Thistle Come South

Saturday 29th July 2017

Pre-Season Friendly

Oban Saints AFC v South Lochaber Thistle AFC

Glencruitten 1

Glencruitten Drive

Oban

Argyll

PA34 4EB

Kick off 2.00pm

Referee Mr John Scott

After last Saturday's entertaining 3 - 3 home draw with Vale of Leven Juniors, Saints continue their preseason preparations this weekend against South Lochaber Thistle. Saints Kinlochleven based neighbours make a swift return to Oban following their D&K Lafferty Cup debut three weeks ago where they kindly stepped in at very short notice to fill the void left by the withdrawal of Berwick Rangers.

Since their D&K Lafferty Cup appearance the Jags have seen a proposed trip to the Kintyre peninsula to face Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division One Campbeltown Pupils fall through however they did manage a journey along the A830 Road to the Isles to face Mallaig this midweek. Having drawn a blank in their four forty minute matches against Saints, Alloa Athletic, Dundee United and Hamilton Academical, the Jags finally found their scoring boots against the Lochaber Welfare League outfit finally running out 3 - 2 winners.

The Jags finished as runners-up in last season's West of Scotland Amateur Football League Premier Division behind Erskine based Champions Newshot. Sadly that was the last ever season of the oldest amateur football league in the world which has now folded after 119 years. Thankfully The Jags have been able to find a new league and will take up residence in the Greater Glasgow Premier Amateur Football League for the new season. They do so as the last ever winners of the West of Scotland Amateur Football League Challenge Shield where they defeated league Champions Newshot in a penalty shoot-out; and the Iain Thomson Memorial Trophy which was secured with a 3 -1 victory over Cardross with both finals being played at Greenfield Park the home of Shettleston Juniors.

South Lochaber Thistle Iain Thomson Memorial Trophy Winners 2017

Saints and South Lochaber Thistle have met in friendlies twice before. Firstly in monsoon conditions in Kinlochleven last September where a Donald Campbell hat-trick and a goal each from Craig MacEwan and Fraser MacFarlane saw Saints saw Saints travel home wet but happy after a good workout for both sides. On target for the Jags in a 5 - 1 Saints win was Scott Hunter. More recently, in the D&K Lafferty Cup in Oban, Donald Campbell was once again Thistle's chief tormentor with a brace to add to a Craig MacEwan strike giving Saints a comfortable 3 - 0 win against the rusty looking Jags. Injuries, holidays and work commitments dictated that Saints Manager Alex Craik had to draft in youngsters Kenneth Black, Jay Cooper, Gavin Forgrieve and Ruaridh Horne for that particular encounter. Despite a number of senior players returning to action the promising Saints youngsters will continue to figure prominently in the Gaffer's plans for this Saturday's match.  

South Lochaber Thistle v Oban Saints Wednesday 21st September 2016

Dene Cassells beats Scott Rodger in the air to head clear

Myles McAuley and Andrew Cunningham

Referee David Dunlop watches the line as Saints defend a free kick

Alan Gray lines up a free kick

Saints defend a first half corner kick

Half time team talk

Donald Campbell and Daniel Mackintosh

Donald Campbell is headed off by Dave Forbes

Craig MacEwan skips past Scott Rodger

Oban Saints v South Lochaber Thistle Saturday 8th July 2017

Ruaridh Horne

Craig MacEwan nets Saints second

Kenneth Black

Gavin Forgrieve

Jay Cooper

#monthesaints

Draw With Vale

Saturday 22nd July 2017

Pre-Season Friendly

Oban Saints AFC 3 - 3 Vale of Leven F &AC

Glencruitten 1

Glencruitten Drive

Oban

Argyll

PA34 4EB

Kick off 2.00pm

Referee Mr John Stobo

Oban Saints welcomed regular visitors Vale of Leven Juniors back to Oban for a preseason friendly last Saturday. To the relief of all, the heavy rain which put a dampener on last year's meeting was nowhere to be seen and the match went ahead in pleasant conditions on an excellent Glencruitten 1 surface.

Holidays, injuries and work commitments severely restricted Alex Craik's options with the Gaffer having to rely on an extremely youthful bench to back up an experienced starting eleven. In goal for Saints was Graham Douglas who has reclaimed the number one jersey from recently retired Thomas McCulloch. An untried central defensive partnership of Jamie Graham and David McPhee slotted in between full backs Matthew Kelly and Scott Maitland. The midfield had an extremely experienced look with skipper for the day Donald Campbell taking a central role alongside Willie Gemmell and, fit again after missing most of last season, Keith Millar. Up front Paul Carmichael led the line flanked by Fraser MacFarlane and Dean Smith. On the bench were youngsters Kenneth Black, Jay Cooper, Gavin Forgrieve and Sol Smith with the Gaffer naming himself among the substitutes to significantly increase the average age.

The visitors, under new Manager Brian Brown, brought a strong twenty man squad with the full intention of giving each player at least forty five minutes of game time.   

Saints kicked off attacking the railway end and the first half motored along at a good pace with the visitors creating the better of the openings in the early exchanges. Right sided midfielder Richard Stewart twice headed off target with Andrew Biddulph and Allan Macpherson also sending shots over the crossbar. Former Haldane United man Macpherson was renewing acquaintances in the middle of the park with Scottish Amateur international colleague Donald Campbell who fizzed a shot wide of the postage stamp corner after good approach play on the Saints left. 

Neither keeper was tested until the nineteenth minute when Saints opened the scoring after another good move on the left. Scott Maitland played the ball up to Paul Carmichael who held the ball up well and laid back to Fraser MacFarlane. The diminutive winger found the overlapping Scott Maitland who threaded a well weighted ball sending Paul Carmichael through on goal. Vale keeper Robert Tiropoulous advanced to his six yard line but was beaten from just inside the eighteen yard box by Carmichael who tucked a low shot inside the keeper's left hand post.

Making his first appearance in preseason Dean Smith brought the first save of the match from Robert Tiropoulous who got finger tips to Dean's shot from the edge of the D to turn the ball over his crossbar.

The visitor's found the net in the thirty third minute with their first effort on target when Benjamin Craig turned well on the eighteen yard line and beat Graham Douglas low down to his right.

Four minutes later Douglas produced an excellent finger tip save to deny Andrew Biddulph after the Vale striker got the better of Jamie Graham with a neat turn on the edge of the box.

At the other end an Allan Macpherson foul on Matthew Kelly gave Willie Gemmell a free-kick opportunity twenty two yards out but the Saints dead ball expert failed to trouble Tiropoulous in the Vale goal sending his effort high over the crossbar.

Five minutes before the interval Willie's pinpoint passing accuracy opened up the Vale defence for Paul Carmichael who had his progress unceremoniously halted by Tiropoulous at the expense of a penalty kick. The big keeper guessed correctly but was beaten by the pace on Donald Campbell's spot kick which fizzed past his left hand into the bottom corner of the net.

Tiropoulous denied Saints a third goal with an excellent finger tip save to deny Donald Campbell after another good move on the left before Referee John Stobo blew for half-time.

The visitors made wholesale changes for the second half with only left back Stephen Griffen and goalkeeper Robert Tiropoulous re-emerging from the pavilion after the half-time interval.

The second half began in disastrous fashion for Saints who conceded twice inside three minutes. A forty sixth minute corner kick from the right was met by Greg Ross who squeezed a header between Graham Douglas and Scott Maitland at the front post. Barely sixty seconds later the visitors took the lead for the first time when a cross from the Vale right evaded Matthew Kelly allowing Robbie Dolan a shot on goal. Graham Douglas narrowed the angle well but could only parry Dolan's effort into the path of Andrew Clark who had the simplest of tasks in rolling the ball into the unguarded net.

To compound the misery for Saints Donald Campbell aggravated the groin strain picked up in the D&K Lafferty tournament and had to leave the field for what looks likely to be an extended spell on the sidelines. Donald's replacement was young Kenneth Black who slotted in at left back with Scott Maitland moving into midfield. 

After a rocky start Saints steadied the ship against the reinvigorated visitors and drew level in the fifty fifth minute. Paul Carmichael controlled a long ball from Willie Gemmell and held off the challenge of Adam Monaghan before picking out Scott Maitland's back post run. Robert Tiropoulous came off his line to intercept Scott's run and did well to turn the ball behind for a corner kick. Fraser MacFarlane delivered an excellent ball from the right which was met perfectly on the penalty spot by Paul Carmichael who powered a sensational header into the top corner much to the delight of the Saints bench.

The remainder of the second half ebbed and flowed without too many clear cut chances. Scott Maitland had a goal bound shot deflected wide for a corner after good work on the right by Matthew Kelly and Fraser MacFarlane before Graham Douglas tipped over a twenty five yard effort from Andrew Clark.

Before the corner kick could be taken Gaffer Alex Craik withdrew Fraser MacFarlane and Dean Smith replacing them with two more of Saints promising youngsters Jay Cooper and Gavin Forgrieve. The personnel change also brought about a change of formation to a 3-5-2 with Willie Gemmell dropping into the back three alongside Jamie Graham and David McPhee. 

The new look Saints defence coped well with Vale's twin strike force with new boy McPhee comfortable alongside the experienced Gemmell and Graham. In the midfield old head Keith Millar marshaled youngsters Kenneth Black and Gavin Forgrieve who will have benefited greatly from playing against such experienced opposition. 

Saints made their final change with fifteen minutes remaining giving a debut to young Sol Smith who replaced Matthew Kelly on the right of the five man midfield. 

Vale central midfielder David McNaught fired a twenty five yard effort over the crossbar after a good eighty third minute passing move had opened up the Saints defence.

With one minute of the ninety remaining Referee Mr Stobo strangely penalised Sol Smith for a foul Robbie Dolan wide on the Vale left. The award mystified the Saints players whose incredulity would have quickly turned to anger had Graham Douglas not produced the save of the match to deny Mark Butler from close range. Butler's cushioned effort from the six yard line had Sugar at full stretch to push the ball wide. Butler could scarcely believe his luck but pursued the ball and played it back across goal where the combined efforts of Willie Gemmell, Jamie Graham and Keith Millar kept the ball away from the waiting Andrew Clark before Sugar finally pounced to smother the ball and calm the nerves.

Mr Stobo brought a sporting contest to an end with honours even and both sides satisfied with a good workout.

Saints continue their preseason schedule with training on Monday and Wednesday nights before the visit of South Lochaber Thistle next Saturday.

Team Captains Donald Campbell and Kenneth Wilson with Referee John Stobo

Scott Maitland and Keith Millar converge upon Richard Stewart

   

Paul Carmichael beats Matthew Devine in the air

Dean Smith

Scott Maitland

Paul Carmichael opens the scoring

Dean Smith and Stephen Griffen tangle

Donald Campbell restores Saints lead from the penalty spot

Paul Carmichael holds off Stephen Griffen

Saints youngsters warm-up

Greg Ross levels the scores at 2 - 2

The Saints players celebrate Paul Carmichael's leveler

Matthew Kelly

Graham Douglas

Jamie Graham turns away from Andrew Clark

Sol Smith and Robbie Dolan

Graham Douglas saves from Mark Butler to deny Vale a late winner

Graham Douglas finally smothers the ball to ensure the match ends honours even

#monthesaints

Vale Meet Again

Saturday 22nd July 2017

Pre-Season Friendly

Oban Saints AFC v Vale of Leven F &AC

Glencruitten 1

Glencruitten Drive

Oban

Argyll

PA34 4EB

Kick off 2.00pm

Referee Mr John Stobo

Saints are delighted to welcome back third time visitors Vale of Leven Juniors this Saturday afternoon for what should be another good preseason workout for both sets of players. Saints got their preseason fixtures schedule off and running in traditional style two weeks ago in the D&K Lafferty Cup tournament where two wins and two defeats secured a third placed finish behind Dundee United and tournament winners Hamilton Academical. Manager Alex Craik will look to raise the level a little further in the first of the three ninety minute matches the club has planned before the Argyll & Bute Cup on 5th August and the start of the Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division campaign one week later.

The Vale commenced their preseason training on 17th June and played their first friendly last Saturday at home to West Calder United where a fifty seventh minute Mark Butler equaliser secured a 1 - 1 draw against their East Region South opponents. This was quickly followed two days later by a 3 - 2 win against Saints former Scottish Amateur Football League rivals Thorn Athletic. Vale raced into a three goal lead through goals from Robbie Dolan and a brace from Ben Craig. Keeper and Skipper Robert Tiropoulos also saved a first half penalty from Thorn's Jordan Devine to further cement the home side's advantage. A very much below full strength Thorn rallied in the second half inspired by former Saints tormentor Paul Young. A trademark Young free kick brought the Caledonian League Premier Division outfit back into the match before another Young set piece delivery was glanced on by Thorn Manager and second half substitute James Donnelly before finding it's way into the net via an unsuspecting Josh Grace.

Vale currently ply their trade in the Scottish Junior Football Association West Region Central District Second Division where they finished last season in sixth place with thirty three points from twenty two games played. Despite trailing home fifteen points behind champions Glasgow Perthshire this was a significant improvement on the previous season's tenth place which was Vale's lowest final league position for 51 years.

As part of their quest to revive the club's fortunes the 2016 Annual General Meeting ratified the promotion of Under 21's Manager Brian Brown to the post of Assistant to first team Manger Hugh Hamill. The second phase of the succession plan was implemented at this year's AGM when Hugh stood down after twenty years and three months at the helm to make way for Brian. The new Gaffer will be assisted by his brother and former club captain Alan Brown. The pair follow in the footsteps of their father Jimmy who was Vale manager for fifteen years before leaving to take up the reins at Dumbarton where he had previously enjoyed a spell on the playing staff. The Brown brothers have moved swiftly to add SFA coach Kenny McComish to the backroom team to complement the existing coaching staff of Hugh Ward and Iain Lee for what they hope will be an exciting new chapter in the club's history.

New Vale Manager Brian Brown

Notwithstanding their current lowly league position the Vale have a long and illustrious history in the game and to secure this preseason friendly match between the clubs is a major coup for Saints. Originally founded in 1872 Vale of Leven won three successive Scottish Cups (1877 - 79) and became unofficial British champions in 1878 beating English F.A. Cup holders The Wanderers at Kennington Oval. In 1890 they were founder members of the Scottish Football League where, excluding brief flirtations with the Scottish Alliance, the Scottish Football Combination and the Western League, they remained until 1939 when they club disbanded due to the suspension of league football for World War Two. The club immediately re-emerged as Vale of Leven Football and Athletic Club becoming members of the Scottish Junior Football Association. Over the years many league and cup successes followed the biggest of which being the Scottish Junior Cup win in 1953.

Millburn Park, Alexandria home of Vale of Leven Football and Athletic Club

Thousands lined the streets of Alexandria, Bonhill and Renton to cheer the Vale's victory parade

Last year's encounter

The visitors took the lead in the sixth minute from an innocuous looking deep cross from the right wing by Adam Monaghan. Thomas McCulloch elected to stay on his line allowing Monaghan's cross to reach Scott Cowan who out-jumped Jamie Graham at the back post to head the ball back across goal for Craig Cowan to nod into the net from three yards out. Despite the early reverse Saints continued to impress against their semi-professional opponents and eventually got their reward for their first half exertions deservedly drawing level five minutes before the break. Myles McAuley threaded a perfectly weighted through ball for Donald Campbell's run through the inside left channel. In charge of team affairs for the day in the absence of Manager Alex Craik, Donald made no mistake calmly passing the ball into the bottom corner of the net past the Vale keeper's despairing left hand. McAuley was involved again at the other end when he was harshly penalised by Referee Litster twenty eight yards from his own goal. Lee McGeachy curled the free kick around the Saints wall drawing an excellent save from Thomas McCulloch diving full length to his left to send the teams into the half time interval on level terms. 

The second half saw a number of changes for both sides with Saints introducing youngsters Jay Cooper, Daniel Croarkin, Fraser MacFarlane and fifteen year old Lewis Buchanan to the fray. Notwithstanding the raft of changes made by both sides and the worsening weather conditions the second half maintained the high tempo of the first forty five. The Saints youngsters were certainly not overawed by the occasion and showed up well against their more experienced opponents with Jay Cooper coming close to netting a late winner cutting in from the left and forcing Vale keeper Morrison into a smart save at his near post. Referee Jimmy Litster, who had enjoyed an easy afternoon's work, brought a good natured contest to an end with honours even and plenty of positives for both sides to take into their next warm-up fixtures.


Saints still have a few regulars missing due to injury and holidays which will leave room in the match day squad for a number of the club's promising youngsters. Manager Alex Craik will be keen to give as many players as possible some valuable game time against experienced opposition. It is anticipated that the Vale will bring their full squad to Oban for the third of their five friendlies before their season kicks off in earnest with a Sectional League Cup tie away at Port Glasgow Juniors on Wednesday 2nd August.

#monthesaints

D&K Cup 2017 Round Up

Kick off 11am

Mossfield - Dundee United 0 - 2 Hamilton Academical
Glencruitten - South Lochaber Thistle 0 - 1 Alloa Athletic


Kick off 12 noon

Mossfield - Oban Saints 1 - 0 Alloa Athletic
Glencruitten - Hamilton Academical 5 - 0 South Lochaber Thistle


Kick off 1pm

Mossfield - Oban Saints 3 - 0 South Lochaber Thistle
Glencruitten - Dundee United 1 - 0 Alloa Athletic


Kick off 2pm

Mossfield - South Lochaber Thistle 0 - 3 Dundee United
Glencruitten - Oban Saints 0 - 4 Hamilton Academical


Kick off 3pm

Mossfield - Hamilton Academical 2 - 0 Alloa Athletic
Glencruitten - Dundee United 5 - 1 Oban Saints

Oban Saints D&K Cup Squad 2017

Oban Saints got their preparations for the 2017 - 18 season underway last Saturday in traditional style with the 24th playing of their annual tournament kindly sponsored by D&K Lafferty Contractors Ltd. Once again the tournament attracted top quality participants in the form of regulars Alloa Athletic, Dundee United and trophy holders Hamilton Academical who, together with hosts Oban Saints and tournament debutants South Lochaber Thistle, entertained the large crowd of spectators to a feast of football in pleasant weather conditions. Due mainly to their early involvement in the new style SPFL League Cup Alloa Athletic, Dundee United and Hamilton Academical were represented by their Under 20's Development League teams with Saints getting in on the act with the inclusion of youngsters Kenneth Black, Jay Cooper, Gavin Forgrieve and Ruaridh Horne who would all go on to acquit themselves well in considerably more experienced company. The eleventh hour withdrawal of Berwick Rangers left event organiser David Buchanan with a major headache therefore Oban Saints extend their grateful thanks to Kinlochleven based South Lochaber Thistle who stepped in at extremely short notice to fill the void.


Dundee United and Hamilton Academical got proceedings underway at Mossfield with Accies claiming a comfortable victory to get their trophy defence off to the best possible start. After a goalless first half Accies made the breakthrough when United keeper Josh Donaldson parried a Conor Scullion free-kick over his crossbar for a corner kick. The in-swinger from the Accies left was headed home by player of the tournament Lewis Ferguson. Ferguson, son of Glasgow Rangers legend Derek, ghosted in at the back post and sent a downward header through the legs of the helpless Donaldson giving the United keeper no chance from such close range. Lewis Smith completed the scoring with an excellent run through the inside right channel holding off the close attentions of Scott Reekie to fire a low finish across Donaldson and into the bottom corner.

Dundee United's Logan Davie is closed down by Hamilton Accies defender Jamie Boyd as Liam Scullion looks on. Photograph used with kind permission from Graeme Webster of GJW Sport, follow him on Twitter @gjwsport

The first match at Glencruitten which was contested by South Lochaber Thistle and Alloa Athletic saw the Alloa youngsters edge out the tournament's late stand-ins thanks to the only goal of the game, and Alloa's only goal of the day, from Scott Sinclair.

Saints entered the fray at Mossfield against the youthful Alloa Athletic and lined up with Graham Douglas in goal; a back four of Matthew Kelly, David McPhee, Willie Gemmell and Scott Maitland; Kerr Newbigging, Donald Campbell and Keith Millar made up the midfield with Fraser MacFarlane, Paul Carmichael and Craig MacEwan up front. It was a blend of youth and experience on the bench where experienced duo Alex Craik and Dougal Graham were joined by youngsters Kenneth Black, Jay Cooper, Gavin Forgrieve and Ruaridh Horne.
Saints started in positive fashion with Donald Campbell testing Alloa keeper Christopher Smith with a left foot shot from twenty two yards. Smith pushed Campbell's stinging shot over his crossbar with Paul Carmichael heading the resulting corner wide of target at the back post. The bright start for Saints was rewarded in the third minute after a good move on the left. Craig MacEwan sent Paul Carmichael through the inside left channel where he was forced to the bye-line by Ivan Bengono. The Saints striker got the better of the Alloa central defender to cut the ball back to Scott Maitland who flicked a left footed finish across the face of goal and inside Christopher Smith's left hand post. Saints continued to dominate and reached half-time well in charge and a goal to the good.
The second half continued in a similar fashion with Saints fashioning another good opening on the right wing. Matthew Kelly found Paul Carmichael who held the ball up well and played the ball into the box for Craig MacEwan. Craig chested down into the path of Donald Campbell who fired a low left foot shot inches wide of Christopher Smith's left hand post.
With four minutes remaining Craig MacEwan rattled the Alloa crossbar from a Kerr Newbigging cross after Donald Campbell and Fraser MacFarlane had linked up well on the right.
Saints survived a late scare when Alloa left back Ronan Kearney burst forward and sent a tantalising low ball across the six yard box. Fortunately for Saints there was no takers in black and gold and Scott Maitland was able to mop up at the back post ensuring the hosts got their campaign off to a winning start.

Donald Campbell and Greg Forrest

Willie Gemmell climbs at the back post

Scott Maitland

David McPhee heads clear

Fraser MacFarlane is beaten in the air by Hashim Cole 

Craig MacEwan hits the crossbar

At Glencruitten Hamilton Academical recorded the biggest winning margin of the day against a rusty South Lochaber Thistle side who hadn't trained since winning the West of Scotland Amateur Football League Iain Thomson Memorial Trophy at the end of last season. Tournament joint top scorer Lewis Smith bagged a brace to help see off an already tiring Lochaber side with three further goals being added by two of Accies six trialists.  

Saints remained on Mossfield for their second match which saw a comfortable victory over the tiring South Lochaber Thistle. Manager Alex Craik made six changes which included debuts for youngsters Kenneth Black, Gavin Forgrieve and Ruaridh Horne. Saints opened the scoring after five minutes when Donald Campbell collected a pin-point Willie Gemmell pass on the edge of the Thistle box. Donald turned away from his marker and fired a low shot on target which keeper Bradley Cameron got a hand to but couldn't prevent from finding the bottom corner.
An in-swinging Fraser MacFarlane corner from the Saints left dipped agonisingly over the outstretched foot of Jay Cooper at the back post before the early Saints pressure bore fruit once more. Last season's top scorer and player of the year Craig MacEwan turned in the box and lashed a right foot shot into the postage stamp corner giving Bradley Cameron no chance.
Saints made it three just before the interval when Donald Campbell hooked a left foot finish into the roof of the net after good build up play on the right from Jay Cooper and Craig MacEwan.
Manager Alex Craik shuffled the pack once again at half-time replacing Paul Carmichael, Willie Gemmell and Craig MacEwan with Matthew Kelly, Fraser MacFarlane and Scott Maitland. The pace dropped slightly in the second half with Saints maintaining the upper hand but failing to add to the scoring. The closest Saints were to come was in the closing stages when a perfectly executed crossfield pass from Donald Campbell picked out Jay Cooper on the right wing. Jay took the ball down well beating his man and driving into the box but, with Fraser MacFarlane screaming for a cut-back, elected to shoot from a tight angle and blazed his effort over the junction of post and bar. Referee Lister brought proceedings to an end signalling a change from Mossfield to Glencruitten for their remaining two matches.

Ruaridh Horne

Craig MacEwan nets Saints second

Dougal Graham

Kenneth Black

Matthew Kelly

Dundee United put the disappointment of losing their opening match behind them edging out Alloa Athletic at Glencruitten with Logan Chalmers netting the only goal of the match sending him on his way to becoming the tournament's joint top scorer.

Dundee United's Dylan Henry with Keiran Connelly of Alloa Athletic. Photograph used with kind permission from Graeme Webster of GJW Sport, follow him on Twitter @gjwsport

South Lochaber Thistle, who have joined the Greater Glasgow Premier Amateur Football League for the coming season following the demise of the West of Scotland Amateur Football League, completed their grueling four consecutive match schedule at Mossfield against a Dundee United side who were now hitting their stride. The Terrors completely dominated the match taking the lead through a Louis Appere header from a first half set-piece. Thistle had nothing left in the tank by this stage and the Tannadice Park men ran out comfortable winners with further goals added by Declan Glass and Scott Reekie.

Dundee United's Harvey Dailly (son of former Scotland international Christian) in action against South Lochaber Thistle. Photograph used with kind permission from Graeme Webster of GJW Sport, follow him on Twitter @gjwsport

With both sides on maximum points the Saints versus Hamilton Accies encounter at Glencruitten was already looking like the tournament decider. Unfortunately for Saints, who have yet to get their preseason training properly underway, the superior fitness of Hamilton's young professionals was to prove too hot to handle.
Lining up as they had for the first match against Alloa Athletic Saints started well forcing two corners inside the opening two minutes and held their own for the first ten minutes until cup holders Accies gradually began to gain the upper hand.
A deflected fifteenth minute shot from yet another of the Accies trialists completely deceived Graham Douglas in the Saints goal with the Saints keeper only able to parry the ball into his own net.
Two minutes later a swift attack on the left turned the Saints defence with Accies Skipper Marc Kelly poking home a low Rico Quitongo cross at the near post to double the advantage for his side.
Still reeling from this quick-fire double Saints conceded again on the stroke of half-time. Kerr Newbigging was penalised by Referee Pat O'Donnell for a shirt pull in the box with Marc Kelly stepping up to send Graham Douglas the wrong way from the penalty spot.
Donald Campbell and Fraser MacFarlane made way for Gavin Forgrieve and Dougal Graham for the start of the second half and were quickly joined on the sidelines by Craig MacEwan who was replaced by Jay Cooper.
Saints steadied the ship and coped with everything that Accies could throw at them until eight minutes from full time when Lewis Smith found space on the left of the Saints box to turn and drill a low shot into the bottom corner past the right hand of Graham Douglas. The 4 - 0 victory placed Accies firmly in pole position needing only to avoid a heavy defeat in their final fixture to retain the trophy.

Paul Carmichael and Rico Quitongo

Saints final match against Dundee United was to prove the second place decider. Saints started strongly and were denied by United keeper Fraser Currid three times inside the opening three minutes. From a second minute Kerr Newbigging free-kick rolled up to the edge of the box, Donald Campbell spun and fired a snap shot which Currid did extremely well to hold.
Sixty seconds later the United net minder foiled Donald again with another fine save following a good run on the left from Scott Maitland.
Currid produced the third of his early saves in the fourth minute throwing up an instinctive left hand to parry a Jay Cooper header from a Fraser MacFarlane corner before safely gathering on his goal-line at the second attempt.
Somewhat against the run of play United opened the scoring after twelve minutes when Logan Chalmers sent a looping header back across goal which eluded the despairing dive of Graham Douglas and nestled in the bottom corner.
Saints were forced into a change when Kerr Newbigging was unable to continue with his place in midfield being taken by Keith Millar.
United doubled their advantage in the fifteenth minute when Dylan Henry turned in at the back post after a good move on the right had opened up the Saints defence.
Jay Cooper and Scott Maitland made way for Paul Carmichael and David McPhee for the second half which got off to the worst possible start when a Keith Millar clearance took a wicked deflection and ended up in the Saints net.
Graham Douglas then pulled off a good save low down to his right to deny Dylan Henry before a tiring Saints rallied slightly.
Kenneth Black, Donald Campbell and Paul Carmichael combined well on the Saints left setting up a shooting chance for Fraser MacFarlane who was foiled by a smart save from Fraser Currid.
Paul Carmichael burst through the middle onto a Donald Campbell pass in the twenty ninth minute and, with the United defence appealing in vain for an offside decision, knocked the ball past Fraser Currid only for the United keeper to haul him down. Referee John Stobo pointed to the penalty spot from where Donald Campbell sent Currid the wrong way to give Saints restored hope.
The Saints fightback was extinguished five minutes later when Logan Chalmers curled a delightful left foot finish into the top corner leaving Graham Douglas rooted to the spot.
The agony was completed for the tiring Saints group when a thirty sixth minute Logan Chalmers cross from the right was slammed into the net from close range by Graham Taylor.

Kerr Newbigging and Graham Taylor

Gavin Forgrieve

Donald Campbell nets Saints consolation goal from the penalty spot 

In the final match at Mossfield cup holders Hamilton Academical, who needed only to avoid a heavy defeat at the hands of Alloa Athletic to clinch a fourth tournament success, cruised over the line with two more trialists netting in a 2 - 0 victory.

Presentation

Tournament organiser David Buchanan thanked the visiting teams for their continued support of the tournament and congratulated winners Hamilton Academical and player of the tournament Lewis Ferguson on their success. David also thanked the spectators, many of whom had traveled considerable distances to be there; the Argyll and Bute Council grounds staff who had prepared the two pitches perfectly; and finally the match officials Jimmy Litster, Pat O'Donnell, Jim Pearson and John Stobo without whom the event couldn't take place. David then called upon Councillor Jim Lynch to present the winning team with their individual trophies and the winning Captain Marc Kelly with the D&K Lafferty Cup.  

Councillor Jim Lynch presents the Player of the Tournament trophy to Lewis Ferguson of Hamilton Academical

        

Hamilton Academical D&K Cup Winners 2017

   

#monthesaints