Cup Previews

Regrettably the slight thaw in the weather conditions arrived too late to save Oban Saints scheduled trip to Port Glasgow last Saturday. A Friday afternoon pitch inspection found the grass park at Parklea Playing Fields to be frozen ruling out any chance of the Scottish Amateur Football League Jimmy Marshall Trophy second round match between hosts Port Glasgow Old Boy's Union and cup holders Saints going ahead. This second consecutive enforced lay-off is far from ideal preparation as Saints build up to the biggest two fixtures of the season so far. The lead up to the Christmas and New Year break sees the Scottish Amateur Cup and the West of Scotland Cup reach the fourth round stage and the draws in both major cup competitions have been particularly unkind to Saints.

East in the Scottish

First up is a trip to Edinburgh's West End this Saturday to face Salvesen of Lothian and Edinburgh Amateur Football Association's Lothian West Division. Playing their home matches at Forrester High School close to Sighthill Public Park, Salvesen are currently on a sixteen match winning streak in all competitions racking up seventy five goals in the process. Their impressive run has taken them to the fourth round of the Scottish Amateur Cup where they will face last season's beaten semi-finalists Oban Saints and also the last sixteen of the East of Scotland Cup where they have a home tie against Stirling and District Premier Division leaders Callander Thistle. Following a successful spell in the Sunday morning leagues Salvesen joined the Lothian and Edinburgh Saturday section in 2015 immediately winning promotion from the Edinburgh West Division to the Lothian West Division. Currently occupying second place three points behind Shotts Thistle, Salvesen have two games in hand over the league leaders whom they have already beaten in the league and knocked out of the Scottish Amateur Cup at the second round stage. Saints recent away form has been patchy to say the least and a marked improvement will be required if they are to successfully negotiate this substantial fourth round hurdle.

East Kilbride in the West

The task facing Saints in the fourth round of the West of Scotland is even more daunting where they travel to Ballerup Playing Fields to face Central Scottish Amateur Football League high fliers East Kilbride. With only one defeat in sixteen competitive fixtures East Kilbride are also in a rich vein of form which has them sitting currently in second place in the Central Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division as "best of the rest" behind runaway leaders Colville Park. After taking the scalp of the mighty Colville Park in the Central Scottish Amateur Football League Bunrigh Trophy third round, East Kilbride suffered their only defeat of the season so far two weeks ago in the semi-finals of the same competition against the impressive Southside of Division 1A.

Saints and East Kilbride are old friends with the South Lanarkshire boys regular pre-season visitors to Oban. This years friendly on 30th July ended goal-less after ninety entertaining minutes in front of a healthy crowd at Glencruitten.

Like Saints, East Kilbride are also through to the fourth round of the Scottish Amateur Cup where they will face another of Saints great friends Greenock High School Former Pupils in what is sure to be one of the ties of the round. The same can also be said of Saints visit to East Kilbride in the West of Scotland Cup which would certainly not look out of place in the latter stages of the competition.  

In a bid to get some much need game time ahead of their two crunch fixtures Saints have arranged a friendly match this Wednesday against West of Scotland Amateur Football League Premier Division new boys South Lochaber Thistle. The match at Kinlochleven High School kicks off at 7pm and will hopefully work off some of the recent ring rust before the fixtures which will decide whether Saints can extend their involvement in the major cup competitions beyond the Christmas and New Year break.



#monthesaints          

It's Thaw Too Late

John Thaw as Jack Regan

Saturday 26th November 2016
Scottish Amateur Football League
Jimmy Marshall Trophy Final
Port Glasgow Old Boys Union AFC v Oban Saints AFC
Parklea Playing Fields
Greenock Road
Port Glasgow
G14 6TR
Kick off 1.30pm
Referee Mr Greig Allan

It's Thaw Too Late

Regrettably the eagerly anticipated weekend thaw has arrived too late to save this afternoon's scheduled match against Port Glasgow Old Boy's Union. A Friday afternoon pitch inspection at Parklea Playing Fields found the grass pitch to be frozen ruling out any chance of the Scottish Amateur Football League Jimmy Marshall Trophy second round match going ahead. A revised date for the tie has yet to be set.

Saints will therefore endure another blank Saturday ahead of their biggest match of the season so far when they travel to face Salvesen of the Lothian and Edinburgh Amateur Football Association in the fourth round of the Scottish Amateur Cup.  

Scottish Amateur Football League Select

Last Sunday at Dalziel Park, Motherwell the Scottish Amateur Football League Select were knocked out of the Scottish Amateur Football League Trophy at the quarter finals stage by the Lothian and Edinburgh Amateur Football Association. Derek McGrory of Ferguslie Star opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Motherwell Thistle's Colin Gillies had been taken out in the box by the LEAFA goalkeeper. The SAFL select, which included Saints players Marc Maccallum, David McArthur, Craig MacEwan and Scott Maitland, passed up several good opportunites to extend their lead and were made to pay for their profligacy when Bob McKenzie of Sandys levelled the scores on the stroke of half time.

Spurred on by their late first half equaliser the men from the East took control of the second half and deservedly went ahead when Sean Smith of Linlithgow Thistle headed a free kick past Drumchapel Amateurs Colts keeper Scott Urquhart. Despite a valiant fight by the SAFL boys they couldn't force an equaliser and were caught out by a late counter attack with George McGregor of Craigshill Thistle thumping home from twenty five yards to make the final score 3 - 1 in favour of the Lothian and Edinburgh Select.

The semi-finals of the Inter League Trophy will be contested by the Ayrshire Amateur Football Association, the Caledonian League, the Central Scottish Amateur Football League and the Lothian and Edinburgh Amateur Football Association.

Half time team talk

Craig MacEwan

David McArthur watches on as Scott Urquhart of Drumchapel Amateurs Colts collects a through ball

Scott Maitland and Marc Maccallum

West of Scotland Amateur Cup

Last Saturday's sheduled third round match against Auchinleck Boswell failed to materialise when the Ayrshire Amateur Football Association Second Division side elected not to travel to Glencruitten thus forfeiting the tie to Saints.

Awaiting Saints in the fourth round is a formidible task in the shape of an away trip to face old friends East Kilbride AFC of the Central Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division. The tie is scheduled for Saturday 10th December.

Oban Saints AFC Scottish Amateur Football League Jimmy Marshall Trophy Winners 2016

#monthesaints

Beaten By The Drum

Saturday 12th November 2016
Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division
Drumchapel Amateurs Colts 2 - 1 Oban Saints AFC
Scotstoun Sports Campus
112 Danes Drive
Glasgow
G14 9HY
Kick off 2pm

Referee Mr Gordon Kelso

Two perfectly executed free kicks and a stoppage time penalty save consigned Saints to a second consecutive away league defeat at Scotstoun Sports Campus last Saturday afternoon. Hosts Drumchapel Amateurs Colts quickly cancelled out Paul Carmichael's fifth minute opener and completed the turnaround two minutes into the second half before successfully shutting up shop to repel a second half Saints onslaught.

Injuries once again forced Manager Alex Craik to ring the changes with Jamie Graham and Paul Kerr dropping out from the squad which squeezed past FC Clydebank in the Scottish Amateur Cup the week previous however the Gaffer was able to add Donald Campbell, Dougal Graham and Scott Maitland to the travelling party. Saints lined up with Thomas McCulloch in goal; a back four of Matthew Kelly, Captain Marc Maccallum, Dene Cassells and David McArthur; a midfield of Brian Mackay, Paul Carmichael, Willie Gemmell and Scott Maitland; and a strike partnership of Dean Smith and Craig MacEwan. On the bench were Donald Campbell, Dougal Graham, Ross Maitland and Fraser MacFarlane.

With Drumchapel's normal home turf of Glenhead, Duntocher unavailable the venue was switched to the excellent, if slightly short and narrow, 4G surface at Scotstoun. Saints got proceedings under way playing into the bright low sun and opened the scoring after just five minutes. Paul Carmichael pushed forward from midfield and won a throw in on the right. Dean Smith collected the throw in and fed Brian Mackay who slipped a perfectly weighted through ball for Paul Carmichael. Paul's well timed run left the Colts back four appealing in vain for offside and from a tight angle the Saints man rifled a shot across keeper Scott Urquhart and in off the inside of the far post.

The home side came roaring back forcing Thomas McCulloch to tip over a Josh White shot from twenty five yards. From the resulting corner Joseph Preston climbed above David McArthur but sent his header a foot over the crossbar. Paul Carmichael was harshly penalised for an eleventh minute challenge on Scott Peters just inside the Colts half and to add insult to injury Referee Mr Kelso then produced the first of a flurry of yellow cards which threatened to ruin a full blooded but sporting encounter between two fully committed teams. The free kick was knocked up to the edge of the Saints box by Scott Fitzpatrick where David McArthur was deemed to have impeded Joseph Preston and also found his way into Mr Kelso's notebook. Drum skipper Matthew Armstrong lined up the free kick from twenty six yards and expertly lifted the ball over the four man Saints wall and into the bottom corner past Thomas McCulloch's despairing right hand. Saints threatened to hit back in the fifteenth minute from a free kick won by Scott Maitland just inside the Drum half. Willie Gemmell played the ball up to Craig MacEwan on the left of the box. Craig tricked his way past Scott Fitzpatrick and sent a low cross into the danger area where Brian Mackay had made a good run. Unfortunately Brian's finish didn't match the quality of his run and his scuffed effort was easily fielded by Scott Urquhart. Drumchapel full backs Scott Fitzpatrick and Greg Cross were looking to push forward to join the attack at every opportunity with opposite numbers Matthew Kelly and David McArthur only too keen to reciprocate. In the twenty third minute McArthur was inches away from connecting at the back post with a good deep cross from Kelly on the right. Another adventurous run from Kelly drew a foul thirty two yards from goal in the thirty fourth minute. From eight yards in from the right touchline Willie Gemmell aimed for the inside of the near post but only succeeded in finding the side netting. Joseph Preston became the first of the home side to fall foul of the card happy Referee for a thirty fifth minute foul on Craig MacEwan. Willie Gemmell again took responsibility for the set-piece but couldn't pick out either Dene Cassells or Craig MacEwan with a lofted ball to the back post with Scott Urquhart making a good catch. As the half wore on Saints seemed to lose their way handing the initiative to the home side. Marc Maccallum produced a perfectly timed last ditch challenge to halt Joseph Preston's run into the box in the forty second minute. Mr Kelso dismissed loud penalty claims from the Colts players instead pointing to the corner flag. Saints couldn't fully clear the danger from the corner kick and conceded another free kick in an identical position to where Matthew Armstrong had previously found the net. Robert Bell assumed responsibility on this occasion but sent his effort straight at Thomas McCulloch who gathered comfortably. The Colts maintained the upper hand right up to the half time whistle drawing a fine diving save from Thomas McCulloch in the forty fourth minute to deny Joseph Preston.

The second half began in disastrous fashion for Saints with a highly controversial decision from Mr Kelso at the heart of it. Paul Carmichael was penalised for a shirt tug which only Mr Kelso saw. While Mr Kelso was lecturing Donald Campbell and Peter MacCallum on the touchline for disputing his decision Robert Bell stole a couple of yards which heightened the sense of injustice in the Saints camp. Bell emulated the feat of Matthew Armstrong in the first half and lifted the ball expertly up and over the wall leaving Thomas McCulloch too much ground to make up to his left giving the home side the lead. To rub salt into the wound Saints skipper Marc Maccallum was added to the growing list of cautions for continuing his protestations too long for the Referee's liking.

Wounded by this reverse Saints finally took the game by the scruff of the neck and piled forward in search of an equaliser. Scott Maitland rifled in a shot from twenty five yards which was blocked behind for a corner kick. Matthew Kelly's delivery from the right was cleared but only as far as Brian Mackay who returned the ball to the danger area where Paul Carmichael's knock down was met by Dean Smith whose net bound effort was blocked by Sunil Chatterjee. Smith tried again in the fifty sixth minute slicing a spectacular attampted bicycle kick from a Craig MacEwan right wing cross off target. This proved to be Dean's last involvement as he and David McArthur made way for Donald Campbell and Dougal Graham.

Saints kept up the pressure on the Colts defence and had two penalty kick appeals in quick succession dismissed by Mr Kelso. Firstly Paul Carmichael appeared to be felled from behind giving the Referee a very close decision to make. Secondly Donald Campbell went down too easily in the Referee's opinion earning the Saints substitute a yellow card for simulation. On the sixty minute mark Willie Gemmell stung the palms of Colts keeper Scott Urquhart with a thirty yard pile driver. The shot was too hot to handle but the loose ball fell short of the onrushing Craig MacEwan allowing the keeper to gather at the second attempt. The Colts were defending in depth with only Joseph Preston left up front to fight for the long ball from the back. In the sixty sixth minute Matthew Kelly intercepted one such long ball with a well timed header to launch another Saints attack. Donald Campbell, Willie Gemmell and Craig MacEwan combined well for Craig to pick out Paul Carmichael's run into the box. Paul held off a challenge from Greg Cross and from six yards left Scott Urquhart rooted to the spot only to see his first time effort slip agonisingly wide of the keeper's right hand post. The Saints onslaught continued with a backpedaling Urquhart showing safe hands to gather a looping Willie Gemmell effort under his crossbar. In the seventy seventh minute Dene Cassells flashed a header over the Colts crossbar from a Willie Gemmell free kick after Craig MacEwan had been fouled ten yards inside the Colts half. A driving run into the box from Donald Campbell in the seventy eighth minute was met by a vital interception by Sunil Chaterjee at the expense of a corner kick. Before the action could re-start Manager Alex Craik made his third and final change bringing on Ross Maitland to replace Brian Mackay. The first involvement for Ross was to take the corner kick from the right but his delivery was headed clear at the near post by Greg Cross. Ross fared better with a cross on the run one minute later picking out Paul Carmichael in the middle whose header flew wide of the keeper's left hand post. The wee man was in the thick of the action again in the eighty first minute having a header from a Willie Gemmell free kick tipped over the crossbar by Scott Urquhart. Kicking the ball away at a throw-in and talking back to the Referee at a free kick saw Sunil Chaterjee and Josh White join the ever expanding list of cautions in the eighty fourth and eighty fifth minutes respectively. Ross Maitland once again got the better of Greg Cross on the right wing and sent in an inviting ball for Donald Campbell who saw his effort from ten yards well saved by Scott Urquhart. With so many yellow cards in the game it was perhaps inevitable that somebody would see red and that dubious honour fell to Joseph Preston for, in Mr Kelso's opinion, a second yellow card offence in the eighty eighth minute. Saints continued their bombardment of the home goal into the four added minutes and looked to have secured the slice of luck they required to break down the stuffy Drum defence when Donald Campbell was pulled back in the process of shooting in the box. Mr Kelso immediately pointed to the penalty spot and took the name of Scott Urquhart for vehemently disputing the decision. The Drum keeper however regained his composure making an excellent diving save to his right to keep out Donald Campbell's spot kick and deny Saints a deserved share of the points.

Paul Carmichael opens the scoring

Paul Carmichael and Greg Cross

Matthew Armstrong equalises

Scott Fitzpatrick launches in on Craig MacEwan

Mr Kelso lectures Donald Campbell and Peter MacCallum

Robert Bell puts the hosts in front

Matthew Kelly

Paul Carmichael comes within inches of a second goal

Scott Urquhart tips over Ross Maitland's header

Scott Maitland and Josh White

Scott Urquhart saves Paul Carmichael's header

Brian Mackay

Scott Urquhart saves Donald Campbell's stoppage time penalty kick

A "home" game at last for Scotstoun resident Jim McArthur

#monthesaints           

   

Crazy Horses

The Osmonds - Crazy Horses

Saturday 12th November 2016
Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division
Drumchapel Amateurs Colts v Oban Saints AFC
Scotstoun Sports Campus
112 Danes Drive
Glasgow
G14 9HY
Kick off 2pm

Referee Mr Gordon Kelso

After securing their place in the draw for the fourth round of the Scottish Amateur cup with a 3 - 1 away victory against FC Clydebank last Saturday, Saints are on the road again this weekend for a first ever meeting with Drumchapel Amateurs Colts. Formed in 2013 as part of the highly successful Drumchapel Amateurs stable, the Drum Colts have taken the Scottish Amateur Football League by storm securing three league titles on the trot to win promotion to the Premier Division. During their gallop through the divisions the Colts racked up fifty one victories from sixty two matches holding off stiff challenges from this season's fellow Premier Division new boys Ferguslie Star and Motherwell Thistle.

Despite a very encouraging start to their inaugural Premier Division campaign where they secured a share of the points at home to reigning champions East Kilbride, the Colts have lost twice on the road to leave them currently propping up the league table at this very early stage in the season.

The Drum Colts have also experienced decidedly mixed fortunes in the cup competitions losing heavily in the West of Scotland Amateur Cup to 2010 winners Harestanes of Central Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division. In the Scottish Amateur Football League Centenary Cup, after successfully negotiating the group stage, the Colts were unlucky to come up against very experienced opposition in the form of St Joseph's FP who prevailed in a local derby quarter final.

So far this season the Colts have reserved their best form for the Scottish Amateur Cup with resounding victories over Crown Athletic of Glasgow Colleges Football Association Division Two and Southside Star of Strathclyde Saturday Morning Amateur Football League Division 1A sending them through to face Portcullis of the Midlands Amateur Football Association Premier Division in the fourth round.

The injury and availability issues that have plagued Saints recently look set to continue although there was some signs of encouragement in midweek with the return to training of Dougal Graham and long term absentee Martin Bonar. Due to the majority of clubs being involved in Scottish Amateur Cup action last weekend there was no fixtures in the Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division thus ensuring that Saints retained the status as league leaders and giving this first ever meeting between the Saints and the Colts an unlikely top v bottom status. Manager Alex Craik will have his fingers crossed for no late call offs for what is sure to be a thorough examination of his team's title credentials.     

Drumchapel Amateurs Colts 2016 - 17

Drumchapel Amateurs Colts Scottish Amateur Football League record:-

2013 - 14 Division 1A Champions Promoted
2014 - 15 Premier Division Two Champions Promoted
2015 - 16 Premier Division One Champions Promoted

Drumchapel Amateurs Colts SAFL Premier Division One Champions 2015 - 16

Drumchapel Amateurs Colts results so far this season:-

Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division

20th August 2016 Drumchapel Amateurs Colts 3 - 3 East Kilbride FC Amateurs

3rd September 2016 Campbeltown Pupils 3 - 2 Drumchapel Amateurs Colts

8th October 2016 Motherwell Thistle 3 - 2 Drumchapel Amateurs Colts

Scottish Amateur Football League Centenary Cup

Group Section Seven

13th August 2016 Drumchapel Amateurs Colts 4 - 1 Duntocher Hibs
24th August 2016 Drumchapel Amateurs Colts 7 - 2 Millerston
27th August 2016 Kings Park Rangers 2 - 1 Drumchapel Amateurs Colts

Quarter Finals
15th October 2016 Drumchapel Amateurs Colts 1 - 3 St Joseph's FP

West of Scotland Amateur Cup

Round One
17th September 2016 Harestanes 6 - 1 Drumchapel Amateurs Colts

Scottish Amateur Cup

Round One
Bye

Round Two
1st October 2016 Drumchapel Amateurs Colts 16 - 2 Crown Athletic

Round Three
5th November 2016 Drumchapel Amateurs Colts 16 - 2 Southside Star

In Other News

The draw for the fourth round of the Scottish Amateur Cup took place at Hampden Park on Wednesday 9th November. Saints were rewarded for their third round success against FC Clydebank with another tricky away trip this time to Edinburgh to face Salvesen of the Lothian and Edinburgh Amateur Football Association. The tie is scheduled for Saturday 3rd December.

Brian Mackay on the gallops at Thorn Park, Bearsden last Saturday

#monthesaints

No Fireworks

Saturday 5th November 2016
Scottish Amateur Football Association Challenge Cup Competition
Third Round
FC Clydebank 1 - 3 Oban Saints AFC
Thorn Park
Thorn Road
Bearsden
East Dunbartonshire
G61 4BP
Kick Off 2pm
Referee Mr Michael Auld

Thorn Park, Bearsden

Oban Saints booked their place in the Scottish Amateur Cup fourth round draw with a hard fought third round victory over FC Clydebank in Bearsden last Saturday. Despite the date there was no fireworks in a very sporting contest which saw Saints bang in three goals to see them safely through to the next round. With nine players missing for various reasons, and several others nursing injuries, Manager Alex Craik had his selection options severely curtailed. Despite a badly bruised right foot Jamie Graham once again lined up at left back alongside Dene Cassells, Captain Marc Maccallum and David McArthur who made up the back four. Injury concerns for Paul Kerr and Brian Mackay were bravely brushed aside as they joined Willie Gemmell in midfield. Up front Dean Smith lead the line flanked by Ross Maitland and Craig MacEwan. In goal was Thomas McCulloch looking for a third consecutive clean sheet. Lack of numbers once again forced the Gaffer to name himself on the bench where he had youngsters Matthew Kelly and Fraser MacFarlane for company.

Saints skipper Marc Maccallum won the toss of Referee Michael Auld's coin and elected switch ends giving the opposition the problem of dealing with the bright low sun in the first half. The Bankies kicked off on the large grass surface which was in good condition despite some recent heavy rain. Saints settled into their passing game early without being able to find any penetration. Bankies danger man Kevin McInally gave an early indication of the threat he would pose on the right wing forcing Marc Maccallum into a block to concede a fifth minute corner kick which Thomas McCulloch did well to hold under pressure from Gavin Mcqueen. McCulloch was in action again two minutes later making a comfortable save from Mark Bird who didn't quite make the connection he would have liked with a low shot from twenty five yards. Craig MacEwan returned the compliment at the other end cutting inside from the left after being picked out by Willie Gemmell only to miscue a weak effort straight at Lewis Wood in the Bankies goal. Saints looked ready now to pick up the tempo with Dean Smith slipping a good ball into the box for Craig MacEwan to run onto however Craig couldn't get the ball under control quickly enough and was closed down by the Bankies defence. Dene Cassells sent Jamie Graham tearing up the left wing in the ninth minute however there was no takers for Jamie's dangerous cut back. A patient twelfth minute passing move started by Paul Kerr inside his own half lead to another cut back from Jamie Graham on the left which this time found Brian Mackay inside the Bankies box. Mackay made space for a shot but saw his effort blocked by the combined efforts of Kyle Cruickshank, Martin Fleming and Andrew Weir. The Bankies immediately launched a counter attack on the right with Kevin McInally skipping past Dene Cassells before shooting across Thomas McCulloch and, fortunately for Saints, wide of the far post. David McArthur moved forward to join the attack for a fourteenth minute corner after good work on the left by Dean Smith. McArthur was able to get his head on Ross Maitland's in-swinger from the left but couldn't generate the power to beat Lewis Wood who made a simple catch. Wood was relieved to be able to make another easy catch two minutes later after another excellent run on the left from Jamie Graham was sadly not matched by his final ball which he fired straight at Wood at his near post. Saints continued to ask most of the first half questions but remained unable to put the Bankies goal under serious threat. Just after the half hour mark long range efforts were exchanged with Andrew Weir forcing a save from Thomas McCulloch down to his left and Willie Gemmell sending a thirty yard shot high and wide of target. Wood was however called into action saving well from Dean Smith after he and Paul Kerr had combined well on the edge of the box to create the opening. Saints made the breakthrough in the thirty eighth minute when David McArthur made a good interception on the half way line launching a swift Saints counter attack. McArthur played the ball up to Craig MacEwan on the right who held the ball up well before rolling it back to Brian Mackay. Mackay then threaded a defence splitting pass for Dean Smith who ran in behind the Bankies defence to slot the ball past the exposed Lewis Wood. With the goal in the bag Saints switched to a 4-4-2 formation dropping Ross Maitland back into midfield. Saints survived one further scare before ending the half one goal to the good. Andrew Campbell robbed Marc Maccallum on the left and raced in to fire in a dangerous low ball across the face of goal which Dene Cassells did well to cut out before it could reach Allan Sillars.

Jamie Graham found himself unable to continue and was replaced for the start of the second half by Matthew Kelly who took up the right back berth which he had filled so well against Petershall Villa two weeks previously. David McArthur moved across to fill the left back slot vacated by Jamie. Ross Maitland thought he had doubled the Saints lead in the forty sixth minute when his deflected shot from twenty yards left Lewis Wood hopelessly wrong footed but the ball slipped inches wide of the base of Wood's left hand post. Willie Gemmell had another sighter in the fiftieth minute this time sending a low shot from twenty five yards wide of Lewis Wood's right hand post. At the other end Bankies full back Ross Hollinsworth pushed forward on the right to join the attack and sent in a looping shot from the corner of the box which Thomas McCulloch comfortably fielded. In the fifty second minute Kevin McInally easily tricked his way past David McArthur and only an excellent save from Thomas McCulloch diving full length to his right preserved the Saints lead. Encouraged by this the Bankies pressed forward again on the right with McInally picking out a good near post run from Allan Sillars who, fortunately for Saints, guided his effort inches wide of Thomas McCulloch's left hand post. The Bankies had their tails up now and had a disjointed Saints pinned back in their own half. A measured pass from Gavin Mcqueen sent Allan Sillars through on goal pursued by Dene Cassells who was relieved to see Thomas McCulloch sliding out to smother the ball at the feet of the Bankies striker. Failure to clear their lines properly heaped more pressure on the Saints defence in sixty seventh minute with a weak headed clearance from Ross Maitland landing at the feet of Mark Bird who failed to test Thomas McCulloch sending a snatched effort wide of target. With Manager Alex Craik threatening to burst a blood vessel on the touchline Saints finally started to get back into the game and launched a swift counter attack from a Dene Cassells interception on the half way line. Brian Mackay raced forward and had his net bound effort turned behind by a timely block from Kyle Cruickshank. Craig MacEwan and Dean Smith carved out a seventy fourth minute chance with Dean's cut back from the dead ball line agonisingly out of reach for Craig racing in at the near post. Ross Maitland was extremely unfortunate to be given offside from what appeared to be a perfectly timed run to beat the Bankies offside trap. Willie Gemmell continued his protests too long for Mr Auld's liking earning him the only yellow card of the match. With ten minutes remaining Manager Alex Craik made his second change introducing Fraser MacFarlane to replace Dean Smith. This proved to be an inspired decision by the Saints Gaffer as young Fraser pounced on a loose ball in the Bankies box in the eighty third minute to fire Saints into a two goal lead. A frantic few minutes ensued as the game entered the closing stages. Allan Sillars threatened to burst into the Saints box but was halted by an excellent sliding challenge from Marc Maccallum at the expense of a corner kick. Kevin McInally and Andrew Campbell worked a quick short corner kick routine which caught the Saints defence completely unawares with Campbell advancing a long the goal line and cutting the ball back to Ross Hollinsworth who hooked the ball into the net past the bemused Thomas McCulloch. From the restart Willie Gemmell spotted Lewis Wood off his goal line and attempted to lob the keeper from the half way line only narrowly failing to hit the target. Saints kept the pressure on from Wood's goal kick with Brian Mackay drawing a desperate tackle from Kyle Cruickshank to prevent the Saints man from breaking through on goal. Willie Gemmell lined up the free kick twenty yards from goal and slightly left of centre. Unable to find the target with any of his previous efforts from open play Willie made absolutely no mistake with the dead ball placing the ball perfectly into the postage stamp corner beyond the despairing dive of Lewis Wood. Manager Alex Craik then joined the action replacing Brian Mackay in his third and final change. The Gaffer took up an unfamiliar position in the Saints midfield to help his charges see out the final two minutes plus the additional three allowed by Referee Auld. Saints survived one final scare when Gavin Mcqueen skipped past Alex Craik and sent a looping shot over the head of Thomas McCulloch onto the top of the crossbar and behind for a goal kick. Mr Auld, who had a good game made easy by both sets of players, decided he had seen enough and blew for full time.

Whilst lacking the fluency of the previous weekend's win over reigning Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division champions East Kilbride FC Amateurs Saints can be well pleased with a hard fought victory over an improving FC Clydebank side who can now concentrate fully on their Central Scottish Amateur Football League Divsion 1A campaign.

Next up for Saints is a return to league business with a first ever trip to face Drumchapel Amateurs Colts.    

Craig MacEwan, Ross Hollinsworth and Jamie Graham

Ross Maitland and Mark Bird

Brian Mackay and Kevin McInally

Willie Gemmell, Ross Maitland and Brian Mackay congratulate Dean Smith on his opening goal

Thomas McCulloch

Dene Cassells beats Kyle Cruickshank and Ross Hollinsworth in the air

Headed chance for Dean Smith pulled back for offside against Ross Maitland

Matthew Kelly, Fraser Urquhart and Andrew Weir

Matthew Kelly and Willie Gemmell congratulate Fraser MacFarlane on his goal

Lewis Wood is well beaten by Willie Gemmell's free kick

Willie Gemmell is congratulated by team mates Paul Kerr, Brian Mackay, Ross Maitland and Fraser MacFarlane

#monthesaints

Bang Bang

B.A. Robertson - Bang Bang

Saturday 5th November 2016
Scottish Amateur Football Association Challenge Cup Competition
Third Round
FC Clydebank v Oban Saints AFC
Thorn Park
Thorn Road
Bearsden
East Dunbartonshire
G61 4BP
Kick Off 2pm
Referee Mr Michael Auld

Following last Saturday's convincing home win against reigning Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division champions East Kilbride FC Amateurs, Saints resume their Scottish Amateur Cup campaign with a tricky away tie against FC Clydebank at Thorn Park, Bearsden.

Formerly members of the Scottish Amateur Football League, FC Clydebank made the switch at the start of this season to the Central Scottish Amateur Football League where they presently occupy fifth place in Division 1A with twelve points from a possible twenty one. The Bankies have made a decent start to their first league campaign in the Central Scottish Amateur Football League where four wins from seven games leaves them seven points behind early leaders Blantyre Celtic but with two games in hand. While their league form puts them in a good position to mount a serious challenge in what looks to be a very competitive title race, home defeats to Premier Division Bannockburn and Division 1B table toppers Gourock Athletic have already ended the Bankies interest in the Bunrigh Trophy and Cinema Cup.

Unfortunately for the Bankies their hopes of an extended run in the West of Scotland Amateur Cup have also been extinguished following a narrow home second round defeat to New Farm Loch of the Ayrshire Amateur Football Association Second Division who Saints fans will recall from last season's fourth round.

In the Scottish Amateur Cup the Bankies needed a replay to get past Port Glasgow of Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division 2B before bagging this Saturday's third round tie against Saints with a convincing 3 - 0 home win against St Silas of Strathclyde Evangelical Churches Division One.

Saints and the Bankies have met only once before in tight Scottish Amateur Football League Jimmy Marshall Trophy third round tie at Colquhoun Park, Bearsden in April of this year. Neither side could find the net during the ninety minutes therefore the tie had to be decided by a penalty shoot-out. 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.

Saints can expect a similarly difficult afternoon against a determined Bankies side who will relish the opportunity of putting one over on their former league colleagues. Manager Alex Craik has a number of injury doubts to ponder which, added to the usual mix of holidays and work commitments, will give him a few headaches before naming his starting eleven for this Guy Fawkes day encounter. 

FC Clydebank

Thorn Park, Bearsden

FC Clydebank fixtures so far this season:-

Central Scottish Amateur Football League Division 1A

13th August 2016 CBW Waterside 5 - 2 FC Clydebank
17th August 2016 Clydebank AFC 1 - 2  FC Clydebank
31st August 2016 FC Clydebank 8 - 2 Electric AFC
17th September 2016 FC Clydebank 1 - 2 Mill United
24th September 2016 Blantyre Celtic 5 - 0 FC Clydebank
15th October 2016 FC Clydebank 3 - 1 Kilsyth
29th October 2106 FC Clydebank 5 - 2 Stedfast




Central Scottish Amateur Football League Bunrigh Trophy

First Round
20th August 2016 FC Clydebank 3 - 1 Mill United

Second Round
Bye

Third Round
27th August 2016 FC Clydebank 1 - 5 Bannockburn



Central Scottish Amateur Football League Cinema Cup

First Round
Bye

Second Round
8th October 2016 FC Clydebank 2 - 3 Gourock Athletic

Scottish Amateur Cup

First Round
3rd September 2016 Port Glasgow 3 - 3 FC Clydebank

First Round Replay
9th September 2016 FC Clydebank 2 - 0 Port Glasgow

Second Round
1st October 2016 FC Clydebank 3 - 0 St. Silas

West of Scotland Amateur Cup

First Round
Bye

Second Round
22nd October 2016 FC Clydebank 1 - 2 New Farm Loch

Action from last season's Scottish Amateur Football League Jimmy Marshall Trophy third round match at Colquhoun Park

Myles McAuley drives into the Bankies box

Keith Millar and Ross Jackson

Craig Campbell and Allan Sillars

Allan Mackay bearing down on goal

Lewis Wood safely gathers a Paul Kerr header

Scott Maitland and Kevin McInally

Myles McAuley steers a shot wide of target

Thomas McCulloch saves from Allan McInally in the penalty shoot-out

Paul Kerr nets the winning penalty

In Other News

Saints were saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected folding of highly respected old rivals Postal United last Sunday evening. During their five seasons in direct competition in the Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division Saints finished ahead of their Glasgow rivals on three occasions however in the final two seasons the balance of power shifted very much in favour of Postal. Returning to the top flight in season 2011-12 as reigning Premier Division One Champions Postal romped undefeated to the Premier Division title dropping just four points in the process. To round off a perfect season Postal added the Jimmy Marshall Trophy and Centenary Cup to their haul giving them a remarkable clean sweep of Scottish Amateur Football League silverware. The following season Postal announced their departure for a new challenge in the Central Scottish Amateur Football League and left with the a second consecutive Premier Division title tucked under their belts.

Postal gained immediate success in their new league set-up securing the Division 1B title and with it promotion to the Premier Division. Alas, despite putting up a brave fight, they were unable to hold onto their top flight status and dropped back to Division 1B for season 2015 - 16. Displaying all of the resilience which brought them so much success in their Scottish Amateur Football League days Postal bounced back yet again to finish second behind undefeated runaway champions Haldane United to earn the right to have another crack at the Premier Division.

Sadly, after an extremely difficult start to the season where their inability to attract new management and players left them struggling on the pitch, the highly dedicated Postal committee decided they could continue no more and, in their forty fourth year, withdrew from all competitions.

Saints wish everyone connected with Postal United all the best for whatever the future may hold for them more especially Club President James McCarthy who, during his forty four year association with the club, was a true gentleman of the amateur game.

#monthesaints