearance.

Saints booked their place in the Jimmy Marshall Trophy third round with a narrow 2 - 1 away victory over last season's runners-up East Kilbride FC Amateurs. A David Atha penalty just after the half hour had Saints trailing by one goal to nil at half time and fortunate not to be further behind following a shaky spell just after the opening goal. Saints produced a far better second half showing and a Donald Campbell brace, including one from the penalty spot, sealed victory for Saints and set up this tricky away tie with the Bankies.

Saturday's match must be played to a finish with penalty kicks to decide the winner if the sides cannot be separated after ninety minutes. Awaiting the winners is an away quarter final tie against Kings Park Rangers.

Injuries, suspension, holidays and work commitments will have a significant bearing on Manager Alex Craik's team selection as the season enters a hectic closing schedule and he plots to keep Saints in the hunt for silverware on two fronts.

Thorn Park, Bearsden

FC Clydebank AFC

FC Clydebank AFC fixtures so far this season:-

Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division Two

15th August 2015 FC Clydebank 3 - 0 Tarbert
19th August 2015 FC Clydebank 1 - 1 Dumbarton Wanderers
22nd August 2015 Hillington 1 - 3 FC Clydebank
12th September 2015 Bridgewater 3 - 2 FC Clydebank
24th October 2015 FC Clydebank 3 - 0 Port Glasgow OBU
27th February 2016 FC Clydebank 3 - 1 Duncanrig
5th March 2106 Port Glasgow OBU 2 - 1 FC Clydebank
2nd April 2016 Millbeg Villa 3 - 1 FC Clydebank
9th April 2016 FC Clydebank 2 - 5 Rutherglen
16th April 2016 FC Duncanrig FP 0 - 3 FC Clydebank
20th April 2016 Dumbarton Wanderers 2 - 3 FC Clydebank


Scottish Amateur Football League Centenary Cup

First Round
29th August 2015 Neilston 2 - 1 FC Clydebank


Scottish Amateur Football League Jimmy Marshall Trophy

First Round
Bye

Second Round
13th February 2016 FC Clydebank 3 - 3 Rutherglen
(FC Clydebank win 4 - 3 on penalty kicks)

Scottish Amateur Cup

First Round
5th September 2015 FC Clydebank 3 - 2 Finnart

Second Round
3rd October 2015 FC Clydebank 3 - 1 Newshot

Third Round
31st October 2015 FC Clydebank 1 - 4 Colville Park



West of Scotland Amateur Cup

First Round
19th September 2015 East Kilbride Rolls Royce 3 - 1 FC Clydebank

Donald Campbell nets the winning goal from the penalty spot as Saints come from behind to knock out East Kilbride FC Amateurs in round two

In Other News

Scott Maitland and Donald Campbell have been called up to train with the Scottish Amateur Football Association Select Squad as Manager Bruce McNaught continues his preparations for the Select's next challenge against the Northern Amateur League in Belfast on Saturday 14th May. The latest training session takes place this Sunday at Colville Park and marks a welcome return to the Select fold for Donald Campbell who missed out narrowly on a place in the match day squad for the recent win over Leinster Senior League. Scott's inclusion for the first time is a just reward for an excellent season so far with a standout performance in Saints Scottish Amateur Cup semi-final defeat finally convincing Mr McNaught to have a look at Scott at close quarters.

Donald Campbell

Scott Maitland

#monthesaints