Alas Poor Rolly

Poor Rolly

 

 

 

Saturday 8th June was a sad day for dog lovers everywhere as loveable Giant Poodle Rolly from East Kilbride was finally put down after an agonising wait for the final round of SAFL Premier Division fixtures to be played. A victory for Saints by two goals or more over relegation threatened Thorn Athletic would have saved Rolly but unfortunately for Rolly, or Rolls Royce East Kilbride as he is sometimes known, Saints could only manage a 1 - 0 win which sealed Rolly's fate.

 

 



Saints Treatment Room

 

 

 

Things might well have turned out differently if Saints had a full compliment of players for this match. However with six players still nursing injuries sustained in the bruising encounter with Hillington in the Jimmy Marshall Trophy Final, and a further four players unavailable through work commitments, Saints resources were stretched to the limit. Even with long term absentees Graham Douglas and Allan MacKay returning to the fold Manager Iain Jackson could name only a thirteen man squad the night before the match. The squad was further depleted on the Saturday morning when Sean Ford declared himself unavailable as he had to travel to Aberdeen to start a new job. 

 

 

Saints left Oban early on Saturday morning hoping to pick up a few hitchhikers on the way to make up their numbers. With no suitable candidates found Manager Iain Jackson named himself and coach Peter MacCallum as substitutes alongside Allan MacKay who was returning after a sixteen month injury lay off.

 

 

 





 

 

 

 

With their first choice white kit still soaking in bleach, Saints Secretary Davy Buchanan announced that Saints would be playing in new colours of orange shirts with pink sleeves.

 

 

 

 

Sean Ford and Paul Kerr model the new orange and pink shirts

 

 

Returning striker Allan MacKay declared there was no way he was wearing orange and vowed to leave Saints to sign for Oban Athletic as he had heard they were ditching their orange strips. MacKay promptly took to his phone to negotiate terms with Oban Athletic Manager Calum Fox.

 

 

The match got underway in front of a large crowd of spectators many of whom were Rolly fans who had travelled to Johnstone from East Kilbride to cheer on the Saints. Saints started strongly sensing the nervousness of their opponents. Roared on by Rolly supporters Saints were dominating their hosts when they received yet another set-back. Saints midfielder Willie Gemmell conceded a free kick for a strong challenge a Thorn opponent. During the stoppage in play Donald Campbell, was discussing with Allan MacKay on the sidelines their mutual hatred of the new orange kit. remarked that he "hated the orange b******s". The referee, presuming that Donald was referring to him, immediately produced the red card and sent off the bemused Saints striker for threatening behaviour. The Saints camp protested bitterly but the referee's mind was made up and Saints were reduced to ten men for the remainder of the match.

 

 

Despite being a man light Saints continued to dominate proceedings with Thorn content to hold on for a draw. Meanwhile on the touchline Allan MacKay received a phone call which prompted a massive change of heart and a request to Iain Jackson to re-sign for the Saints. Manager Jackson requested an explanation for this sudden change of mind whereupon MacKay replied that Calum Fox must have "turned" because Oban Athletic will be playing in Red, White and Blue next season which was even worse than Orange!!

 

 

Jackson immediately sent substitute MacKay into the action but reminded him that the Oban Times photographer was present and that he probably wouldn't want to be pictured scoring and celebrating a goal dressed in orange. The substitution did little to disturbed Saints rhythm and they continued to probe for an opening in the well marshalled Thorn defence. With the match entering the closing stages and Thorn looking increasingly likely to secure a share of the points proceedings took another twist. Saints midfielder Craig MacEwan went down in the box under a fairly innocuous challenge from a Thorn defender. To everybody's amazement the referee, probably mindful of his earlier blunder in sending off Donald Campbell, pointed to the spot. With usual penalty taker Donald off the pitch and substitute MacKay not willing to risk being photographed, it fell to Captain Keith Millar to take the penalty kick. Millar calmly dispatched the penalty past the Thorn 'keeper and an extremely nervous closing ten minutes beckoned for Thorn.

 

The Saints players sensing a first every victory over Thorn and a chance of relegating them to Premier Division 1 pressed forward in search of the killer second goal. Chance after chance came Saints way but they were thwarted at every turn by the resolute Thorn defence. In the dying seconds the best opportunity of the match fell to Allan MacKay. With the 'keeper off his line and the goal at his mercy it seemed that MacKay must score but mindful of his Manager's earlier warning he struck his shot wide and the match ended 1 - 0 to Saints.

 

The Thorn players and staff celebrated wildly and the Rolly supporters trudged away from McMaster Park dejected. The Saints players, although happy to have secured victory over bitter rivals Thorn, were deeply saddened that Rolly would be put down. Saints Manager Iain Jackson reminded the players that the recent draws with East Kilbride had helped considerably to end Saints title hopes and they shouldn't feel too sorry for Rolly.

 

 

Rolly with Management team Den, Angie and "Princess" Sharon Watts.

 

 

 

It's a letter from the SAFL Ange. They've had a complaint from Iain Jackson that Rolly bit him on the arse twice this season. They say Rolly must be put DAHNN!

 

 

 

 

 Tears for Rolly.





 

 

 

 

More Tears.

 

 

 

 

Rolly and his pal Little Willie in happier times.

 

That's the season finally over for Saints and the players and management can enjoy a well earned rest before the new season kicks off with traditional curtain raiser the Keyline Tournament on Saturday 13th July.

#monthesaints

There Might Be A Hitch

Saints travel to McMaster Park, Johnstone on Saturday to face Thorn Athletic in a noon kick off and may be reduced to picking up hitch hikers on the way to make up their numbers. Following last weekend's bruising encounter with Hillington AFC in the Jimmy Marshall Trophy Final Saints have no fewer than six players out injured. Added to that number are four unavailable due to work commitments.

Saints will make the journey with just 13 players including Graham Douglas and Allan MacKay both returning after long absences, and will hope to get through the match without any more injuries. Manager Iain Jackson and Coach Peter MacCallum will be taking their boots with them just in case.

,

Don't go via Lochgilphead!

 

Could Make The Bench 1

 

 

Having lost out in the title race to Postal United the match means little to Saints but is of paramount importance to Thorn Athletic. Defeat to Saints by two or more goals will see Thorn lose their relegation battle with Rolls Royce EK on goal difference and drop into Premier Division One. 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Could Make The Bench 2

 

 

 

 

Whatever happens Saints will glad to put this week behind them and re-group.

 

 

Mad Axe Man 1

 

 

Be careful who you pick up!

 

 

 

Mad Axe Man 2

 

 

Good luck lads!

 

#monthesaints

Head and Shoulders

On Sunday at Somervell Park, Cambuslang Saints lost their second cup final penalty shoot-out of the season thus failing to secure the silverware to which their form over the season entitled them. The defeat to Hillington AFC was painful in more ways than one as serious head injuries to Dene Cassells and Asen Gaydardzhiev, and a ruptured rotator cuff for Daniel Cassells saw all three taken to hospital for urgent medical treatment.

Captain Keith Millar introduces the players to the SAFL representative

Saints started the match tentatively but were slowly gaining the upper hand when injury struck. Firstly striker Asen Gaydardzhiev, who was having the better of his jousts with the Hillington defence,  was forced to come off with a bad cut following an accidental clash of heads with a Hillington defender.

Play continued while the Saints striker received treatment on the sidelines however within minutes Saints were another man down when midfielder Dene Cassells sustained a serious head cut which forced him out of the match.

Judging by the reaction of the Saints player when he left the field of play this injury may not have been accidental, however no infringement was spotted by the match officials and no action taken against any Hillington player.

Saints Manager Iain Jackson brought on substitutes Matty Rippon and Allan Miller with Matty joining Donald Campbell in attack and Allan taking up a wide right midfield role. In the dying minutes of the first half Matty came close with a long range shot which struck the bottom of the Hillington goalkeeper's left hand post while the 'keeper looked on helpless. The first half ended with Saints on top but with no goals to show for their efforts. The half time break gave the large crowd of supporters, mainly from Hillington, time to enjoy the sunshine and a refreshment or two from the Cambuslang Rangers Social Club.

Saints continued to press in the second half but despite enjoying the majority of possession, and creating all of the chances, failed to breach the well marshalled Hillington defence. Saints best opportunity of the match fell to Donald Campbell. Clean through on goal with only the goal keeper to beat, Saints top scorer in the competition was desperately unlucky to see his well struck shot saved by the Hillington 'keeper whose heroics were to earn him the Man of the Match award from the visiting SAFL delegation.

With twenty minutes to go disaster struck for Saints. On one of their few second half forays into Saints territory Hillington won a corner on their left hand side. Saints 'keeper Daniel Cassells rose under pressure to collect the cross but collided with a Hillington attacker and landed awkwardly on his left shoulder. After a long stoppage for treatment play resumed but it quickly became apparent that Daniel could not continue. Clearly in considerable pain Daniel was substituted.

With no back-up goal keeper on the bench Saints were now in trouble and were forced into a re-shuffle. Central defender Alex Craik bravely pulled on the goalkeeper's jersey and gloves. Midfielder Willie Gemmell replaced him in defence and substitute Paul Kerr came into the midfield.

Saints threw everything into attack in a bid to avoid the dreaded penalty shoot-out but there was no way past the resolute Hillington defence. In the dying minutes, and with penalties in mind, Saints Manager Iain Jackson made his final change bringing on Sean Ford for Myles MacAulay in an attacking midfield role.

After a considerable period of injury time in which Saints continued their pursuit of a winning goal the referee eventually blew for full time. Bizarrely for a cup final there was no extra time to be played. Being so much in the ascendency at this time Saints would surely have fancied their chances of securing victory in the additional thirty minutes, however penalties it was and the odds of victory swung dramatically in Hillington's favour.

Saints went first and the Hillington 'keeper  got down well to his left but couldn't prevent Matty Rippon's penalty from finding the net. Further successful well struck penalties followed from Captain Keith Millar, Craig MacEwan and late substitute Sean Ford but in every case Hillington replied emphatically giving Saints stand-in 'keeper Alex Craik no chance.

With Saints fifth penalty Donald Campbell sent the Man of the Match Hillington goalkeeper the wrong way but his outstretched boot struck the ball and sent it spinning to safety. Hillington's fifth penalty was as accurate and well struck as the previous four and victory in the Jimmy Marshall Trophy was theirs at the first time of asking.

The Saints players collect their runners-up medals

 
Despite this defeat the Saints players can be justly proud of their achievements this season which with better luck could have seen them celebrating a treble success. Such are the fine margins in amateur football and Saints must hope for better fortune next season.

Saints don't have too long to wait as, incredibly, their pre-season kicks off with the Keyline Tournament in just over five weeks time.

Roll on next season.

#monthesaints

Cup Final Preview

It's the Cup Final Preview, Mr. Preview!

 

 

 

This Sunday 2nd June Saints travel to Somervell Park, Cambuslang home of Scottish Junior Football League West Region side Cambuslang Rangers where they will face Hillington AFC in the Final of the Jimmy Marshall Trophy.

 

 

 

Somervell Park



Saints Route To The Final

Round 1 - Saints 4 - 1 Port Glasgow OBU, Saturday 8th December 2012. With the grass parks frozen solid goals from Ross Maitland, Willie Gemmell, Craig MacEwan and Lewis Cameron gave Saints a convincing home win on the all weather 3G pitch at Oban High School.

Round 2 - Saints 9 - 1 Carlton YM, Sunday 7th April 2013. Playing their second home match of that particular weekend Saints had little trouble in overcoming their Premier Division 2 opposition. A blistering start saw Saints race into a 4 - 0 lead after 20 minutes from which they never looked back. Scorers for Saints were Donald Campbell (4), Willie Gemmell (2), Paul Kerr, Keith Millar and, with his first goal for the club, Sonin Kurishita.

Round 3 - Saints 2 - 1 Postal United, Saturday 13th April 2013. For the 3rd consecutive round Saints were drawn at home only this time against far more formidable opposition. Postal United came to Oban, not only as holders of the Jimmy Marshall Trophy, but as treble winners which makes the Saints win all the more impressive. Scorers for Saints were Donald Campbell and Willie Gemmell, the latter keeping up his record of having scored in every round.

Semi-Final - Saints 2 - 0 Haldane United, Wednesday 8th May 2013. Saints took to the road for the first time in the competition to face Haldane United of the Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division 1 at the neutral venue of McKenna Park, Glasgow home of St. Anthony's Junior Football Club. Haldane, who had progressed to the semi-final by virtue of home victories over Shawlands (7 - 2), Rutherglen (3 - 1) and Paisley (4 - 0) provided a stiff test for Saints. Despite having the majority of possession Saints had to endure some anxious moments before late goals from Dene Cassells and Donald Campbell eventually cemented their place in the final.

Donald Campbell secures victory in the semi-final with his sixth goal in the competition thus far.

 

 

The Opposition

 

 

Hillington AFC

 

 

Formed in 2008, Hillington AFC joined the Paisley and District Amateur Football Association. Following a successful four year period during which time they became 2nd Division Champions in 2010, won the CIBA Cup in 2011 and the MacLean/Lothian cup in 2012, Hillington left the Paisley and District League for the Scottish Amateur Football League. Entering the SAFL at Premier Division 2, Hillington secured promotion to Premier Division 1 at the first time of asking narrowly missing out on the league title to the undefeated Campbeltown Pupils.

 

Hillington's progress to the final has been impressive securing home wins over Inverclyde (4 - 2), Clydebank (2 - 0) and Aikenhead Thistle (5 - 3 on penalties after a 3 - 3 draw), before defeating league rivals Campbeltown Pupils 3 - 2 on penalties following a 1 - 1 draw after extra time in the semi-final.

 

  

How To Get There

 

 

 

 

Somervell Park is located on Somervell Street, Cambuslang, Glasgow G72 7EB. If your Sat Nav is like mine and doesn't recognise the new section of the M74, try the following directions:-

 

 

 

 

If all else fails find this Mini Bus and follow it!

 

 



 

Saints will be desperate to get their hands on some silverware having missed out narrowly in the Centenary Cup earlier this season. With Hillington likely to be strong opposition it should be an exciting match. Hope to see you there!

 

#monthesaints

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Kicking Off Early

A controversial late change of kick off time sparked outrage amongst Saints fans at the weekend. Saints final home match of the season had been scheduled to kick off at the traditional starting time of 2.00 p.m. on Saturday but, in an unprecedented move, the Club chose to bring the kick off forward to 1.30 p.m.

The decision was announced on Friday night to shocked supporter's groups who immediately commenced formulating a protest to this flagrant flouting of the Club's traditions.

A boycott of the first 45 minutes of Saturday's match was arranged and a picket line set up at the gate.

With the first half boycott impeccably observed, the match against relegation threatened Inverclyde kicked off at a virtually deserted Oban High School 3G pitch. In an amazing display of solidarity with the disgruntled fans the Saints players initially refused to take the field and only relented upon being threatened with disciplinary action by the referee.

The match eventually got underway and it soon became apparent that the Saints players had opted to continue their recalcitrance on the field of play. To cries from the bench of "c'mon, we haven't started yet" the players proceeded to concede possession at every opportunity and no attempt was made to progress beyond the half way line.

On their first foray into the Inverclyde half Saints were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. As Saints midfielder Willie Gemmell attempted to lump the ball over the fence behind the goal and into the adjacent Games Park disaster struck and he miss-hit the ball into the Inverclyde net. There were no celebrations from the Saints players and the suitably embarrassed goal scorer trudged red faced back to his own half for the re-start.

It took the normally reliable dead ball expert only three minutes to atone for his error. Inverclyde won a corner which was flighted gently into the Saints box. Seizing his opportunity Gemmell, instead of nodding the ball to safety, stood statuesque in the penalty area affording Inverclyde a free header and a simple equaliser. As the half wore on the Saints players continued their protest this time with defender Alex Craik allowing Inverclyde's centre forward to easily turn away from him and shoot into the bottom corner of Saints 'keeper Daniel Cassells' goal.

The referee blew the whistle for half-time which was the signal for the Saints fans to end their protest. As the supporters streamed into the ground they were greeted by the sight and sound of Saints Manager Iain Jackson launching a tirade in the direction of his players, reminding them in no uncertain terms that places in next weeks cup final were at stake so they had better start playing to their capabilities.

Saints took the field for the second half with an altogether different attitude and were on the front foot straight from the kick off. Saints had the visitors under constant pressure and the beleaguered Inverclyde rear guard were reduced to punting the ball aimlessly up field. On one such occassion the ball fell kindly for 'Clyde's lone front man who hit a hopeful shot goal bound. Saints goalkeeper Daniel Cassells, clearly under the impression that the players' protest was to last the full 90 minutes, allowed the ball to sail easily over his head and into the net.

3 - 1 to Inverclyde and that really should have been game over however Saints Manager Iain Jackson had other ideas and in an attempt to win back the wavering Saints fans he opted for an audacious switch to an all out attack 2 - 3 - 5 formation. The switch quickly paid off and Saints dragged themselves level with goals from Assen Gaydarzhiev and Captain Keith Millar. Indeed Saints should have won the match in stoppage time but the "goal" was inexplicably ruled out by the referee.

The full time whistle was blown and the Inverclyde players celebrated wildly as a share of the points was enough to secure their Premier Division status for another season.

After the match a supporter's group representative implored Saints Secretary Davie Buchanan not to make the change of kick off time a permanent feature. To which Davie replied........

#monthesaints.

High and Dry

As the MS Serenissima perched on a sand bank in Oban Bay, back to back defeats against Castlemilk and St. Joseph's left Saints league title hopes in a similarly perilous predicament. While the navigationally challenged Skipper of the luxury cruise liner pinned his hopes of rescue on the rising tide and the RNLI, Saints had to put their faith in title rivals Aikenhead Thistle. A win for Aikenhead over Postal United on Tuesday night would have kept their own and Saints title hopes alive. Alas, it was not to be. As the safely re-floated cruise ship sailed happily out of the bay and into the sunset Postal defeated Aikenhead by two goals to nil and Saints title aspirations were on the rocks once again.

A bitterly disappointed Saints Manager Iain Jackson lamented the soft goals conceded against Castlemilk and Aikenhead but praised the work rate and fitness of his players. The line between success and failure in the Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division is an extremely fine one and Saints recent punishing fixture schedule cannot have helped their cause.

Saints certainly have.

Saints must now battle it out with Aikenhead Thistle in a bid to overhaul Castlemilk and secure second place. Saints have three league fixtures remaining commencing tomorrow against old rivals Inverclyde at the Oban High School 3G pitch, kick off 1.30 pm. This is Saints last home game of the season which will hopefully attract a good turn-out of supporters. Saints won the reverse fixture in January 5 - 0 with goals from Mattie Rippon, Willie Gemmell (2), Donald Campbell and Lewis Cameron. A similar victory would be a great morale booster ahead of next Sunday's Jimmy Marshall Trophy Final against Hillington AFC at Somervell Park, Cambuslang.

#monthesaints.

Costly Congestion

Good runs in the cup competitions this season have come at a heavy price for Saints as league fixture congestion looks set to finally de-rail their title charge. A physically and mentally demanding schedule of 7 matches in 16 days concluded at the weekend with fixtures against Castlemilk AFC and St. Joseph's for which Saints were unable to reach the levels necessary for victory.

On Saturday Saints put their unbeaten away record on the line against a resurgent Castlemilk at the Barlia 3G pitch. Castlemilk, who had defeated Saints title rivals Aikenhead Thistle 4 - 1 in midweek, were in no mood to do Saints any favours and soon raced into a two goal lead. Saints pulled one back before half time courtesy of Alex Craik's fourth goal of the season but were unable to make any further progress and the hosts ran out 2 - 1 winners.

Worse was to follow on Sunday as Saints slumped to a third home defeat of the season. Saints can consider themselves unlucky not to have taken at least a point from this fixture as a string of excellent saves by the St. Joseph's goalkeeper and two efforts off the woodwork prevented them from scoring. However, thanks to some slack marking at a set piece Saints conceded a killer goal and with it the initiative in the title race.

Saints must now place their faint title hopes in the hands of title rivals Aikenhead Thistle who tonight entertain Postal United in what could be the league title decider. A draw or a win for Postal will see them crowned champions for the second consecutive season. A win for Aikenhead followed by wins over Finnart and Saints will see them regain the league title which they lost to Postal last season. A win for Aikenhead would also let Saints back into the title race. Maximum points for Saints from their three remaining league fixtures, including an away win at Aikenhead, would give them a final points haul of 38 which would equal Postal's total. Saints would also require to overhaul Postal's slightly superior goal difference which currently has Postal  seven goals better off than Saints. A nervous night for players and fans of all three teams is certain.

Keep the faith.

#monthesaints

Weekend Preview

"It's the weekend preview Mr. Preview" 

Saints were afforded an uexpected midweek rest when their Wednesday evening match against Thorn Athletic was called off at 0930 hours on Wednesday morning due to a waterlogged pitch.

McMaster Park, Johnstone

Saints Manager Iain Jacksonb was in Glasgow on the morning of the match to seal a deal with sportswear giants Speedo to supply Saints kit for next season. On hearing the news from Johnstone he made a quick trip along the M8 to inspect the pitch for himself. Iain was bitterly disappointed at the decision of the ground staff as, in his opinion, the pitch was perfectly playable and would have been ideal for striker Asen Gaydardzhiev to whom he planned to hand a starting role.

 Saints new kit suppliers "Ideal sportswear for the Oban weather."

While the Saints players were sat at home watching the Europa League Final on T.V. title rivals Aikenhead Thistle and Postal United were both involved in crucial league matches. Encouragingly for Saints both slumped to unexpected defeats, Aikenhead losing 4 - 1 at home to Castlemilk AFC and Postal losing 3 - 2 away at Finnart. The blow of dropping two points at home to Rolls Royce EK on Sunday was softened considerably by this news and thoughts turned quickly again to possible final league standings.

After several hours of deliberation and head scratching it is still too early to say where the league title wiil end up but it is clear that the thee remaining contenders Aikenhead, Postal and Saints are all still firmly in the hunt going into this weekend's fixtures.

Saints continue their pursuit of league glory with yet another weekend double header. On Saturday Saints travel to Glasgow to face Castlemilk AFC at the Barlia 3G. Castlemilk, buoyed by their excellent 4 - 1 victory at Aikenhead Thistle and playing their final home fixture of the season, will be looking to go out on a high. The midweek win over Aikenhead lifted  Castlemilk to third in the SAFL Premier Division and had their home form not been so patchy (losing 4 out of 8 home fixtures so far) they may well have been challenging for top spot themselves. Saints will look to extend their very impressive undefeated away record which has seen them win 5 and draw 1 of their 6 away fixtures thus far. This should be a cracking match so if you're thinking of coming along the address is as follows:-

Castlemilk AFC
Barlia 3G
Glenwood Path
Castlemilk
Glasgow
G45 9DL

On Sunday Saints are at home to St. Joseph's. The match will take place at Glencruitten or on the 3G pitch at Oban High School if the grass park at Glencruitten is deemed unplayable. St. Joseph's come to Oban with an impressive away record having lost only 2 of their 7 away games, they are currently 5th in the table and like Castlemilk will be disappointed not to be challenging for the title themselves.

With Aikenhead and Postal both in action on Saturday and in direct opposition on Tuesday night, the bar will be set in terms of number of points required to secure the league title. Until then it's up to saints to keep the pressure on.

Good luck lads.

#monthesaints

Rolly Leave Saints Feeling Ruff

Saints Striker Eddie Swift

With their passage to the Jimmy Marshall Trophy Final safely secured Saints returned to league action on Saturday with a tricky away match at Glagow Green against Finnart. Saints, without the injured duo of Donald Campbell and Allan Miller, and with Eddie Swift at a wedding, were pleased to welcome back to the squad Sommin and Sonin Kurishita. Finnart's home form belies their lowly league position and Saints can be reasonably satisfied with their 1 - 0 victory courtesy of a first half Ross Maitland strike.

The recent heavy rain forced a switch of venue for Sunday's home match with Rolls Royce East Kilbride. With the grass park at Glencruitten unplayable the match went ahead on the 3G pitch at Oban High School.

Rolly

Rolls Royce, or the Rolly as they like to be known, arrived early for the match and their management team of Den and Angie Watts had some time to take in the delights of top Oban hostelry "The Lochavullin".

Leaving Angie under strict instructions to stay off the gin, Den proceeded to the High School to put his charges through their pre-match warm-up routine. The warm up complete, Den was concerned there was no sign of Angie and asked the referee to delay kick off until she arrived.

Saints meantime had their own absentee problems to address as Saturday's goal hero Ross Maitland had failed to return from Glasgow in time for kick off. It later emerged that Ross, currently in training to run the West Highland Way, had gone to inspect the route and become distracted by some of the sites.

Running The West Highland Way

Eventually a "tired and emotional" Angie arrived and match got underway The match, played in attrocious weather conditions, was dominated by Saints but despite having the vast majority of possession they were unable to create much in the way of chances. On the few occassions that Saints did manage to penetrate the Rolly rearguard they were thwarted by some questionable refereeing decisions much to the displeasure of all in the Saints camp.

Early in the second half Saints Manager Iain Jackson decided on a change of formation withdrawing a midfielder and introducing striker Asen Gaydardzhiev to the forawrd line.

 Asen, who lists his sporting heroes as compatriot and footballing legend Hristo Stoichkov and Olympic diving champion Tom Daley, had an early opportunity to open the scoring. When through on goal with the chance to emulate his hero Asen chose the wrong one and, instead of shooting for goal, dived head long in the penalty area.

The dive fooled nobody, least of all the referee. Saints continued to press and got their reward when Asen flicked on a Willie Gemmell throw-in and Keith Millar netted with a diving header at the back post. As the Saints players and staff celebrated wildly the Rolly players surrounded the referee complaining that the Saints captain had been off-side. On the sidelines Den and Angie were incandescent with rage and continued their complaints for several minutes before the referee's patience finally snapped and Angie was ordered from the touchline. Clearly upset, Angie seized this opportunity to return to the Lochavullin for one last dance with local dance sensation James Bowie.

The match resumed but not before Den had delivered a chilling warning for the referee to "mind his back". Clearly shaken by this threat, and mindful of Den's East End Gangland connections, the referee proceeded to give every decision in the Rolly's favour.

"You had better mind your back referee!"

With the Saints bench screaming for the full time whistle, in the 94th minute the referee finally seized his opportunity to appease Den by awarding the visitors the softest of penalties for an innocuous Alex Craik challenge in the box. The penalty was smartly dispatched giving Saints goalkeeper Daniel Cassells no chance. Incredibly play continued for another five minutes but neither team could manage an effort on goal. The match ended all square with Saints dropping two precious points to the Rolly for the second time this season.

With the dust finally settled news emerged this morning that a sozzled Angie had agreed to buy the Lochavullin.

"What do you mean you can't remember? I've got a letter here from Kenny Evans accepting your offer!"

 



Den was unavailable for comment.

Angie, Rolly and the Saints were all said to be feeling ruff.

#monthesaints