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
Rankin Park
Inverkip Road
Greenock
PA16 9EU
Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr John McNab
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.
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.
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| Rankin Park |
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| 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
13th August 2016 Broomhill 2 - 7 Inverclyde
17th August 2016 Inverclyde 5 - 3 Dunoon
24th August 2016 East End United 2 - 6 Inverclyde
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
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
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)
Scottish Amateur Cup
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
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
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
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| The Inverclyde wall takes the sting out of Willie Gemmell's free kick |
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| Dene Cassells and Scott Maitland |
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| Thomas McCulloch |
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| Lewis Cameron takes on Stevie Docherty |
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| Paul Kerr beats Lee Docherty to midfield header |
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| Scott Maitland dispossessed by Shaun McCarn |
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| David Beaton takes on Gordon McKillop |
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| Greg Wilson heads clear under pressure from Donald Campbell |
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| David Beaton scores Saints consolation goal |
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