Winning In The Rain: Accept No Substitutes

Clout - Substitute

Saturday 14th May 2016

Scottish Amateur Football League
Premier Division

East Kilbride FC Amateurs 1 - 1 Oban Saints AFC

K-Park Training Academy, Calderglen, East Kilbride G75 0QZ

Kick off 1pm
Referee Mr John McQuilter

Saints starting line-up:-

Thomas McCulloch

David McArthur
Alex Craik
Dene Cassells
Scott Maitland

Willie Gemmell
Paul Kerr
Donald Campbell (Captain)
Keith Millar

Dean Smith
Craig MacEwan

Unused Substitute:-

Peter MacCallum

Saints Goalscorer:-

Keith Millar ⚽

It was a very much down to the bare bones Saints party that made the long trip to Scotland's roundabout capital last Saturday to face title chasing East Kilbride FC Amateurs but full credit to those who did travel for they returned home with a highly creditable point. Injuries, work and family commitments left Manager Alex Craik with only ten available players plus himself and the ever youthful Coach Peter MacCallum. Despite the lack of numbers Alex was able to field a strong starting line-up of Thomas McCulloch in goal; a back four of David McArthur, Alex Craik, Dene Cassells and Scott Maitland; Willie Gemmell, Paul Kerr, Donald Campbell and Keith Millar in midfield; and a strike partnership of Dean Smith and Craig MacEwan. However it was on the bench where the paucity of players was most evident with only Peter MacCallum pulling a yellow bib over his number fourteen jersey.

In a fairly even first half the home side had the better of the chances with Gary McDowal hitting the crossbar with a header and Paul Kerr and Dene Cassells having to make important interceptions to keep the Kilby attack at bay. Saints front pairing of Dean Smith and Craig MacEwan were well supported where possible by Skipper Donald Campbell but made little impression on the meanest defence in the league. The best move from the visitors came in the thirty first minute when Scott Maitland closed down and dispossessed Stuart McMillan just inside the Kilby half and worked a quick give and go with Donald Campbell. Scott made a good run into the left hand side of the Kilby box to receive the return pass from Donald and hit the bye-line before sending a cut back to Donald who was unlucky to see his shot blocked by Christopher Paterson. With only two minutes of the first half remaining Saints conceded in disappointing circumstances getting caught out with a swift counter attack from their own free kick. Willie Gemmell's short free kick from inside the centre circle was intercepted by David Hepburn who played a quick ball up to striker Jonny Diack. With Saints appealing in vain for an offside decision the Kilby danger man got in behind Dene Cassells and Scott Maitland and deftly lifted the ball over the advancing Thomas McCulloch and into the net to give the home side the lead.

Saints were quickly out of the starting blocks in the second half and equalised after just ninety seconds. Craig MacEwan made a good run into the right hand side of the Kilby box to get on the end of a Donald Campbell pass. Craig tricked his way past two players and delivered a low cross into the six yard box which Donald Campbell narrowly failed to connect with but Keith Millar stroked home at the back post. Saints came close to adding to their tally with Scott Maitland and Craig MacEwan forcing Kilby keeper Graeme McMillan into action. Craig's sixty eighth minute hook shot after a good move on the left involving Donald Campbell and Dean Smith was comfortably held by the keeper however he had to work considerably harder to keep out Scott's effort five minutes from time. Dean Smith won a throw-in high up the park on the left wing with Willie Gemmell finding Scott with his throw. Scott turned onto his right foot and fired in a terrific net bound shot which McMillan acrobatically tipped over his crossbar. At the other end Alex Craik turned back the years with a solid performance at the heart of the defence alongside Dene Cassells. When Kilby did manage to penetrate the Saints defence they found Thomas McCulloch to be in excellent form making top class saves to deny Gary McDowal, Christopher Paterson and David Hepburn. The pick of the bunch from the Saints number one came in the eighty third minute. Scott Maitland closed down David Atha on the Saints left at the expense of a corner kick. Atha's deep delivery was headed back across the box by Kilby Skipper Gavin Thomson into the path of Gary McDowal whose powerful volley from fourteen yards was well held by McCulloch diving to his left. The Saints eleven put in an excellent shift in the warm strength sapping East Kilbride sunshine with the prospect of Peter MacCallum having to enter the fray inspiring the players to find the necessary energy reserves to see out the remainder of the half and secure a thoroughly deserved share of the points. The single point leaves East Kilbride tantalisingly close to the league title which they can clinch with a victory over Goldenhill next Saturday.

After a punishing schedule including three consecutive Wednesday night away fixtures Saints can at last look forward to a couple of home fixtures commencing on Friday night against St Joseph's FP quickly followed on Sunday by the visit of Inverclyde.