Winning In The Rain: March 2017

Friday 31 March 2017

Going Up The Country

Canned Heat - Going Up The Country

Saturday 29th April 2017

Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division

Shawlands FP AFC v Oban Saints AFC

Lochinch Police Club
Pollock Country Park
82 Dumbreck Road
Glasgow
G41 4SN

Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr Patrick O'Donnell

Fresh from securing a fifth consecutive Scottish Amateur Football League semi-final place Saints return to league business this Saturday with a trip to Pollock Country Park to face Shawlands FP. Defeats to St Joseph's FP and Motherwell Thistle in their last two league outings leave Saints languishing in 6th place in the Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division twenty one points behind leaders St Joe's. Mathematically Saints can still catch the Duntocher men however, realistically, St Joe's will gain at the very least the one single point they require to clinch the title on one of their three remaining fixtures beginning with Campbeltown Pupils at home this Saturday.

Saturday's opponents currently occupy fourth place in the league, one point better of than Saints on twenty points but with four more games played. Of their six wins so far Shawlands 3 - 1 home victory last October over long time league leaders Goldenhill is the most notable with their double against Inverclyde, over whom they seem to hold the Indian sign, close behind.

Cup involvement for the Warriors has been brief this season falling at the first hurdle in all but the Scottish Amateur Cup which they exited at the third round stage. Defeats to Alba Thistle and Arkleston Barrhead saw Shawlands fail to negotiate the first round group stage of the Scottish Amateur Football League Centenary Cup. Arkleston Barrhead also ended the Warriors involvement in the Jimmy Marshall Trophy this time at the second round stage after Shawlands had received a first round bye. Shawlands also received a first round bye in the West of Scotland Amateur Cup but were unfortunate to be drawn away from home against top Central Scottish Amateur Football League side Bannockburn making their involvement in the West Region's district cup competition a brief one. The Warriors fared slightly better in the Scottish Amateur Cup easing past newly formed Harestanes United of Stirling and District Amateur Football League Division Two in the second round after another first round bye. The third round draw saw Shawlands paired with Loganlea United, another Stirling and District outfit this time from Division 1A. After a 1 - 1 draw at Lochinch the Warriors had their cup hopes ended with a 2 - 0 defeat in the replay at Recreation Park, Addiewell.

Shawlands made a winning start to their final tilt at securing some silverware this season with a 6 - 3 away win at Rutherglen in the Coronation Cup. A win against Duncanrig FP next Wednesday would see Shawlands progress to the quarter-finals stage as winners of group section one.

Last Season

Saints visit last season to the excellent Lochinch Police Club facilities in Pollock Country Park came on the back of success in the Royal National Mod Cup against Glasgow Island and saw Alex Craik's men produce one of their best performances of the season. Four goals from Donald Campbell and one each from Craig MacEwan and Dean Smith gave Saints all three points with Mark Watt netting a late consolation for the home side.

It was a different story in the corresponding fixture at Glencruitten in Saints final home game of the season when the two sides played out an entertaining 1 - 1 draw on an extremely hot June afternoon. Fittingly the Saints goal was scored by legendary striker Allan Mackay who was making his last appearance in front of the Glencruitten faithful. Allan's first half leveler from the penalty spot cancelled out Ross McDougall's headed opener with a draw a fair result on the day.

Team News

On the team news front Saints Manager Alex Craik has the usual mixture of injuries, work and family commitments to contend with for the trip to Pollock Country Park. The Gaffer should still be able to name a strong squad as he plots to get some valuable league points on the board and keep up the momentum ahead of the impending Jimmy Marshall Trophy semi-final.

Lochinch Police Club in Pollock Country Park

Shawlands FP results so far this season:-

Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division

20th August 2016 Inverclyde 2 - 4 Shawlands FP
3rd September 2016 Ferguslie Star 1 - 0 Shawlands FP
10th September 2016 East Kilbride FC Amateurs 2 - 1 Shawlands FP
8th October 2016 St Joseph's FP 3 - 1 Shawlands FP
29th October 2016 Shawlands FP 3 - 1 Goldenhill
17th December 2016 Shawlands FP 2 - 1 Ferguslie Star
7th January 2017 Campbeltown Pupils 3 - 1 Shawlands FP
21st January 2017 Shawlands FP 3 - 3 Motherwell Thistle
11th February 2017 Motherwell Thistle 2 - 4 Shawlands FP
18th February 2017 Goldenhill 2 - 1 Shawlands FP
4th March 2017 Shawlands FP 4 - 0 Drumchapel Colts
11th March 2017 Shawlands FP 2 - 1 Inverclyde
8th April 2017 Shawlands FP 0 - 3 St Joseph's FP
19th April 2017 Shawlands FP 0 - 2 East Kilbride FC Amateurs
26th April 2017 Drumchapel Colts 2 - 2 Shawlands FP

Scottish Amateur Football League Centenary Cup

1st Round Group Section One
13th August 2016 Alba Thistle 2 - 0 Shawlands FP
17th August 2016 Carlton YMCA 1 - 6 Shawlands FP
24th August 2016 Shawlands FP 1 - 5 Arkleston Barrhead
27th August 2016 Shawlands FP 4 - 1 Hillington

Scottish Amateur Football League Jimmy Marshall Trophy

1st Round
Bye

2nd Round
4th February 2017 Arkleston Barrhead 3 - 2 Shawlands FP

Scottish Amateur Football League Coronation Cup

1st Round Group Section One
22nd April 2017 Rutherglen 3 - 6 Shawlands FP

West of Scotland Amateur Cup

1st Round
Bye

2nd Round
22nd October 2016 Bannockburn 4 - 1 Shawlands FP

Scottish Amateur Cup

1st Round
Bye

2nd Round
1st October 2016 Shawlands FP 3 - 0 Harestanes United

3nd Round
5th November 2016 Shawlands FP 1 - 1 Loganlea United

3nd Round Replay
12th November 2016 Loganlea United 2 - 0 Shawlands FP

Shawlands FP SAFL record in recent seasons:-

2006/07 Premier Division Two Champions Promoted
2007/08 Premier Division One 8th
2008/09 Premier Division One 10th Relegated
2009/10 Premier Division Two 4th
2010/11 Premier Division Two 4th Promoted
2011/12 Premier Division One 7th
2012/13 Premier Division One 8th
2013/14 Premier Division One 8th
2014/15 Premier Division One 2nd Promoted
2015/16 Premier Division 6th

Shawlands FP AFC winners of the 2015 East Kilbride YM friendly tournament

Action from last season's visit to Lochinch

Scott Maitland

Craig MacEwan

Lewis Cameron takes on Mark Robertson

Dean Smith heads over

Craig MacEwan makes it 2 - 0

Dene Cassells

Donald Campbell makes it 3 - 0 from the spot

Anthony Curran punches clear

Anthony Curran goes into the Referee's note book

Donald Campbell converts his second penalty kick of the afternoon

Ross Maitland

Jamie Graham was delighted to be reunited with long lost brother Kevin Mooney

Oban Saints Away Day Firm Big Al Bonar and Wee Jim McArthur

#monthesaints

Monday 27 March 2017

Jewel In The Crown

Saturday 25th March 2017
The Scottish Amateur Football Association Challenge Cup Competition

Quarter Final Tie
Barca-Milton 97 AFC 0 - 2 Oban Saints AFC
Jewel Park
56 - 60 Duddingston Park South
Edinburgh
EH15 3LJ
Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr James Gallacher
Assistant Referee Mr Joseph Fox
Assistant Referee Mr Stephen Fox

Saints starting line-up:-

Used substitute:-
Dean Smith

Unused substitutes:-
Martin Bonar
Alex Craik
Jamie Graham
Ross Maitland

Oban Saints Manager Alex Craik celebrated his XX (removed on legal advice) birthday last Saturday by guiding his side into their second consecutive Scottish Amateur Cup semi-final overcoming Barca-Milton 97 at the Jewel, Edinburgh. Definitely not the "Jewel In The Crown" of Edinburgh's playing surfaces, the Jewel was a tight, bumpy pitch with long grass and well worthy of the old "the pitch was a leveller" tag.

Matthew Kelly joined Paul Kerr, Graham Douglas and long term injury victims Craig Campbell, Dougal Graham and Keith Millar in the treatment room limiting The Gaffer's options. New signing Kerr Newbigging was also too short of match practice to be considered. The tight park forced a change to a 4-4-2 formation with Paul Carmichael dropping back to join Willie Gemmell, Myles McAuley and Brian Mackay in midfield. Scott Maitland returned from injury to take the left-back slot lining up alongside David McArthur, Dene Cassells and Skipper Marc Maccallum at the back. Craig MacEwan and Donald Campbell formed the strike partnership with goalkeeper Thomas McCulloch completing the line-up. The Gaffer named himself on a strong bench alongside Martin Bonar, Jamie Graham, Ross Maitland and Dean Smith.

Team Captains Marc Maccallum and Steven Adams exchanged commemorative gifts prior to the tossing of Referee James Gallacher's coin which Marc Maccallum won electing to shoot into the sun in the first half. Barc-Milton of the Lothian and Edinburgh Amateur Football Association Championship kicked off but Saints immediately gained possession and attacked up the right wing. Paul Carmichael got the better of Ross Shields and picked out Craig MacEwan in the box. Craig turned and laid off to Donald Campbell eight yards out and straight in front of goal. The Saints bench waited for the net to bulge but Barca-Milton keeper Neil McArthur narrowed the angle and spread himself well to pull off an excellent save to deny Saints a dream start.

A ball over the top from the hosts in the third minute had Dene Cassells turning with central defensive partner Marc Marc Maccallum having to be on his toes to knock the ball out for a throw-in. Barca-Milton right-back Russell Johnston launched the first of what was to be a series of long throws from the right into the Saints box from level with the eighteen yard line. Saints forced the ball partially clear however Myles McAuley fouled Scott Smith on the opposite flank allowing the former Hibernian man an early chance to demonstrate his prowess with the dead ball which was to prove Barca-Milton's other main weapon. The Saints defence also withstood this aerial test with Paul Carmichael heading clear.

Saints dead-ball expert Willie Gemmell had his first chance to test the Barca-Milton keeper in the sixth minute after Dene Cassells had been brought down thirty yards from goal. Willie opted for power but blazed his effort high over Neil McArthur's crossbar.

Pushing forward on the left Scott Maitland won a throw-in from which Willie Gemmell found the feet of Donald Campbell in the box. Donald turned away from Russell Johnston and from the bye-line dinked a left foot cross to the back post but unfortunately fractionally too high for Paul Carmichael.

Saints continued to look the more likely in the opening stages and a raking diagonal pass from David McArthur was inches too long for Donald Campbell's run through the inside left channel with Barca-Milton skipper Steven Adams happy to concede a corner kick. Willie Gemmell's low delivery from the left was cleared at the near post with the hosts launching a swift counter attack up their left. Scott Smith sent a deep cross into the Saints box looking for James Air which Thomas McCulloch came out to claim.

In the thirteenth minute there appeared to be little danger from a free kick conceded by David McArthur on the half-way line and two yards in from the touchline. However even from this distance the cultured left foot of Scott Smith posed a significant threat. Smith went for goal sending his long range effort over Thomas McCulloch's head and onto the top of the crossbar much to the Saints keeper's relief.

The poor surface forced Saints to abandon their normal passing game in favour of a more direct approach. Willie Gemmell's prodigious long throw became a valuable weapon with Paul Carmichael often the target. Paul's knock down from a fourteenth minute Gemmell throw from the left was met on the half volley by Donald Campbell who was unlucky to see his sweet strike from nine yards well saved by Neil McArthur.

Willie Gemmell and Russell Johnston continued to trade long throws with Johnston's sixteenth minute effort being headed clear on the penalty spot by David McArthur. David's header dropped kindly for David Middlemass just outside the Saints box who volleyed straight into the grateful arms of Thomas McCulloch.

When Saints did play the ball on the ground it caused panic in the home defence. Willie Gemmell's diagonal pass to Brian Mackay sent his midfield colleague scampering towards the Barca-Milton box. Brian laid the ball off to Craig MacEwan who burst into the box with Kevin Dunn in close attention. Craig turned his man despite Dunn having a handful of Craig's shirt. Mr Gallacher didn't seem to spot this nor the trip on Donald Campbell which immediately followed leaving the large Saints contingent on the touchline deeply frustrated.

A twentieth minute Scott Smith corner kick from the left was well held by Thomas McCulloch who launched a counter attack up the Saints right. Carmichael's lung bursting run and cut back along the six yard line should have met with better reward but Kevin Dunn got in ahead of Craig MacEwan to make a vital interception.

As the half reached the midway point Saints good start was being slowly eroded with the home side making good use of their long throws. Dene Cassells headed another Russell Johnston throw out for a corner kick on the left which gave the other main threat Scott Smith a chance to pick out a Barca-Milton head in the box. This he successfully did with Darren Nicholson heading wide at the back post.

On the half hour mark Brian Mackay was sandwiched in the centre circle from where Willie Gemmell played his free-kick up to the head of Paul Carmichael. Paul's presence forced a corner kick on the Saints left but once again Willie Gemmell's low delivery was cleared at the front post.

Craig MacEwan hooked a presentable chance wide in the thirty fifth minute from a Willie Gemmell throw-in from the right. However Craig's blushes were spared when Assistant Referee Stephen Fox flagged for a foul throw against Willie.

The unpredictable surface cost Donald Campbell another shot on goal in the thirty ninth minute. Willie Gemmell played a good ball into Craig MacEwan who held the ball up well before laying off to Donald Campbell. Donald turned well on the eighteen yard line and burst into the box but couldn't get the ball out of his feet allowing Kevin Dunn to get in a vital challenge.

Another Paul Carmichael cut back from the right went begging in the fortieth minute. Myles McAuley spotted Paul in space on the right and sent him once again racing towards the bye-line. Paul's ball along the six yard line took out Steven Adams and Kevin Dunn at the near post but not Russell Johnston who nipped in front of Donald Campbell to make a vital interception.

Johnston denied Donald again sixty seconds later getting in a goal saving tackle on the six yard line after Donald had gathered and turned well from another Willie Gemmell throw-in from the left.

Neil McArthur produced the save of the afternoon two minutes before the interval to deny Craig MacEwan. Willie picked out Craig's run to the left corner of the Barca-Milton box where Craig cut back onto his right foot and curled a delicious shot toward the far post which McArthur at full stretch finger tipped around the post for a Saints corner.

On the stroke of half-time Craig tried his luck from the opposite corner this time curling his left foot effort wide of the junction of post and bar.

The first half ended with a speculative long range effort from Scott Smith sailing into the hands of Thomas McCulloch before Mr Gallacher blew the half-time whistle.

Saints kicked off the second half with the sun at their backs but it was the hosts who made the early running with Dene Cassells keeping a cool head to see off Lee Cairns on the edge of the box.

Saints first serious second half foray into Barca-Milton territory came in the fiftieth minute on the counter attack from a Barca-Milton corner. Scott Smith's deep cross to the back post was met by Kevin Dunn who saw his effort blocked on the goal line by Scott Maitland. Myles McAuley then cleared the ball up to Craig MacEwan in the centre circle who in turn fed Donald Campbell. Donald held the ball up for the galloping run of Marc Maccallum who was eventually halted on the eighteen yard line by a well timed Ross Shields tackle.

Saints survived a minor scare in the fifty fourth minute when Marc Maccallum and Dene Cassells who, along with David McArthur and Scott Maitland were rock solid at the back allowed James Air to get in between them and flick a header over the crossbar.

One minute later at the other end Saints broke the deadlock when Donald Campbell pounced on a moment of hesitation in the home defence. Barca-Milton appealed in vain for an offside flag but Assistant Referee Joseph Fox correctly kept his flag by his side. Donald once again saw his shot saved by Neil McArthur however the keeper's luck ran out when Donald gathered the rebound and rolled it into the net despite the efforts of Steven Adams on the goal-line.

A needless foul on David Middlemass by Paul Carmichael gave Scott Smith a shooting opportunity from twenty eight yards in the fifty eighth minute. Fortunately Smith's effort went the way of Willie Gemmell's first half attempt from a similar position and sailed high over the crossbar.

The hosts were now committing more men to the attack and Lee Cairns found his way in behind the Saints defence only to be thwarted by the quick reactions of Thomas McCulloch who came off his line to smother the ball at the Barca-Milton winger's feet.

Myles McAuley briefly broke free from his midfield holding role in the sixty second minute turning well in the centre circle before driving into the gap in front of him and sending a shot just over Neil McArthur's crossbar.

Barca-Milton made the first change of the afternoon bringing on the more attack minded Gary Morrison to replace Darren Nicholson in the sixty fourth minute.

Craig MacEwan forced a throw-in on the Saints right from another good ball into the channel from David McArthur. The Home defence bundled Willie Gemmell's throw-in behind for a corner which Willie also took finding the head of Dene Cassells who headed a good chance wide of the keeper's right hand post.

Saints kept the pressure on from Neil McArthur's miss-hit goal kick with Willie Gemmell being the latest to be beaten by the Jewel turf when in a good position on the left of the six yard box. McArthur fared better with the kick from hand sending the ball deep into the Saints half for James Air whose left wing run to the bye-line was matched all the way by David McArthur who eventually won a good tussle at the expense of a corner kick.

In the seventy sixth minute David McArthur dinked another good ball up the right touchline for Craig MacEwan who tricked his way past Barca-Milton left back Ross Shields and cut into the box before being halted by a well timed challenge by Steven Adams, Willie Gemmell swung in the corner kick from the right to which Paul Carmichael beat second half substitute Derek Forbes to head wide of the far post. This was to be Paul's last involvement as he made way for Dean Smith in the only change of the afternoon made by the Saints Gaffer.

The introduction of Dean Smith saw Donald Campbell drop deeper leaving Dean and Craig MacEwan as the new strike pairing and with the home side pushing for an equaliser there were more gaps at the back for the pair to exploit. In the seventy ninth minute Craig MacEwan found one of those gaps from a David McArthur ball over the top but once again Neil McArthur got his angles spot on to deny Craig the second goal required to calm the increasing nerves on the touchline.

Referee James Gallacher who, together with Assistants Joseph Fox and Stephen Fox, handled a sporting contest well, had cause to produce the first yellow card of the afternoon for a late tackle on David McArthur by Lee Cairns.

The fresh legs of Dean Smith gave the tiring Barca-Milton defence a new problem with Dean's perseverance winning another corner kick on the right. However Dean's aerial threat proved to be somewhat less than Paul Carmichael's with the Saints replacement being penalised for pushing when trying to get on the end of Willie Gemmell's delivery to the back post.

MacEwan and Smith continued to make a nuisance of themselves in and around the Barca-Milton defence. MacEwan had another good opportunity to kill the tie getting in behind Kevin Dunn and rounding keeper Neil McArthur however another bad bobble on the poor surface left him an impossible angle on the bye-line from where he could only find the side netting.

The large contingent of Saints fans on the touchline, to whom the club are extremely grateful for their support, had their hearts in their mouths in the eighty fifth minute when Scott Smith once again produced an excellent dead ball delivery into the Saints box and Derek Forbes rose unopposed at the back post to thankfully head wide of Thomas McCulloch's right hand post.

As the clock ticked down to the ninetieth minute the big question was how much additional time Mr Gallacher would allow. Derek Forbes joined Lee Cairns in the Referee's notebook for a shirt pull on Donald Campbell on the half-way line allowing Willie Gemmell to knock the ball into the corner for Dean Smith to chase. Dean held the ball up running down more precious seconds before winning a corner kick on the Saints left. There was no way this one was going straight into the box and Craig MacEwan and Dean Smith tried to play some keep-ball by the corner flag. Substitute Jason Watson won a throw-in off Craig but with long throw specialist Russell Johnston now off the park Saints were able to keep the home side pinned back in their own half.

By now in the ninety third minute Smith and MacEwan had the ball by the corner flag once again and worked their way into the Barca-Milton box. A Steven Adams attempted clearance was charged down by Smith breaking kindly for MacEwan who, from the corner of the six yard box, drilled a right foot shot past Neil McArthur and into the bottom corner to finally kill the tie.

There was barely enough time left to restart the match and Referee Gallacher blew almost immediately for full time sending Saints through to a second consecutive Scottish Amateur Cup semi-final and making it a particularly happy birthday for the Gaffer.

Saints now face cup holders and reigning Central Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division Champions Colville Park Electric for a place in the Hampden Park showcase final on Saturday 28th May. The venue for the semi-final is New Douglas Park, Hamilton home of Saints great friends Hamilton Academical. In another piece of good news from the Scottish Amateur Football Association the semi-final will be played on Saturday 15th April with a 2pm kick-off instead of the normal midweek evening slot allocated to these ties.

Hand cut artwork with tartan background by Shona Dunn Designs

Team Captains Steven Adams and Marc Maccallum with Referee James Gallacher

Willie Gemmell heads clear

Russell Johnston makes a vital interception to stop Donald Campbell

Thomas McCulloch collects Scott Smith's corner

Dene Cassells and Darren Nicholson

Neil McArthur saves from Donald Campbell

Willie Gemmell and James Air keep their eyes fixed on the ball

Scott Smith

Marc Maccallum has his progress arrested by Ross Shields

Myles McAuley

Paul Carmichael

David McArthur

Not the strongest of shots from Donald Campbell but it still managed to burst the net

The Saints players celebrate Donald Campbell's opening goal

Paul Carmichael heads wide

Dean Smith

Craig MacEwan rounds Neil McArthur but can only find the side netting

Craig MacEwan nets Saints second goal to finally kill the tie

Craig MacEwan is mobbed by his team mates after scoring Saints second goal

#monthesaints

Friday 24 March 2017

Duel At The Jewel

Saturday 25th March 2017
The Scottish Amateur Football Association Challenge Cup Competition

Quarter Final Tie
Barca-Milton 97 AFC v Oban Saints AFC
Jewel Park
56 - 60 Duddingston Park South
Edinburgh
EH15 3LJ
Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr James Gallacher

This Saturday the Saints minibus will once again turn East instead of South when it reaches Crianlarich as Manager Alex Craik leads his men into battle in search of a second consecutive Scottish Amateur Cup semi-final appearance. Having previously seen off the challenge of Salvesen and Letham on their sojourns to the East Saints must now do battle with Barca-Milton 97 who will present another significant hurdle to Saints ambitions.

Saturday's opponents currently occupy sixth place in the Lothian and Edinburgh Amateur Football Association Championship thirteen points behind league leaders St Bernard's but with five games in hand over last season's Lothian East Champions. Like their Championship colleagues Craigshill Thistle who host Southside in one of the other quarter final ties, Barca-Milton's pursuit of cup glory looks set to leave them with a major fixture pile-up severely hampering their chances of a second successive promotion. However such is the price to be paid for extended cup runs and, given the choice, any team would gladly sacrifice promotion for a cup final day out at Hampden Park.

After a first round bye Barca-Milton successfully negotiated the regional section of this season's Scottish Amateur Cup with a 5 - 3 away win at Stirling Boys Club of Stirling and District Amateur Football League Division 1B.

The third round also saw Barca-Milton on their travels this time to Cumbernauld to face Carbrain of the Greater Glasgow Premier Amateur Football League Division Three. The Edinburgh men once again put five goals past their hosts to set up a home tie against Bervie Caledonian of the Aberdeenshire Amateur Football Association Division One North.

In round four Barca-Milton continued their high scoring antics notching five goals for the third consecutive tie to progress to the fifth round and another home tie against Aberdeenshire opposition.

Stoneywood East End of the Aberdeenshire Amateur Football Association Division One East came close to blunting Barca-Milton's prolific attack but ultimately lost out to a single goal putting Barca-Milton's name in the hat for the sixth round.

The sixth round handed the Edinburgh men their biggest test of the competition so far when they were drawn away to St Mungo's who were one of the Caledonian Amateur Football League's four remaining representatives. Undaunted by the size of the task ahead Barca-Milton edged out their more fancied opponents also by a single goal to march into the last sixteen and another away tie against big league opponents.

Having been drawn away to Caledonian League opposition in the sixth round Barca-Milton's luck also looked to be out in the seventh round draw which handed them another away tie this time against Cambusnethan Talbot Community of the mighty Central Scottish Amateur Football League. The "Central" provided six of the last sixteen clubs backing up their reputation as the strongest of all Scotland's amateur leagues. Barca-Milton turned in their best performance of the tournament rediscovering their goal touch to net five for the fourth time and reach the heady heights of the Scottish Amateur Cup quarter finals.

Barca-Milton 97's results so far this season:-

Lothian and Edinburgh Amateur Football Association Championship

13th August 2016 Barca-Milton 97 2 - 2 Redhall Star
17th August 2016 Lochend 0 - 1 Barca-Milton 97
20th August 2016 Barca-Milton 97 4 - 3 New'hall Leith Vics
24th August 2016 St Bernards 4 - 0 Barca-Milton 97
27th August 2016 Barca-Milton 97 4 - 1 Hermiston Vale

15th October 2016 Redhall Star 4 - 6 Barca-Milton 97

18th February 2017 Barca-Milton 97 3 - 4 St Bernards

11th March 2017 Hermiston Vale 2 - 7 Barca-Milton 97

18th March 2017 Clermiston Star 1 - 1 Barca-Milton 97

Lothian and Edinburgh Amateur Football Association Logan Cup

1st Round
3rd September 2016 Barca-Milton 97 6 - 3 North Edinburgh Wanderers

2nd Round
29th October 2016 Barca-Milton 97 3 - 1 Musselburgh Amateurs

Lothian and Edinburgh Amateur Football Association Centenary Cup

1st Round
22nd October 2016 Armadale Rose 4 - 5 Barca-Milton 97

2nd Round
12th November 2016 Barca-Milton 97 3 - 4 Edinburgh South Vics

Lothian and Edinburgh Amateur Football Association Challenge Cup

1st Round
28th January 2017 Barca-Milton 97 1 - 7 Craigshill Thistle

East of Scotland Amateur Cup

1st Round
24th September 2016 Barca-Milton 97 5 - 2 Heriot Watt

2nd Round

3rd Round
14th January 2017 Barca-Milton 5 - 2 Carronshore Athletic

4th Round
21st January 2017 Barca-Milton 97 1 - 2 Edinburgh South Vics

Scottish Amateur Cup

1st Round
Bye

2nd Round
1st October 2016 Stirling Boys Club 3 - 5 Barca-Milton 97

3rd Round
5th November 2017 Carbrain 2 - 5 Barca-Milton 97

4th Round
3rd December 2016 Barca-Milton 97 5 - 2 Bervie Caledonian

5th Round
7th January 2017 Barca-Milton 97 1 - 0 Stoneywood East End

6th Round
11th February 2017 St Mungo's 0 - 1 Barca-Milton 97

7th Round
4th March 2017 Cambusnethan Talbot Community 1 - 5 Barca-Milton 97

Barca-Milton 97's recent Lothian and Edinburgh Amateur Football Association league finishes:-

2007 - 08 Edinburgh East 7th
2008 - 09 Edinburgh East 5th
2009 - 10 Edinburgh East 2nd Promoted
2010 - 11 Lothian East 2nd Promoted
2011 - 12 Premier Division Two 7th
2012 - 13 Premier Division Two 5th
2013 - 14 Premier Division Two 11th Relegated
2014 - 15 Lothian East 6th
2015 - 16 Lothian East 4th Promoted

Journey To The Jewel

Saints passage to their fourth Scottish Amateur Cup quarter final in twelve years has been an arduous one with another massive hurdle to be overcome if they are to reach a second consecutive semi-final.

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.

The seventh round took Saints to the Fair City to face Perthshire Amateur Football Association top dogs Letham. The reigning First Division Champions were unbeaten in twenty six matches in all competitions and looked well on course for a clean sweep of Perthshire silverware. The tie proved to be a thriller requiring 180 minutes to separate the two well matched teams with Saints eventually going through by the odd goal in nine. In a goalless first half at Seven Acres Park Saints squandered two gilt edged chances to open scoring but had stand in goalkeeper Graham Douglas to thank for a stunning save from a spectacular Sean Ferrie overhead kick. The Letham Skipper however was not to be denied and opened the scoring for the home team nodding home from close range from a fifty eighth minute corner. In an already high tempo match Saints had to find an extra gear to get themselves back into the match. Craig MacEwan hit the post with header before Letham goalkeeper Steven McEwan produced two fine saves to deny Willie Gemmell. With just five minutes remaining Saints were awarded a penalty kick when second half substitute Daniel Mathew handled in the box. Craig MacEwan levelled from the spot to set up a tense closing period. The pace remained relentless with both sides trying to force a last gasp winner. Mr Taylor, who had an excellent game, allowed an additional four minutes which had nerves jangling on the side lines. Letham launched a series of long balls into the Saints box which were repelled finally setting up a ninety fourth minute breakaway lead by Brian Mackay. Brian nipped in front of Gavin Anderson to intercept a long throw on the Saints eighteen yard line and raced to the half way line. Faced by Michael Rylance Brian sprayed a diagonal pass to David McArthur who carried the ball to edge of the Letham penalty area electing not to shoot but to play in Dean Smith. The Saints bench willed the net to bulge alas Letham keeper McEwan spread himself well to stop Dean's left foot shot from nine yards much to the relief of his team mates and the majority of the massive crowd.

The replay at Glencruitten was equally as exciting with Saints taking the lead in the second minute through Paul Carmichael and then missing an opportunity from the penalty spot to make it two when Craig MacEwan fired wide of the junction of post and bar after Brian Mackay had been brought down by Sean Ferrie. A calamitous five minute period from Saints completely undone their own good start and handed the initiative firmly to the visitors. A long throw from the left from Alan Cunningham bounced across the Saints box where Willie Gemmell inexplicably threw out an arm to control the ball giving Mr Gilchrist an easy decision to award a penalty kick to Letham. The chance to bring his team back into the match was grabbed with both hands by William Carle who succeeded where Craig MacEwan had failed in finding the postage stamp corner. Two minutes later Saints again failed to deal with the long throw-in allowing the ball to bounce in the box with Aaron Galletly nipping in at the near post to bundle home from six yards and turn the scoreline on it's head. Things turned from bad to worse in the twenty seventh minute when Saints were carved open down their right hand side once again. Dale Smart turned the ball across the face of goal for strike partner William Carle to knock past the hopelessly exposed Thomas McCulloch leaving Saints a mountain to climb to get back into a game which they had been firmly in control of just five minutes earlier. Saints reached base camp in the thirty second minute with a trademark Willie Gemmell free kick. Aaron Galletly fouled Donald Campbell twenty eight yards from goal and slightly left of centre. Willie who had drawn two good saves low down to his right from Steven McEwan from similar positions in the first match decided to go up and over the wall on this occasion. In classic Beckhamesque style Willie curled the ball over the three man wall and into the bottom corner to bring Saints roaring back into the game. Saints assent of the mountain reached a crucial stage five minutes before the interval. Scott Maitland made good ground on the Saints left and rolled a pass up to Craig MacEwan who quickly sent Brian Mackay spinning in behind Gavin Smith and into the box. Benn Blyth came across to block Brian's progress with the Saints man forced to turn the ball back to Scott Maitland. Scott fed Donald Campbell in space ten yards out from where Donald curled a delicious finish into the bottom corner past Steven McEwan's left hand.The topsy turvy first half ended all square with Saints definitely the happier of the two teams to have clawed their way back into a game which had threatened to run away from them.

The second half was an entirely different proposition with Saints dominating almost entirely limiting their opponents to occasional counter attacks. However, despite their domination, Saints were unable to turn their superiority into goals with a mixture of poor finishing and good goal keeping ensuring the tie remained in the balance until the closing minutes. With six minutes of the ninety remaining and extra time looking a distinct possibility Saints finally reached the summit of the mountain they had given themselves to climb. Donald Campbell made a surging run into the box holding off the close attentions of Michael Rylance to reach the bye-line. Donald's cut back was frustratingly just behind Paul Carmichael on the six yard line however Paul Kerr was on hand to rifle the ball home from eight yards beating Steven McEwan low down at his near post.