Winning In The Rain: 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.