Sixteen Again

Buzzcocks - Sixteen Again

Saturday 4th March 2017
The Scottish Amateur Football Association Challenge Cup Competition

7th Round Tie
Letham AFC v Oban Saints AFC
Seven Acres Park
Newhouse Road
Letham
Perth
PH1 2JB
Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr Kenny Taylor

This Saturday Oban Saints face their biggest test of the season so far when they travel to Seven Acres Park, Perth to face Letham AFC in the Scottish Amateur Cup 7th round. Their hosts are reigning Perthshire Amateur Football Association Division One Champions and currently lead Perthshire's top division with maximum points from their nine games played. Letham already look well on course to extend their run of three consecutive league titles and will hope to go one better than last season when one solitary defeat cost them a 100% record. Unsurprisingly Letham are also the league's top scorers currently averaging over six goals per game. Their meager nine goals against also marks them out as the league's tightest defence.

On the domestic cup front Letham are on target to successfully defend the Perth and District and Ashleigh Cups won last season and are also going strong in the Smith League Cup setting them up for a possible clean sweep of available silverware.

As well as being Kings of all they survey domestically Letham are also going strong in the district and national cup competitions. They are already through to the quarter finals of the North of Tay District Amateur Cup where they will face league colleagues and four time winners Fair City.


Letham's most notable scalps in their incredible twenty six match unbeaten run in all competitions have come in the Scottish Amateur Cup. After seeing off a stiff challenge from Midlands Premier Division high flyers Morgans Academy FP's in the early regional rounds Letham swatted aside Caledonian League Division 1A new boys Woodhall Thistle in the first of the open draw rounds. Round five brought the only blip in an otherwise perfect season so far for Letham when they were held to a 3 - 3 draw at home by Lothian and Edinburgh Premier Division Tollcross Thistle. Normal service was however quickly resumed in the replay at Saughton with Letham running out comfortable 4 - 0 winners.

Like Saints, Letham secured their place in the last sixteen with a win against Ayrshire Amateur Football Association Premier Division opposition. While Saints were battling through the soggy underfoot conditions at Tarbolton Public Park to overcome Tarbolton Letham were putting three without reply past Kilbride Thistle at home on the 3G surface at Seven Acres Park.

The reward for the winners of Saturday's seventh round tie is an away quarter final showdown with either Cambusnethan Talbot Community of the Central Scottish Amateur Football Association Premier Division or Barca-Milton 97 of the Lothain and Edinburgh Amateur Football Association Championship.

Letham AFC Perthshire Amateur Football Association Division One Champions 2014-15

Letham fixtures so far this season:-

Perthshire Amateur Football Association Division One

20th August 2016 St John's 3 - 6 Letham
27th August 2016 Balmoral 2 - 8 Letham
3rd September 2016 Letham 7 - 0 Vale of Earn
17th September 2016 Letham 4 - 0 Craigie
24th September 2016 Fair City 0 - 8 Letham
8th October 2016 Ballinluig 0 - 2 Letham
26th November 2016 Letham 12 - 1 Jeanfield Swifts
10th December 2016 Letham 4 - 1 Auchterarder Primrose
17th December 2016 Letham 7 - 2 St John's


Perthshire Amateur Football Association Smith League Cup

Section 2
16th August 2016 Dunkeld & Birnam  2 - 14 Letham
18th August 2016 Letham 13 - 1 Ballinluig
23rd August 2016 Vale of Atholl 0 - 6 Letham

Quarter Final
11th February 2017 Letham 8 - 2 Bridge of Earn


Perthshire Amateur Football Association Ashleigh Cup

Round One
22nd October 2016 Kettins 1 - 4 Letham


Perthshire Amateur Football Association Perthshire Cup

Round One
29th October 2016 Luncarty 0 - 3 Letham


Perthshire Amateur Football Association Perth and District Cup

Round One
Bye

Round Two
25th February 2017 Letham 9 - 0 St John's



North of Tay District Amateur Cup

Round One
15th October 2016 Letham 2 - 1 Coupar Angus

Round Two
19th November 2016 Letham 6 - 2 Finavon

Round Three
21st January 2017 Letham 12 - 0 Club 83

Round Four
18th February 2017 Letham 4 - 2 Morgan Academy FP's

Scottish Amateur Cup

Round One
Bye

Round Two
1st October 2016 Letham 10 - 2 Brechin City Amateurs

Round Three
5th November 2016 Morgan Academy FP's 3 - 6 Letham

Round Four
3rd December 2016 Woodhall Thistle 1 - 6 Letham

Round Five
7th January 2017 Letham 3 - 3 Tollcross Thistle

Round Five Replay
14th January 2017 Tollcross Thistle 0 - 4 Letham

Round Six
4th February 2017 Letham 3 - 0 Kilbride Thistle

(Last) Sixteen Again

The seventh round of the Scottish Amateur Cup is, of course, familiar territory for Saints who have maintained their interest in the nation's premier cup competition beyond the Christmas and New Year break in nine of the past twelve seasons including three quarter-finals and last season's semi-final appearance.

This season's road to Hampden began with an extremely tough first round away fixture against former Scottish Amateur Football League rivals Finnart now of the Caledonian League Division 1B. A Craig MacEwan strike after eighteen minutes gave Saints the lead at Glasgow Green which they comfortably held onto until the half time interval. The second half started badly for Saints when a cheaply conceded corner kick allowed Finnart dead ball expert Andrew Robertson to find the head of Kieren Molloy in the six yard box and bring the home side level. Saints re-established their midfield domination and regained the lead just after the hour when second half substitute Paul Carmichael cracked a powerful drive off the underside of the crossbar and over the goal line. The Saints defence repelled an aerial onslaught from Finnart before a successfully converted Donald Campbell penalty kick in the eighty third minute made the tie safe.

A second round no show from Glasgow and District Saturday Morning League Premier Division outfit Bishopton denied the Saints faithful a home match on 1st October but saw Saints comfortably through to the third round by virtue of a walkover.

The third round draw paired Saints with another recent Scottish Amateur Football League defector FC Clydebank now of the Central Scottish Amateur Football League Division 1A. A significantly less assured performance than against Finnart somehow still managed to produce an identical result at Thorn Park Bearsden on 5th November. Dean Smith gave a sluggish Saints side a thirty eighth minute lead which they managed to hold until the closing stages despite an uncharacteristically disjointed performance. The eightieth minute introduction of Fraser MacFarlane proved to be an inspired change by Manager Alex Craik as, within three minutes of joining the action, young Fraser pounced on a loose ball in the Bankies' box to double the Saints advantage. A frantic period then ensued with Ross Hollinsworth pulling one back for the home side from a well worked short corner routine before Willie Gemmell settled the nerves on the touchline with a perfectly struck free kick into the postage stamp corner to send Saints into the fourth round.


Saints made a rare journey east to face Salvasen of the Lothian and Edinburgh Amateur Football Association Lothian West Division in their biggest test of the season so far. With Skipper Marc Maccallum calling off due to illness Paul Kerr took the armband and successfully lead his troops into the fifth round against the previously undefeated Edinburgh side. Saints were assured throughout dominating possession and looking solid at the back. Goals either side of the half time interval from Dean Smith and Ross Maitland saw Saints comfortably through to a much welcomed and eagerly anticipated home tie against Westdyce.


The fifth round draw provided Saints with their first home cup tie of the season and just their fourth home match in all competitions. Opponents Westdyce of the Aberdeenshire Amateur Football Association Divison Two East were making their first ever trip west in Scottish amateur football's most prestigious competition and their first appearance at the fifth round stage. Things started well for the visitors when a clumsy challenge from Dene Cassells gave them a sixth minute penalty kick which Skipper Callum Mackay successfully converted. Despite dominating possession it took Saints ten minutes to get back on level terms and a further quarter of an hour before they eventually got their noses in front with both goals coming from Brian Mackay. Westdyce remained solid at the start of the second half but a sweet curling finish from Ross Maitland just before the hour mark finally broke their resilience. A near post Craig MacEwan header from a Ross Maitland corner five minutes later and a typical piece of individual brilliance from second half substitute Donald Campbell rounded off the scoring sending Saints through to the last thirty two.


Saints were back on the road again in round six with a trip to Burns Country to face Tarbolton of the Ayrshire Amateur Football Association Premier Division. The Oban lads were made to dig deep in very soggy underfoot conditions and battle their way through to the last sixteen. Hosts Tarbolton used the difficult conditions to their advantage to keep the tie hanging in the balance until the dying seconds. The match was played on an extremely soft and wet pitch which, by the end of the ninety minutes, bore close resemblance to a ploughed field and Referee Steven Nicholls was in two minds as to whether the surface was fit for play. Indeed, had it not been for some vigorous forking from the groundsman and the rain which had fallen steadily for days abating in time for kick off the match would surely have been postponed. Saints started well and had their hosts pinned back inside their own half from the first whistle. The breakthrough came after twelve minutes with Willie Gemmell claiming the assist. Craig MacEwan won a free-kick on the left which Gemmell swung into the packed penalty box. David McArthur got in between Blair Kennedy and Brandon Hendren and from eight yards out glanced Gemmell's delivery into the bottom corner of the net past Allan McKelvie's right hand. Saints reached the half time interval good value for their narrow lead but were pegged back inside the first minute of the second forty five. From the Saints kick off Craig MacEwan and Brian Mackay drove at the heart of the Tarbolton defence with the final ball from Brian just beyond Craig leaving Allan McKelvie an easy task to collect at the edge of his box. The wind assisted kick from hand from the keeper carried almost to the Saints eighteen yard line where David McArthur missed his header allowing Stephen Brodie to run in behind and lift the ball over Thomas McCulloch and into the net. The home side were using the strong wind to good advantage and Saints Gaffer Alex Craik made some tactical changes to counter the home sides aerial threat. Up front Saints more measured approach eventually bore fruit with Craig MacEwan and Donald Campbell linking up in the eighty first minute to create the opening which would lead to Saints second goal. MacEwan showed good strength to hold off Johnny Dunlop and hook the ball over his head for Campbell to run on to. Donald made his way into the box where his run was held up by Evan Armstrong. Donald turned and ran across the box drawing an injudicious challenge from Armstrong which sent Donald sprawling in the mud. Mr Nicholls had no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot from where Craig MacEwan gave Saints the lead beating McKelvie's right hand tucking the ball neatly into the bottom corner. The relief among the Saints contingent was tangible however there was still plenty of time left for Tarbolton to try and force a second equaliser. Craig MacEwan had a shot just wide of target before Referee Nicholls announced four minutes of stoppage time. The added minutes gave the hosts some renewed hope however that was quickly snatched away from them when they conceded the second penalty kick of the afternoon. Donald Campbell sent the every willing Brian Mackay racing up the left wing and into the edge of the box where he was hauled down by the unfortunate Evan Armstrong. Craig MacEwan once again made no mistake from the penalty spot to finally calm the nerves on the sidelines and send Saints through to the last sixteen.

Oban Saints path to the Scottish Amateur Cup fifth round

1st Round

3rd September 2016 Finnart 1 - 3 Oban Saints

Donald Campbell beats Finnart's Brian Paton from the penalty spot to seal victory for Saints

2nd Round

1st October 2016 Oban Saints v Bishopton - Walkover to Saints

3rd Round

5th November 2016 FC Clydebank 1 - 3 Oban Saints

Thomas McCulloch shows safe hands to collect a corner under pressure from FC Clydebank's Gavin Mcqueen

4th Round

3rd December 2016 Salvesen 0 - 2 Oban Saints

Dean Smith opens the scoring against Salvesen

5th Round

8th January 2017 Oban Saints 5 - 1 Westdyce

Brian Mackay nets the first of his two goals to bring Saints level against Westdyce

6th Round

4th February 2017 Tarbolton 1 - 3 Oban Saints

David McArthur opens the scoring

#monthesaints

No Ark Required

The Scottish Amateur Football League Jimmy Marshall Trophy

Saturday 25th February 2017

Scottish Amateur Football League Jimmy Marshall Trophy
Third Round

Arkleston Barrhead AFC 1 - 3 Oban Saints AFC
Cowan Park 3G
Aurs Road
Glasgow
G78 2SJ
Kick off 1pm
Referee Mr John McNab


Saints starting line-up:-

Used substitutes:-

Martin Bonar
Jamie Graham
Dean Smith

Unused substitute:-

Alex Craik

Last Saturday at Cowan Park, Barrhead Oban Saints booked their place in the Quarter Finals of the Scottish Amateur Football League Jimmy Marshall Trophy with a 3 - 1 victory over Premier Division 2B leaders Arkleston Barrhead. The journey to Barrhead was made in heavy rain on flooded roads but safe on the knowledge that the fixture was scheduled for the new 3G facility at Cowan Park. To the relief of all concerned no Ark was required and the rain cleared in time for kick off. The match was played in bright sunshine but with a strong wind blowing across the park towards the parkside touchline where the Saints contingent had assembled.

Fortunately no Ark was required

Manager Alex Craik made several changes from the line-up which had defeated Drumchapel Colts on Saints last outing the most notable being a first competitive appearance of the season for goalkeeper Graham "Sugar" Douglas. Matthew Kelly was restored to the right back slot with David McArthur moving infield to partner Skipper Marc Maccallum. Scott Maitland completed the back four occupying his regular left back position. After missing his first game of the season against Drumchapel Colts Paul Kerr returned to the midfield alongside Willie Gemmell and Brian Mackay. Up front Donald Campbell lead the line flanked by Ross Maitland and Craig MacEwan. The Gaffer named himself on a strong bench with Martin Bonar, Jamie Graham and Dean Smith for company.

Saints kicked off with the advantage of the slight slope and were quickly into their stride dominating the opening ten minutes. In the fifth minute Willie Gemmell split Arky defenders John McDade and David Fulton with an excellent pass for Donald Campbell to run onto. Unfortunately for Donald Arky keeper Andrew Duncan read the danger with the former Airdrieonians man coming quickly off his line to smother the ball at Donald's feet. Willie Gemmell then decided to try his luck from distance bringing a fine save from Andrew Duncan low down to his left after a lay off from Donald Campbell. Such was the ferocity of Willie's shot that the keeper was unable to hold it and Craig MacEwan pounced on the loose ball which he sent just over the junction of post and bar from the corner of the six yard box.

Arky began to come to terms with the Saints movement holding their shape well to deny their visitors openings they craved. The home side created the first of several presentable chances in the thirteenth minute with Kevin Brown making a good run on the left and cutting back for Paul Quinn who shot wide of Sugar's right hand post. Six minutes later, again from a break on the left, Sugar got his angles spot on to deny Kristoffer Cameron at his near post. Saints went immediately on the attack with an excellent passing move from the back all the way through to Craig MacEwan whose shot from a tight angle flew across the face of goal and wide of Andrew Duncan's right hand post. Arky Skipper David Fulton sent in a twenty second minute free kick causing a stramash in the Saints box with the ball eventually falling to Jamie Henderson who skewed a shot well wide of target and out for a throw-in. Henderson was involved again three minutes later finding Kevin Brown in space in the box with a cross from the left. With more time and space than he was entitled to expect Brown fired his shot straight at Graham Douglas who was relieved to make a comfortable save.

With the home side having come to terms with the Saints movement the visitors took the lead slightly against the run of play just before the half hour mark. The goal from Craig MacEwan was virtually identical to his opener against Ferguslie Star at Glencruitten four weeks ago save that the assist this time came from Marc Maccallum. Just as David McArthur had done previously Marc Maccallum carried the ball into the opposition half and sent a deep cross into the box looking for the head of Craig MacEwan. Craig timed his leap perfectly to get above John McDade and loop a header over Andrew Duncan into the the postage stamp corner. Saints were almost caught out from the restart when Marc Maccallum and David McArthur were both pulled out the centre leaving Kristoffer Cameron a free header from a Brian McWilliams cross from the right which he mercifully sent wide of Sugar's right hand post.

Saints doubled their advantage in the thirty third minute from a Ross Maitland corner from the left. Donald Campbell threaded a ball down up the left wing for Ross who made a jinking run into the box but was beaten by a well timed tackle from Gavin Holley. Ross sent his corner kick deep to the back post where Donald Campbell pulled the ball down and from ten yards lashed a shot past Andrew Duncan's despairing right hand, over the head of Gavin Holley on the goal line, and into the top corner of the net. Saints were well on top at this point and spurned two good chances to make the tie safe before the half-time interval. In the thirty sixth a good move from the left involving Scott Maitland, Brian Mackay, Donald Campbell and Craig MacEwan worked the ball across the park for Ross Maitland who saw his shot from sixteen yards well saved by Andrew Duncan. Two minutes later another excellent defence splitting pass from Willie Gemmell sent Craig MacEwan spinning in behind the Arky back three however, from a tight angle, Craig could only find the side netting.

With five of the first forty five minutes remaining Saints skipper Marc Maccallum was penalised for a foul on Kevin Brown thirty yards from goal with opposite number David Fulton sending the resulting free-kick high over the Saints crossbar. Maccallum was in the thick of the action just one minute later showing good strength to see out Kristoffer Cameron who had threatened to latch onto a miscued clearing header by David McArthur.

The hosts pulled one back on the stroke of half-time in slightly controversial circumstances. Jamie Henderson appeared to control a bouncing ball with his upper arm however there was no disputing the quality of his finish with a rasping drive from twenty eight yards flying past Graham Douglas and into his top right hand corner. The late counter from the hosts was a blow to Saints who really should have had more than a slender one goal advantage to show for their first half efforts.

The hosts kicked off the second half which, for almost thirty minutes, had Saints wishing they had made more of their early first half domination with the crucial fourth goal of the match looking just as likely to come for either side. In the fifty third minute Matthew Kelly was fouled just inside the Arky half by Paul Quinn. Donald Campbell took the free-kick quickly almost playing in Brian Mackay who was thwarted by Andrew Duncan's quick dash off his line snuff out the danger. The Arky keeper then launched the ball upfield where David McAthur got underneath his attempted clearing header sending the ball spinning back towards his own goal. With Kevin Brown bearing down on him Graham Douglas could only claw the ball behind for a corner kick. Sugar was far more assured with the corner kick safely collecting the in-swinger from the right under his crossbar. After a difficult few months Donald Campbell looks slowly to be returning to his best however the elusive killer pass continued to elude him with his fifty sixth minute run and cross from the right too close to the keeper and out of reach for Craig MacEwan racing in at the back post. The pattern continued just one minute later when Ross Maitland was left frustrated as Andrew Duncan cut out another Donnie delivery from the right. Arky second half substitute Michael Brown made an almost impact on proceedings following a good move on the right wing. Kevin Brown worked the ball along the eighteen yard line to namesake Michael who fired in a powerful shot drawing an excellent save from Graham Douglas who turned the ball around his left hand post for a corner kick.

After eighteen second half minutes Saints Manager Alex Craik rang the changes replacing Willie Gemmell and Ross Maitland with Jamie Graham and Dean Smith. The Gaffer also decided on a change of formation matching up with the home sides 3-5-2 with Jamie joining Marc Maccallum and David McArthur at the back and Dean partnering Craig MacEwan up front. Michael Brown tested Graham Douglas again in the sixty sixth minute with a good turn and shot which Sugar held comfortably. At the other end Dean Smith looked to make a similarly early impact trying to catch out Andrew Duncan at his near post with a shot which the Arky keeper did well to hold. The long ball over the top once again brought a moment of panic for the Saints defence when David McArthur and Jamie Graham lost Kevin Brown with the Arky striker thankfully lofting his first time effort over the crossbar.

Andrew Duncan brought off another fine save from Brian Mackay before John McDade picked up the first booking of the afternoon for a late challenge on Dean Smith in the seventy second minute, a card which was ultimately to prove costly to for the Arky defender. Donald Campbell lined up the free-kick but sent his effort from twenty two yards twelve inches over the Arky crossbar. The decisive goal came Saints way in the seventy second minute when a delightful lay-off by Dean Smith from a Donald Campbell pass sent Craig MacEwan in behind the Arky defence and through on goal. Craig kept his composure to slot the ball past Andrew Duncan and notch his fourteenth goal of a red hot scoring streak since the turn of the year.

Matthew Kelly made way for Martin Bonar in the seventy fifth minute with the big utility man taking up the wide right position in the five man midfield. Kevin Brown appealed more in hope than expectation for a seventy sixth minute penalty kick but Mr McNab, who had a good game, was not interested. Regrettably John McDade continued his protests too long for the Referee's liking receiving a second yellow card and consequently his marching orders. Spurred on by a sense of injustice Arky were in no mood to give up the fight and kept pressing forward leaving gaps at the back which Saints with their numerical advantage could and should have exploited. Two very tight offside calls from Mr McNab denied Dean Smith and Craig MacEwan clear sights of goal while at the other end a timely block by Marc Maccallum took the sting out of a Michael Brown shot leaving Graham Douglas with a comfortable save. Brown continued to keep the Saints defence occupied again latching onto a long ball to race through on goal only to have the ball taken away from him by a perfectly timed last ditch sliding challenge from Jamie Graham. The Arky substitute was convinced he should of had a penalty however the only award he received was a yellow card from Mr McNab. In the closing minutes Arky keeper Andrew Duncan denied Craig MacEwan and Dean Smith firstly shovelling Craig's shot onto his own crossbar before throwing out his right leg to deflect Dean's effort away from goal. Referee McNab made it a hat-trick of declined penalty appeals in the ninety first minute. Andrew Duncan appeared to impede Donald Campbell however as Donald managed to maintain his balance long enough to get his shot away the Referee turned down what looked a very strong claim for a penalty. Donald's shot from a very tight angle was turned behind for a corner kick by second half substitute Andrew Smith who had made up good ground to get back on the goal line. Dean Smith's corner kick from the left was too high for David McArthur and was the final action of the match with Mr McNab blowing for full time as the ball was cleared from the Arky box.

Saints reward for their exertions is a home quarter final tie against Arkleston Barrhead's Premier Division 2B title rivals Port Glasgow which will be the Glencruitten faithful's last chance to see their favourites in cup action on home soil this season.

                        

Team Captains David Fulton and Marc Maccallum with Referee John McNab

Andrew Duncan

Brian Mackay and Donald Campbell

Scott Maitland hurdles a tackle from Gary Kelly

Craig MacEwan opens the scoring with a looping header

Donald Campbell rifles home Saints second goal

Donald Campbell receives the congratulations of his team-mates

Marc Maccallum and Kristoffer Cameron

Graham "Sugar" Douglas collects a cross

Arky goalscorer Jamie Henderson

Ross Maitland with Jamie Henderson in pursuit

Donald Campbell and Paul Quinn

Marc Maccallum

Matthew Kelly

Martin Bonar

Jamie Graham joins the attack

Craig MacEwan rounds off the scoring

Andrew Duncan saves at Dean Smith's feet

Craig MacEwan watches his effort come back off the crossbar

#monthesaints

Barrhead Travels

The Scottish Amateur Football League Jimmy Marshall Trophy

Saturday 25th February 2017

Scottish Amateur Football League Jimmy Marshall Trophy

Arkleston Barrhead AFC v Oban Saints AFC
Cowan Park 3G
Aurs Road
Glasgow
G78 2SJ
Kick off 1pm
Referee Mr John McNab

This Saturday Saints warm up for their crunch Scottish Amateur Cup last sixteen tie against Letham with a trip to face Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division 2B leaders Arkleston Barrhead in the Jimmy Marshall Trophy. Last Saturday's enforced lay off due to a waterlogged pitch at Rankin Park, Greenock brought to an end a run of six weekends without the dreaded #GameAff  text for Saints at the same time reducing the building momentum of six victories since the turn of the year.

While the Saints players were pushing shopping trolleys around Tesco, or sampling other similar delights, Saturday's opponents Arkleston Barrhead were enjoying a trip to Tarbert where a 5 - 1 victory over the Dookers, coupled with Claremont's defeat at home to Port Glasgow, saw Arkleston climb to the summit of Premier Division 2B. The win puts Arkleston in pole position to clinch a second consecutive league title to add to last season's Paisley and District Amateur Football Association Premier League success.

Arkleston's final season in the Paisley and District set-up also brought wins in the Fleming Trophy and McLean Lothian Cup rounding off a successful five seasons since their formation in 2011 with a treble trophy haul. Successive promotions from their starting position in league division four, including a Premier Division runners-up spot behind 2014-15 Champions Apex, was finally rewarded with silverware in season 2015-16. Indeed only a narrow defeat to Glenburn in the final of the Jim Muir Memorial Cup prevented Arkleston from achieving a clean sweep of Paisley and District trophies to see them on their way to a new adventure in the Scottish Amateur Football League.

Now going under the name Arkleston Barrhead the Scottish Amateur Football League new boys have taken up where they left off racking up twenty six league points from their opening eleven matches. Only a solitary defeat away at promotion rivals Port Glasgow in October and, more recently, home draws against the leagues title contenders Claremont and FC Argyle from Alexandria have blotted their otherwise perfect league record.

Arkleston have performed extremely well in the Scottish Amateur Football League cup competitions defeating Premier Division Shawlands FP in both the Centenary Cup and Jimmy Marshall Trophy. Other higher division scalps, Hillington and Rosehill Star, were also taken however a 1 - 0 home defeat to Premier Division One title favourites Alba Thistle put an and to Arkleston's hopes in the Centenary Cup. The 3 - 2 Jimmy Marshall Trophy home victory over Shawlands FP three weeks ago sets up this Saturday's fascinating encounter with holders Saints.

Arkleston's results in the major cup competitions have been similarly impressive with resounding victories over Lothian and Edinburgh Championship leaders St Bernard's and Ayrshire second division Craigie being particular stand outs. Unfortunately for Arkleston their promising cup runs were brought to an end by Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division 2B title rivals Claremont in the West of Scotland Cup and Aberdeenshire Division One North outfit St Laurence in the Scottish Amateur Cup.


This Saturday's match on the 3G at Cowan Park, which is allegedly the second windiest place in the world (see David Jack's excellent blog at the link below), must be played to a finish on the day with penalty kicks to decide who will face Port Glasgow in the quarter finals. The Jimmy Marshall Trophy may not be able to offer the glamour of the Scottish Amateur Cup however both teams have developed a taste for silverware and will desperate to keep their chances of success alive in as many competitions as possible.

https://davidjack56.wordpress.com/2017/01/08/an-away-teams-brief-guide-to-barrhead/

Arkleston Barrhead AFC 2016 - 17

Arkleston Barrhead AFC fixtures so far this season:-

Scottish Amateur Football League Division 2B

17th August 2016 Arkleston Barrhead 5 - 1 Duntocher Hibs
24th September 2016 Arkleston Barrhead 2 - 1 East End United
8th October 2016 Busby 0 - 10 Arkleston Barrhead
15th October 2016 FC Argyle 2 - 4 Arkleston Barrhead
29th October 2016 Port Glasgow 4 - 1 Arkleston Barrhead
12th November 2016 East End United 0 - 3 Arkleston Barrhead
17th December 2016 Arkleston Barrhead 5 - 2 Port Glasgow
21st January 2017 Arkleston Barrhead 6 - 1 Busby
28th January 2017 Arkleston Barrhead 3 - 3 FC Argyle
11th February 2017 Arkleston Barrhead 1 - 1 Claremont
18th February 2017 Tarbert 1 - 5 Arkleston Barrhead

Scottish Amateur Football League Centenary Cup

1st Round Group Section One

13th August 2016 Hillington 0 - 1 Arkleston Barrhead

20th August 2016 Arkleston Barrhead 0 - 1 Alba Thistle

24th August 2016 Shawlands FP 1 - 5 Arkleston Barrhead
27th August 2016 Arkleston Barrhead 5 - 2 Carlton YMCA

Scottish Amateur Football League Jimmy Marshall Trophy

1st Round

10th December 2016 Arkleston Barrhead 2 - 1 Rosehill Star

3rd Round

4th February 2017 Arkleston Barrhead 3 - 2 Shawlands FP

West of Scotland Amateur Cup

1st Round

Bye

2nd Round

22nd October 2016 Arkleston Barrhead 5 - 1 Craigie

3rd Round

19th November 2016 Claremont 3 - 1 Arkleston Barrhead

Scottish Amateur Cup

1st Round

Bye

2nd Round

1st October 2016 Arkleston Barrhead 6 - 0 Port Glasgow United

3rd Round

5th November 2016 Arkleston Barrhead 4 - 1 Rutherglen

4th Round

3rd December 2016 Arkleston Barrhead 7 - 1 St Bernards

5th Round

7th January 2017 Arkleston Barrhead 0 - 3 St Laurence

Paisley & District Amateur Football League finishes Arkleston Athletic AFC:-

2011 - 12 Division Four 7th Promoted

2012 - 13 Division Three 5th Promoted

2013 - 14 Division Two 5th Promoted

2014 - 15 Premier Division One 2nd

2015 - 16 Premier Division Champions, Fleming Trophy and McLean Lothian Cup Winners

Arkleston Athletic Treble Winners 2015-16

Paul Carmichael slides in at the back post to open the scoring in Saints second round match against Port Glasgow OBU

#monthesaints

Jailbreak

Thin Lizzy - Jailbreak

Saturday 18th February 2017

Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division

Inverclyde AFC v Oban Saints AFC
Rankin Park
Inverkip Road
Greenock
PA16 9EU
Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr John McNab

Saints head for the tail o' the bank this Saturday to the unfamiliar territory of Rankin Park. The new facility off Inverkip Road, and in the shadow of Greenock's Gateside Prison, opened in August 2015 and will host Saints for the first time where they will face old rivals Inverclyde. Up until last season's corresponding fixture six consecutive wins saw Saints enjoy the upper hand against the 'Clyde on their former home turf at Battery Park. However goals from Darren McGregor, Craig Ellis and Brendan Gillan earned a thoroughly deserved 3 - 1 victory for the 'Clyde in August 2015 which brought that particular winning streak to an abrupt end and would ultimately prove crucial to Inverclyde's Premier Division survival. In the final standings the 'Clyde occupied seventh place with a three points cushion to relegated Alba Thistle thus avoiding an immediate return to Premier Division One.

Going back further Saints previously tasted defeat in this Saturday's opponent's own back yard on 5th April 2008 against an Inverclyde side who would go on to finish the season in second place losing out on goal difference only to Champions St Patrick's FP which remains their highest league finish.

Having flirted with relegation in season 2012 - 13, escaping the drop by a single point thanks to a last game of the season 3 - 3 draw against Saints in Oban, the 'Clyde's seven season spell in the Scottish Amateur League Premier Division came to an end in 2014. A 2 - 0 defeat against title chasing Saints at Glencruitten on 24th May 2014 left the 'Clyde in 9th place two points behind Alba Thistle consigning them to Premier Division One. Courtesy of Eaglesham, Haldane United and Thorn Athletic's departure for pastures new, season 2014 - 15's 5th place Premier Division One finish behind East Kilbride FC Amateurs, Shawlands FP, East Kilbride Rolls Royce and Goldenhill was enough to earn the 'Clyde an immediate return to the top flight. 

Since that defeat at Battery Park on 22nd August 2015 Saints have faced Inverclyde twice at Glencruitten winning on both occasions. In May 2016 a brace from Allan Mackay and one-a-piece for Dougal Graham and Craig MacEwan gave a threadbare Saints the points against a similarly stretched 'Clyde. Neil McCole bagged a consolation goal from the penalty spot for the visitors who were forced to play central defender Stevie Docherty in goal in place of the unavailable Michael Ptolomey.

In match three of this season's Premier Division campaign Saints had to come from behind to beat a new look 'Clyde who opened the scoring in the seventh minute through new signing from Dunoon Amateurs Guy Finnegan. Saints restored parity through Willie Gemmell and took the lead on the half hour mark through Craig MacEwan. 'Clyde Skipper Greg Wilson headed the visitors level in the fifty seventh minute before Saints eventually recovered to prevail with goals from David McArthur and Donald Campbell finally securing the points.

The 'Clyde got their forty second season off to an inauspicious start with a 4 - 2 home defeat at the hands of bogey team Shawlands FP their fifth consecutive defeat at the hands of the Warriors. Two further defeats followed at the hands of Saints and East Kilbride FC Amateurs before 'Clyde notched up their first points of the season against Motherwell Thistle. Inverclyde's recent league form has been excellent with a draw against Drumchapel Colts sandwiched by away wins at current league leaders Goldenhill and reigning league Champions East Kilbride FC Amateurs.

Cup exits against Motherwell Thistle, Lochgilphead Red Star, Haldane United and most recently Campbeltown Pupils now leave the 'Clyde to concentrate fully on the Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division campaign starting with Saturday's match against old foes Oban Saints. While Saints hold the upper hand in recent fixtures their rivalry with the 'Clyde goes back a long way and their has often been very little between the teams.Saints can therefore expect a thorough examination of their title credentials as they look to keep pace with Goldenhill at the summit of the Premier Division.

Rankin Park

                

Inverclyde AFC

Inverclyde AFC fixtures so far this season:-

Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division

20th August 2016 Inverclyde 2 - 4 Shawlands FP
27th August 2016 Oban Saints 4 - 2 Inverclyde
17th September 2016 Inverclyde 2 - 3 East Kilbride FC Amateurs
15th October 2016 Inverclyde 4 - 3 Motherwell Thistle
29th October 2016 Ferguslie Star 4 - 3 Inverclyde
12th November 2016 Goldenhill 1 - 2 Inverclyde
19th November 2016 Inverclyde 2 - 2 Drumchapel Colts
28th January 2017 East Kilbride FC Amateurs 1 - 3 Inverclyde

Scottish Amateur Football League Centenary Cup

1st Round Group Section 4

13th August 2016 Broomhill 2 - 7 Inverclyde

17th August 2016 Inverclyde 5 - 3 Dunoon

24th August 2016 East End United 2 - 6 Inverclyde

Quarter Final

3rd September 2016 Inverclyde 0 - 2 Motherwell Thistle

Scottish Amateur Football League Jimmy Marshall Trophy

1st Round

Bye

2nd Round

11th February 2017 Inverclyde 2 - 4 Campbeltown Pupils

West of Scotland Amateur Cup

1st Round

Bye

2nd Round

22nd October 2016 Lochgilphead Red Star 7 - 0 Inverclyde

Scottish Amateur Cup

1st Round

Bye

2nd Round

1st October 2016 Inverclyde v Cambuslang Football Academy (Walkover to Inverclyde)

3rd Round

5th November 2016 Inverclyde 6 - 2 Windlaw

4th Round

3rd December 2016 Haldane United 4 - 2

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

Inverclyde AFC recent SAFL finishes:-

2006 - 07 Premier Division One 2nd Promoted

2007 - 08 Premier Division 2nd

2008 - 09 Premier Division 7th

2009 - 10 Premier Division 5th

2010 - 11 Premier Division 5th

2011 - 12 Premier Division 8th

2012 - 13 Premier Division 6th

2013 - 14 Premier Division 9th Relegated

2014 - 15 Premier Division One 5th Promoted

2015 - 16 Premier Division 7th


Saints record at Battery Park in recent seasons:-

2007 - 08 SAFL Premier Division Inverclyde AFC 3 - 1 Oban Saints
2008 - 09 SAFL Premier Division Inverclyde AFC 1 - 2 Oban Saints
2009 - 10 SAFL Premier Division Inverclyde AFC 2 - 3 Oban Saints
2010 - 11 SAFL Premier Division Inverclyde AFC 2 - 4 Oban Saints
2011 - 12 SAFL Premier Division Inverclyde AFC 3 - 4 Oban Saints
2012 - 13 SAFL Premier Division Inverclyde AFC 0 - 5 Oban Saints
2013 - 14 SAFL Premier Division Inverclyde AFC 0 - 1 Oban Saints
2015 - 16 SAFL Premier Division Inverclyde AFC 3 - 1 Oban Saints

Action from last season's encounter at Battery Park

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

Dene Cassells and Scott Maitland

Thomas McCulloch

Lewis Cameron takes on Stevie Docherty

Paul Kerr beats Lee Docherty to midfield header

Scott Maitland dispossessed by Shaun McCarn

David Beaton takes on Gordon McKillop

Greg Wilson heads clear under pressure from Donald Campbell

David Beaton scores Saints consolation goal

#monthesaints