Saturday 4th June 2022

Central Scottish Amateur Football League

Premier Division

Oban Saints 0 - 3 St Patrick's FP

Glencruitten 2

Mossfield Avenue

Oban

Argyll

PA34 4EH

Kick Off 2.00pm
Referee Mr John McNab

Following the previous Saturday's basement battle with Eastfield where Premier Division status was secured for another season Oban Saints had the chance to influence proceedings at the other end of the table when title chasing St Patrick's FP visited Glencruitten last Saturday.

Work commitments kept Manager Willie Gemmell away from the touchline once again leaving Manager Elect Ross Maitland in charge. The usual mixture of injuries, suspensions, work and family commitments restricted Maitland's options however his woes were eased slightly with the inclusion of Dene Cassells who interrupted his retirement to slot in at the back alongside Steven MacLeod. Daniel MacCuish demonstrated his versatility by taking the central striker's role flanked by Zander Craik and Kyle Cooper.

Groundsman Iain Hay had the Glencruitten turf in good condition for Saints penultimate home fixture of a long and arduous season with just the visit of Bannockburn left to complete the league fixtures.

The D&K Lafferty and MKM Building Supplies sponsored Saints got proceedings underway attacking the railway line end in glorious June sunshine and crafted a decent opening after just five minutes. Skipper Scott Maitland sent Zander Craik scurrying up the left wing from where he found Daniel MacCuish in support in the middle. MacCuish picked out Kyle Cooper bursting into the box on the right and the young strikers low strike was turned behind for a corner kick by St Pat's keeper Brian Gallacher. Daniel MacCuish was on the end of Gavin Forgrieve's delivery to the back post but couldn't keep his cushioned volley beneath Gallacher's crossbar.

Young Zander Craik was giving St Pat's right back Neil Allan plenty to think about and another good run from a Dene Cassells pass brought Saints forward again after fifteen minutes. Daniel MacCuish took over driving into the box and sending a cutback from the byeline to Cammy Clark whose side foot finish slipped agonisingly wide of the far post.

Neil Allan's late challenge on Zander Craik gave Gavin Forgrieve the chance to put the ball into the danger area and he duly picked out Daniel MacCuish whose downward header was followed in by Zander Craik with the youngster unfortunate to see his hooked effort on the turn clear Brian Gallacher's crossbar by a matter of inches.

Scott Maitland who has now taken the Skipper's arm band following the retirement of Craig MacEwan joined the attack with a strong thirty second minute run which won a corner kick on the left. Gavin Forgrieve's delivery into the six yard box was well dealt with by St Pat's keeper Brian Gallacher getting good distance on his punch under pressure from Dene Cassells.

Gallacher was tested again from the corner flag sixty seconds later this time making a clean catch in his crowded six yard box.

Having been on the receiving end for the majority of the first half the visitors struck to give themselves a slender advantage going into the interval. Saints couldn't clear a long throw-in from the left and the bouncing ball fell kindly for Scottish Amateur international striker Ciaran Mcelroy who poked to ball home from close range.

The second half began in disastrous fashion for Saints when an unfortunate slip by Dene Cassells, the one blip in an excellent performance from the big central defender, allowed Kevin Mcelroy to race into the box. Graham Douglas came off his line to meet him but only succeeded in bringing down the veteran striker. Douglas was cautioned by Referee John McNab but much worse was to follow when Steven MacLeod received an extremely soft red card for a push on Ciaran Mcelroy. Graham Douglas was beaten from the spot by Kevin Mcelroy leaving Saints to chase a two goal deficit with just ten men.

Young striker Kyle Cooper was sacrificed in favour of Alex Craik with the veteran defender playing a significant role alongside Matty Kelly, Dene Cassells and Scott Maitland in keeping the visitors at bay until the dying minutes.

Ten man Saints kept plugging away with both Scott Maitland and James Ford coming close however it was the visitors who had the luxury not just of an extra man but also a strong bench which they would use to good advantage.

Ciaran Mcelroy dropped deep and tee'd up Martin Currie for an eighty fifth minute shot which beat Graham Douglas on his left but came back off the inside of the post. This would be Currie's last involvement and his replacement young Dylan O'Shea would make an instant impact on proceedings. The speedy striker was sent clear by Ciaran Mcelroy and kept his composure to lift the ball over the advancing Graham Douglas to round off the scoring.

The 3 - 0 final score line, although harsh on Saints who contributed greatly to an entertaining spectacle, sets St Pat's up nicely for Monday night's visit from Fallin where a win will secure the Premier Division title for the Dumbarton men.