Bang A Gong

T-Rex Bang A Gong (Get It On)

Saturday 9th January 2016
The Scottish Amateur Football Association Challenge Cup Competition

5th Round Tie
Oban Saints AFC v Craigshill Thistle AFC
Glencruitten 2, Mossfield Avenue, Oban, Argyll PA34 4EH
Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr James Gallacher

With the dust only just settled on the Christmas and New Year celebrations Saints could be forgiven for looking for a gentle return to action after the festive break. Alas, no such luxury for Alex Craik and his men as they are thrown straight in at the deep end with their biggest fixture of the season so far. Saturday's visitors for the crunch Scottish Amateur Cup fifth round tie are last season's beaten finalists Craigshill Thistle. The Jags hail from Livingston and ply their trade in the Lothian and Edinburgh Amateur Football Association where they currently occupy second place in the Lothian West League, four points behind leaders Redhall Star but with three games in hand. Craigshill won last season's Edinburgh West League with maximum points and have continued that impressive winning streak this season collecting all twenty four league points available to them. The only blot on the Jags' copy book so far this season came in the Lothian and Edinburgh Amateur Football Association Champions Cup Semi Final back on the 5th of August when they lost out on penalties to eventual cup winners Shotts Victoria. Since that dramatic penalty shoot-out defeat Craigshill remain unbeaten in all competitions netting an incredible 101 goals in a sixteen match run.

Craigshill's march to the Scottish Amateur Cup Final last season included the scalps of Saints Argyll rivals Campbeltown Pupils, whom they defeated 5 - 0 in Livingston at the fourth round stage, and eventual Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Divison and Jimmy Marshall Trophy winners St Joseph's FP. The former pupils of St Joseph's fared better in Livingston than those from Campbeltown Grammar taking the Jags to a seventh round replay in Duntocher, however the Livingston men eventually prevailed by two goals to one leaving St Joe's to concentrate on their league and league cup campaigns. Craigshill's bid for Scottish Amateur Cup glory fell agonisingly short when the lost 3 - 1 in the final at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock to Central Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division Champions Harestanes. Saints fans will recall that their favourites were unfortunate to exit last season's West of Scotland Amateur Cup at the fourth round stage by an identical score line at the hands of the all conquering Hares.

Craigshill Thistle's bid to go one better in this season's Scottish Amateur Cup includes resounding victories over Maddiston of the Stirling and District Amateur Football Association Premier Division and Auchtermuchty Bellevue of the Fife Amateur Football Association Championship. The Jags have also seen off more serious competition in the form of Central Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division side Drumchapel United whom they knocked out after extra time in a third round replay following a 3 - 3 draw in Drumchapel.  

Saints are also on a good run recovering from a distinctly shaky start to the season where they picked up just one point from their opening three league fixtures to embark upon a ten match unbeaten run in all competitions. This return to form has seen Saints steadily climb the Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division table as well as landing the prestigious Royal National Mod Cup with a 3 - 1 victory over Glasgow Island of the Glasgow Colleges Football Association Premier Division.


Saints opened their account in this season's Scottish Amateur Cup with a convincing second round win against Millbeg Villa of the Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division Two on 3rd October. The 9 - 1 home win included five goals from Craig MacEwan, two from Donald Campbell and one each from Dean Smith and Allan Mackay. Having previously benefited from a first round bye Saints were also spared a third round tie when their scheduled opponents Condorrat Club folded a few days before the tie was due to be played. Saints fourth round opponents were old friends and rivals Postal United who had left the Scottish Amateur Football League at the end of the 2012 - 13 season to join the Central Scottish Amateur Football League. Saints edged out their old rivals by a single Donald Campbell first half goal and had to withstand a late Postal onslaught before booking their place in the fifth round against Craigshill Thistle.

Saturday's match will see Saints Player/Assistant Manager Donald Campbell line up against two of his colleagues from the Scottish Amateur Football Association Select. Craigshill's Shaun Martin and David Swan both featured alongside Donald in the friendly match against Airdrie in November and, like their Saints counterpart, will be looking forward to joining up with  national select squad later this month.

Saturday's match, which will be referee'd by highly rated Dunbartonshire whistler James Gallacher, promises to be a cracker with Saints pitting their wits against one of the country's top amateur sides.

On the team news front Saints remain without injured trio Martin Bonar, Chris Graham and Myles McAuley but, with those exceptions, Manager Alex Craik should have a full squad available for selection.

Craigshill Thistle results so far this season:-


Lothian & Edinburgh AFA Lothian West League

15th August 2015 Craigshill Thistle v North Edinburgh Wanderers (Abandoned points to Craigshill)
19th August 2015 Queensferry Athletic 1 - 5 Craigshill Thistle
22nd August 2015 Craigshill Thistle 15 - 1 Lauriston Thistle
26th August 2015 Polbeth United 2 - 7 Craigshill Thistle
29th August 2015 Craigshill Thistle 4 - 1 North Merchiston Vale
12th September 2015 Craigshill Thistle 7 - 1 Balerno Athletic
26th September 2015 Craigroyston CYFC 0 - 7 Craigshill Thistle
17th October 2015 Craigshill Thistle v Polbeth United (Walkover to Craigshill)



Scottish Amateur Cup

2nd Round
3rd October 2015 Craigshill Thistle 13 - 0 Maddiston

3rd Round
31st October 2015 Drumchapel United 3 - 3 Craigshill Thistle
7th November 2015 Craigshill Thistle 2 - 1 Drumchapel United After Extra Time

4th Round
5th December 2015 Craigshill Thistle 7 - 0 Auchtermuchty Bellevue


East of Scotland Amateur Cup

2nd Round
14th November 2015 Craigshill Thistle 4 - 3 West Edinburgh United



Lothian & Edinburgh Amateur Football Association Champions Cup

Quarter Final
1st August 2015 Linlithgow Thistle 2 - 4 Craigshill Thistle

Semi Final
5th August 2015 Shotts Victoria 2 - 2 Craigshill Thistle
Shotts Victoria win on penalty kicks

Lothian & Edinburgh AFA Logan Cup

2nd Round

5th September 2015 Craigshill Thistle v Edinburgh University Walkover to Craigshill

Lothian & Edinburgh AFA Centenary Cup

2nd Round

10th October 2015 Craigshill Thistle 19 - 2 Lanark

Lothian & Edinburgh AFA Ian McDonald Cup

2nd Round

24th October 2015 Penicuik Athletic 2 - 8 Craigshill Thistle

Craigshill Thistle line up for the 2015 Scottish Amateur Cup Final

Oban Saints AFC Royal National Mod Cup Winners 2015

In Other News

Bang A Gong

After clocking up almost 50 years of service to the Club as a player, Coach, Manager, Treasurer and currently Secretary, Oban Saints stalwart Davie Buchanan was included in Her Majesty The Queen's New Year's Honours List as Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) for voluntary services to football. Davie adds this richly deserved accolade to his previous gong that of the 2011 McDonald's/Sunday Mail Grass Roots Award for Best Volunteer in Adult Football.

When news of the award broke last week Saints Twitter and Facebook accounts were inundated with congratulatory messages from near and far demonstrating the esteem in which "Mr Oban Saints" is held, not just locally but by the football community as a whole. Winning In The Rain also congratulates Davie on his award and thanks him for his invaluable assistance in delivering all the latest Oban Saints news through the pages of The Oban Times and on the Club's various social media outlets.

Davie Buchanan BEM receives his Best Volunteer in Adult Football award from Kenny Dalglish MBE and current Director of Football at Heart of Midlothian Football Club Craig Levein

#monthesaints

Sun In Your Eyes

Above & Beyond - Sun In Your Eyes

Saturday 12th December 2015

The Scottish Amateur Football Association Challenge Cup Competition
4th Round
Postal United AFC 0 - 1 Oban Saints AFC
Glasgow Club Crownpoint
183 Crownpoint Road
Glasgow
G40 2AL
Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr. William McCulley

Substitutes used:-

Alex Craik
Scott Maitland
Allan Mackay


Goalscorer:-

Donald Campbell

Match Report

Saints earned their place in the fifth round of the Scottish Amateur Cup with a hard fought 1-0 win over old rivals Postal United in Glasgow's east end last Saturday afternoon. Postal's grass park at Haghill had still not recovered from the flooding which forced the cancellation of last week's match therefore the match went ahead on the all weather surface at Crownpoint. The hosts won the toss giving Saints the problem of the low sun to deal with in the first half however the Saints defence of David McArthur, Marc Maccallum, Jamie Graham and Dougal Graham coped well providing a solid wall in front of goalkeeper Thomas McCulloch. Saints kicked off playing down the pronounced slope towards the Crownpoint Road end and carved out the first opportunity inside the first minute. Donald Campbell picked out Ross Maitland about twenty two yards out and with his back to goal, Ross turned well and fired in a low left foot shot just wide of the right hand post of keeper Thomas Hollis. Despite the bright start Saints were finding it difficult to get their passing game going against a solid and experienced Postal side whose five man midfield were making life difficult for the Saints midfield trio of Willie Gemmell, Paul Kerr and Donald Campbell. Postal's first attempt of note came in the fourth minute in the shape of a powerful long range shot from Mark Muir which Thomas McCulloch did well to hold. Saints eventually started to pick their passes with a good thirteenth minute move on the left wing involving Dougal Graham and Dean Smith signalling the start of a better period for Saints. Dougal and Dean linked up well giving Dougal the chance to deliver a tempting cut back which was intercepted at the near post with the Saints front three of Ross Maitland, Craig MacEwan and Dean Smith queuing up in the middle. Saints quickly regained possession from the Postal clearance and Craig MacEwan swung over a cross from the right which unfortunately drifted behind with Donald Campbell well positioned for a header at the back post. A jinking run at the heart of the Postal defence from Craig MacEwan produced an excellent save from Thomas Hollis in the fifteenth minute. Craig picked up the ball just inside the Postal half and evaded a string of challenges before curling a right foot shot from the edge of the box however Central Scottish Amateur Football League Select goalkeeper Hollis narrowed the angle well and made a fine save diving to his left. Two minutes later Saints had an appeal for a penalty kick dismissed by Referee William McCulley. Dougal Graham made a good run up the left wing skipping over a lunging challenge from Postal right back Steven Hannah and cutting into the box where he hit the byeline and appeared to be bundled over by veteran of many Postal v Saints games Paul Freeman but the Referee ruled the challenge to be fair and waved away the Saints appeals. Saints won their first corner kick in the 20th minute which Ross Maitland swung in deep to the back post but unfortunately their were no takers in dark blue and Postal were able to clear their lines. Moments later Donald Campbell and Craig MacEwan linked up well to open up the Postal defence for another shooting chance for Craig whose right foot shot from twenty four yards was again well held by keeper Hollis low down to his left. This encouraging ten minute spell for Saints ended as it had begun with a good move on the left being snuffed out at the near post. Craig MacEwan climbed well to flick on a long ball into the path of Ross Maitland who scurried up the left wing a fired in a low cross looking for Dean Smith at the near post who was just beaten to it by Paul Freeman. Postal has a rare foray upfield and won a free kick thirty five yards from goal from which distance Brendan Queen clearly fancied his chances. The free kick was struck with great power but the Saints wall stood firm and deflected the ball behind for a corner kick which was comfortably dealt with. In the 28th minute Postal midfielder Aarron Douglas found his way into Referee McCulley's notebook for a late heavy challenge on Paul Kerr just inside the Saints half. Saints then began another period of sustained pressure which would eventually get it's reward. A succession of corner kicks had Postal pinned back in their own box but Saints were unable to get a decisive touch. Dean Smith went down under a heavy challenge in the thirty sixth minute to win a  free kick wide on the right and level with the eighteen yard line. Despite getting the benefit of the decision Willie Gemmell continued his protests at the the strength of the challenge for too long and Referee McCulley added his name to his notebook. Ross Maitland curled in a terrific cross which Craig MacEwan met perfectly with a flicked header which landed inches wide of the foot of keeper Hollis' right hand post. Three minutes later Saints pounced on a rare mistake in the Postal defence. Ross Maitland and Dean Smith closed down Steven Hannah and Paul Freeman as they attempted to play the ball out from the back and Craig MacEwan pounced on a loose pass leaving him one on one with the keeper. Craig attempted to round Thomas Hollis who spread himself well but appeared to catch Craig's feet bringing him down in the process. However Referee McCulley ruled there had been no contact and booked the Saints man for simulation. The decisive strike came, fittingly, from the best move of the match in the forty second minute. Dean Smith dropped deep to pick up the ball from Paul Kerr and delivered a terrific first time pass which split the Postal defence and picked out Donald Campbell's run through the inside left channel. Donald's composed left foot finish beat the keeper low down to his right to give Saints the lead which they comfortably held on to for the remainder of the half.

Saints remained on top at the start of the second half and had a good chance to extend their lead in the forty eighth minute when Ross Maitland cut in from the left and, from the corner of the six yard box, tried to pick out Dean Smith in the centre. Brian Eaglesham made an important interception to snuff out the danger when perhaps Ross should have taken on the shot himself. Ross did try his luck three minutes later with a good effort from the edge of the box which keeper Hollis had to hold with Dean Smith ready to pounce on any slip up. Dean had a sight of goal in the 57th minute when he raced through to get on the end of flick on from Ross Maitland who rose magnificently to help the ball on to his strike partner on the edge of the box. Once again Hollis was alert to the danger and was quickly off his line to close down the angle forcing Dean to snatch at the chance sending his lob just over the crossbar. Just one minute later Dean was foiled again after another good link up with Ross Maitland. Donald Campbell fed Ross on the right wing who sent over a low cross which Dean connected well with at the near post only to see Steven Hannah make a terrific last gasp interception to deflect the ball away from goal. With the match entering the final third Postal began to pose more of a threat with Saints dropping deep to protect their lead. A quickly taken corner on the hour mark caught Saints napping with Brendan Queen picking out the unmarked Brian Eaglesham on the right hand corner of the box who had Thomas McCulloch at full stretch to tip his dipping left foot shot over the crossbar. Three minutes later Postal tried the same trick again after a rare Marc Maccallum miss-kick gave them another corner kick on the right. This time Saints were slightly quicker to react and managed to charge down Eaglesham's shot from the edge of the box. Postal were enjoying a good spell at this point and James Simpson tried his luck with a dipping left foot volley which Thomas McCulloch held well after a Paul Kerr clearing header had landed kindly at the big midfielder's feet. With the pressure on the Saints defence intensifying Postal continued with their shoot on sight policy with Mark Muir sending two identical efforts flashing wide of Thomas McCulloch's right hand post within minutes of each other. Manager Alex Craik made his first change in the 68th minute with Scott Maitland replacing Dougal Graham in a straight swap at left back. Saints received some respite from the Postal pressure when Dean Smith won a free kick just inside the Postal half. Willie Gemmell took the free kick short to David McArthur who fired in a dangerous looking low cross which was deflected wide for a corner. Ross Maitland flighted over the corner from the right which Thomas Hollis spilled under pressure from Craig MacEwan and was relieved to hear the Referee's whistle for a foul by Craig. With fourteen minutes remaining on the clock Saints made their second change with Allan Mackay replacing Dean Smith at centre forward this also signalled a change of formation to a defensive minded 4-5-1. The introduction of Mackay almost paid off for Saints when, despite being held back by his opponent, he out muscled Brian Eaglesham wide on the right and sent a cross to the back post for Donald Campbell who looked certain score but somehow Thomas Hollis produced an incredible save to claw the ball behind for a corner. Before the corner kick could be taken Mr McCulley, who handled a very sporting but nonetheless competitive encounter well, added Eaglesham's name to the list in his note book. Postal cleared the danger from the corner and began a final onslaught in search of an equaliser to force a replay in Oban. The home side's hopes of a trip to Oban were given some encouragement when Thomas McCulloch dropped a cross from Postal's right but, with Saints hearts in mouths, Thomas recovered quickly to smother the ball before it could cross the line. Postal appealed strongly for a goal but the Referee remained unmoved and waved play on. In the 85th minute James Smith became the final entry in the Referee's note book for a late challenge on Marc Maccallum who had produced an inspirational performance on his return to the centre of the Saints defence. Postal's aerial bombardment continued with Saints indebted to a terrific clearing back post header from Scott Maitland under pressure from Paolo Petrucci. Perhaps mindful of the last gasp equaliser conceded against Goldenhill in Saints last away trip, Alex Craik then joined the fray for the closing stages with Paul Kerr making way for his Manager. Craik's presence at the heart of the defence helped to repel Postal's long balls but the entire Saints rearguard were left helpless when a dipping 90th minute cross come shot flew over their heads catching Thomas McCulloch underneath the ball and unable to shake off the close attentions of Paolo Petrucci with the ball nestling in the bottom corner of the net. Fortunately for Saints McCulloch's blushes were spared when Referee McCulley ruled that the Postal striker had fouled the Saints keeper thus preserving his clean sheet and securing Saints progress to the fifth round where they will face last season's beaten finalists Craigshill Thistle at Glencruitten on Saturday 9th January.

Thomas McCulloch wonders what the big yellow thing in the sky is.

Marc Maccallum back in the thick of the action

Our ball Ref!

Donald Campbell, Steven Hannah, Paul Freeman, Brian Eaglesham and Craig MacEwan

David McArthur and Nico Petrucci

Ross Maitland, Brian Eaglesham, Dean Smith, Paul Freeman, Craig MacEwan and Steven Hannah

Thomas Hollis collects under pressure

Paul Kerr clears his lines

#monthesaints

Problems

Desmond Dekker - Problems

Problems

Storm Desmond certainly created one or two problems last weekend however the cancellation of Saints Scottish Amateur Cup fourth round tie against Postal United was only a minor inconvenience compared to the utter devastation inflicted on Cumbria and the Scottish Borders. Old rivals Saints and Postal will try again this Saturday to play their eagerly anticipated cup tie while the good people of Cumbria and others similarly affected will take several months to get their lives back in order.

Brunton Park, Carlisle 6th December 2015

Saturday 12th December 2015

The Scottish Amateur Football Association Challenge Cup Competition
4th Round
Postal United AFC v Oban Saints AFC
Glasgow Club Crownpoint
183 Crownpoint Road
Glasgow
G40 2AL
Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr. James Moore

Last Time Out

A brace from Scotland Amateur International Donald Campbell gave Saints all three points against Finnart at Oban High School 3G on Saturday 28th November extending the home sides unbeaten run to nine matches in all competitions. The match was played in torrential rain throughout so full credit to both sets of players for providing an entertaining spectacle for the hardy band of spectators who braved the elements. Saints lead 1 - 0 at the interval but their failure to fully capitalise on a good first half performance left them sweating on the outcome until well into the second half before finally making the game safe. A determined Finnart side made Saints work hard for their victory but on the balance of play a home win was the correct result.

The win, coupled with East Kilbride FC Amateurs' thumping 6 - 0 win over St Joseph's FP see's Saints close to within one point of the top of the Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division. St. Joe's slipped out of the Scottish Amateur Cup last weekend going down 4 - 2 to Glasgow Colleges Amateur Football Association side Albion and return to league duty this weekend with a home match against East Kilbride Rolls Royce. A draw will be enough to see St Joe's leap frog current leaders Inverclyde and return to the top of the league. 

Nothing Better

There is surely nothing better in the Scottish Amateur Cup than an away draw against a former rival and, not just the opportunity to gauge what progress they have made in their new league set-up, but also the chance to renew old acquaintances and reminisce on previous encounters.

This Saturday Saints travel to Glasgow for a Scottish Amateur Cup fourth round tie where they will rekindle their old rivalry with former Scottish Amateur Football League adversaries Postal United with whom they still enjoy a healthy mutual respect and friendship.

During their five seasons in direct competition in the Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division Saints finished ahead of their Glasgow rivals on three occasions however in the final two seasons the balance of power shifted very much in favour of Postal. Returning to the top flight in season 2011-12 as reigning Premier Division One Champions Postal romped undefeated to the Premier Division title dropping just four points in the process. To round off a perfect season Postal added the Jimmy Marshall Trophy and Centenary Cup to their haul giving them a remarkable clean sweep of Scottish Amateur Football League silverware. The following season Postal announced their departure for a new challenge in the Central Scottish Amateur Football League and left with the a second consecutive Premier Division title tucked under their belts. In their first season in the Central Scottish Amateur Football League Postal made it four in a row by winning League Division 1B before narrowly losing out in the Division One sectional play off final against fellow Scottish Amateur Football League defectors Aikenhead Thistle. Alas for Postal the success story was not continue and fifteen defeats in twenty two league games saw them finish bottom of the Premier Division earning them a swift return to Division 1B where they currently occupy seventh place with ten points from seven games played.

Last season's relegation not only saw the end of Postal's title winning streak but signaled the end of the tenure of Manager John Hughes. After five seasons in charge, and at the tender age of just 39, John announced he would be taking a sabbatical from football and was quickly replaced in the Postal hot seat by former Dennistoun Vale Manager Zander Marshall. Saints fans may recall that Zander crossed swords with Saints in January 2014 when his then charges were knocked out of the Scottish Amateur Cup at the fourth round stage by a solitary Allan Mackay strike. John's sabbatical however lasted just fifteen weeks when he was unable to resist the promise of a new bench jacket and accepted the task of leading the Central Scottish Amateur Football League Select into this season's challenge matches.

Sadly some other familiar faces will also be missing from the Postal ranks when the sides line up on Saturday. Chris Dunnett, Michael Kerr and Paul O'Brien also left the club last summer with Chris and Michael both signing up with Eastfield and Paul joining the ranks of the Junior Professionals with St Anthony's.

Honours are even in past league encounters between Saints and Postal with both clubs having five wins each. In their only previous cup tie two goals from Donald Campbell and Willie Gemmell saw Saints prevail by two goals to one in a Jimmy Marshall Trophy Quarter Final tie at Glencruitten on 13th April 2013 which proved to be the last encounter between the two before Postal's departure for pastures new.

Postal's progress to the fourth round of this season's Scottish Amateur Cup started with a first round bye and was followed by a thumping 18 - 0 home win over Inchinnan Valley who currently prop up the West of Scotland Amateur Football League Division One. The third round draw also gave Postal the benefit of home advantage which they gladly accepted to dispose of Stirling and District Amateur Football Association Division One table toppers Grangemouth Rovers courtesy of two goals from Paolo Petrucci.

Saints only match in the competition so far this season was the convincing second round win against Millbeg Villa of the Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division Two on 3rd October. The 9 - 1 home win included five goals from Craig MacEwan, two from Donald Campbell and one each from Dean Smith and Allan Mackay. Having previously benefited from a first round bye Saints were also spared a third round tie when their scheduled opponents Condorrat Club folded a few days before the tie was due to be played.

On the team news front Shaun MacIver has left to join Oban Athletic while Scott Maitland returns to the squad after missing the home win against Finnart. Keith Millar's recovery from injury allows him to join up with the travelling party but Myles McAuley is joined in the treatment room by latest injury victim Martin Bonar. Martin suffered a fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his left foot playing indoor football last Thursday night. The injury will keep Martin out of the reckoning for quite some time and Winning In The Rain wishes him a speedy recovery.

The winners of Saturday's match or, if the scores are level after 90 minutes next Saturday's replay, face an extremely tough fifth round home tie against last season's beaten finalists Craigshill Thistle of the Lothian and Edinburgh Amateur Football Association Premier Division. The fifth round ties are scheduled to be played on Saturday 9th January 2016.

Martin Bonar's broken foot will, unfortunately, keep him out of the Saints reckoning for some time

Former Postal United Manager John Hughes now in charge of the Central Scottish Amateur Football League Select

The Cage at Haghill

Postal United league record in recent years:-

2006/07
Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division One 3rd Promoted

2007/08
Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division 7th

2008/09
Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division 8th

2009/10
Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division 9th Relegated

2010/11
Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division One Champions Promoted

2011/12
Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division Champions (Undefeated)
Scottish Amateur Football League Centenary Cup Winners

Scottish Amateur Football League Jimmy Marshall Trophy Winners

2012/13
Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division Champions

2013/14
Central Scottish Amateur Football League Division 1B Champions Promoted
Central Scottish Amateur Football League Division 1 Section Winners

2014/15
Central Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division 12th Relegated
Central Scottish Amateur Football League Cinema Cup Runners Up





Postal United results so far this season:-

Central Scottish Amateur Football League Division 1B

8th August 2015 Stirling City 0 - 4 Postal United
19th August 2015 Postal United 0 - 3 Haldane United
22nd August 2015 Gourock Athletic 2 - 1 Postal United
26th August 2015 Wishaw HSFP 1 - 2 Postal United
29th August 2015 Postal United 5 - 1 Mill United
5th September 2015 Dunblane Thistle 1 - 1 Postal United
10th October 2015 Postal United 1 - 2 Arthurlie

Scottish Amateur Cup

3rd October 2015 2nd Round Postal United 18 - 0 Inchinnan Valley
31st October 2015 Postal United 2 - 1 Grangemouth Rovers

West of Scotland Amateur Cup

17th October 2015 2nd Round Calderglen 0 - 2 Postal United
14th November 2015 3rd Round Gartcosh United 3 - 3 Postal United (AET)
Gartcosh win 4 - 3 on penalty kicks

Central Scottish Amateur Football League Bunrigh Trophy

15th August 2015 1st Round Postal United 3 - 2 Kilsyth
12th September 2nd Round Steins Thistle 1 - 2 Postal United
19th September 4th Round Greenock HSFP 2 - 1 Postal United


Central Scottish Amateur Football League Cinema Cup

24th October 2015 2nd Round Postal United 1 - 3 Pollock

Saints away record v Postal United in the SAFL Premier Division:-

3rd May 2008 Postal United 2 - 1 Oban Saints
30th August 2008 Postal United 1 - 2 Oban Saints
6th March 2010 Postal United 1 - 3 Oban Saints
13th August 2011 Postal United 1 - 0 Oban Saints
30th March 2013 Postal United 0 - 2 Oban Saints

Postal United 2014 - 15

Action from the last meeting between Saints and Postal in the SAFL Jimmy Marshall Trophy at Glencruitten in April 2013

Dene Cassells wins this aerial joust

Craig MacEwan with Keiran Martin in hot pursuit

Chris Dunnett and Donald Campbell challenge for the ball on the corner of Postal's 18 yard box

Donald Campbell battles Michael Kerr for possession inside the Postal penalty area

#monthesaints

Nothing Better

The Postal Service - Nothing Better

Saturday 5th December 2015
The Scottish Amateur Football Association Challenge Cup Competition
4th Round
Postal United AFC v Oban Saints AFC
Glasgow Club Haghill
415 Cumbernauld Road
Glasgow
G31 3LS
Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr. James Moore

Last Time Out

A brace from Scotland Amateur International Donald Campbell gave Saints all three points against Finnart at Oban High School 3G last Saturday afternoon extending the home sides unbeaten run to nine matches in all competitions. The match was played in torrential rain throughout so full credit to both sets of players for providing an entertaining spectacle for the hardy band of spectators who braved the elements. Saints lead 1 - 0 at the interval but their failure to fully capitalise on a good first half performance left them sweating on the outcome until well into the second half before finally making the game safe. A determined Finnart side made Saints work hard for their victory but on the balance of play a home win was the correct result.

The win, coupled with East Kilbride FC Amateurs' thumping 6 - 0 win over St Joseph's FP see's Saints close to within one point of the top of the Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division. With only one league fixture (Alba Thistle v Finnart) scheduled for this Saturday there will be no change to the standings at the top of the table for at least another week. 

Nothing Better

There is surely nothing better in the Scottish Amateur Cup than an away draw against a former rival and, not just the opportunity to gauge what progress they have made in their new league set-up, but also the chance to renew old acquaintances and reminisce on previous encounters.

This Saturday Saints travel to Glasgow for a Scottish Amateur Cup fourth round tie where they will rekindle their old rivalry with former Scottish Amateur Football League adversaries Postal United with whom they still enjoy a healthy mutual respect and friendship.

During their five seasons in direct competition in the Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division Saints finished ahead of their Glasgow rivals on three occasions however in the final two seasons the balance of power shifted very much in favour of Postal. Returning to the top flight in season 2011-12 as reigning Premier Division One Champions Postal romped undefeated to the Premier Division title dropping just four points in the process. To round off a perfect season Postal added the Jimmy Marshall Trophy and Centenary Cup to their haul giving them a remarkable clean sweep of Scottish Amateur Football League silverware. The following season Postal announced their departure for a new challenge in the Central Scottish Amateur Football League and left with the a second consecutive Premier Division title tucked under their belts. In their first season in the Central Scottish Amateur Football League Postal made it four in a row by winning League Division 1B before narrowly losing out in the Division One sectional play off final against fellow Scottish Amateur Football League defectors Aikenhead Thistle. Alas for Postal the success story was not continue and fifteen defeats in twenty two league games saw them finish bottom of the Premier Division earning them a swift return to Division 1B where they currently occupy seventh place with ten points from seven games played.

Last season's relegation not only saw the end of Postal's title winning streak but signaled the end of the tenure of Manager John Hughes. After five seasons in charge, and at the tender age of just 39, John announced he would be taking a sabbatical from football and was quickly replaced in the Postal hot seat by former Dennistoun Vale Manager Zander Marshall. Saints fans may recall that Zander crossed swords with Saints in January 2014 when his then charges were knocked out of the Scottish Amateur Cup at the fourth round stage by a solitary Allan Mackay strike. John's sabbatical however lasted just fifteen weeks when he was unable to resist the promise of a new bench jacket and accepted the task of leading the Central Scottish Amateur Football League Select into this season's challenge matches.

Sadly some other familiar faces will also be missing from the Postal ranks when the sides line up on Saturday. Chris Dunnett, Michael Kerr and Paul O'Brien also left the club last summer with Chris and Michael both signing up with Eastfield and Paul joining the ranks of the Junior Professionals with St Anthony's.

Honours are even in past league encounters between Saints and Postal with both clubs having five wins each. In their only previous cup tie two goals from Donald Campbell and Willie Gemmell saw Saints prevail by two goals to one in a Jimmy Marshall Trophy Quarter Final tie at Glencruitten on 13th April 2013 which proved to be the last encounter between the two before Postal's departure for pastures new.

On the team news front Martin Bonar and Scott Maitland are available again after missing last Saturday's home win against Finnart. Myles McAuley and Keith Millar remain in the treatment room while young striker Shaun MacIver has elected to join local rivals Oban Athletic. Frustrated at the lack of first team opportunities at Saints Shaun has decided to try his luck at Athletic where he hopes starting slots may be easier to come by. However competition for places at Athletic will still be keen and Shaun will have to work hard to force his way into the reckoning. Winning In The Rain wishes Shaun all the best and hopefully it won't be too long before we see him back in a Saints jersey.

Shaun MacIver may soon discover that pink boots are not the best choice for the rough and tumble of the West of Sctland Amateur Football League

Former Postal United Manager John Hughes now in charge of the Central Scottish Amateur Football League Select

The Cage at Haghill

Postal United league record in recent years:-

2006/07
Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division One 3rd Promoted

2007/08
Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division 7th

2008/09
Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division 8th

2009/10
Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division 9th Relegated

2010/11
Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division One Champions Promoted

2011/12
Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division Champions (Undefeated)
Scottish Amateur Football League Centenary Cup Winners

Scottish Amateur Football League Jimmy Marshall Trophy Winners

2012/13
Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division Champions

2013/14
Central Scottish Amateur Football League Division 1B Champions Promoted
Central Scottish Amateur Football League Division 1 Section Winners

2014/15
Central Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division 12th Relegated
Central Scottish Amateur Football League Cinema Cup Runners Up





Postal United results so far this season:-

Central Scottish Amateur Football League Division 1B

8th August 2015 Stirling City 0 - 4 Postal United
19th August 2015 Postal United 0 - 3 Haldane United
22nd August 2015 Gourock Athletic 2 - 1 Postal United
26th August 2015 Wishaw HSFP 1 - 2 Postal United
29th August 2015 Postal United 5 - 1 Mill United
5th September 2015 Dunblane Thistle 1 - 1 Postal United
10th October 2015 Postal United 1 - 2 Arthurlie

Scottish Amateur Cup

3rd October 2015 2nd Round Postal United 18 - 0 Inchinnan Valley
31st October 2015 Postal United 2 - 1 Grangemouth Rovers

West of Scotland Amateur Cup

17th October 2015 2nd Round Calderglen 0 - 2 Postal United
14th November 2015 3rd Round Gartcosh United 3 - 3 Postal United (AET)
Gartcosh win 4 - 3 on penalty kicks

Central Scottish Amateur Football League Bunrigh Trophy

15th August 2015 1st Round Postal United 3 - 2 Kilsyth
12th September 2nd Round Steins Thistle 1 - 2 Postal United
19th September 4th Round Greenock HSFP 2 - 1 Postal United


Central Scottish Amateur Football League Cinema Cup

24th October 2015 2nd Round Postal United 1 - 3 Pollock

Saints away record v Postal United in the SAFL Premier Division:-

3rd May 2008 Postal United 2 - 1 Oban Saints
30th August 2008 Postal United 1 - 2 Oban Saints
6th March 2010 Postal United 1 - 3 Oban Saints
13th August 2011 Postal United 1 - 0 Oban Saints
30th March 2013 Postal United 0 - 2 Oban Saints

Postal United 2014 - 15

Action from the last meeting between Saints and Postal in the SAFL Jimmy Marshall Trophy at Glencruitten in April 2013

Dene Cassells wins this aerial joust

Craig MacEwan with Keiran Martin in hot pursuit

Chris Dunnett and Donald Campbell challenge for the ball on the corner of Postal's 18 yard box

Donald Campbell battles Michael Kerr for possession inside the Postal penalty area

#monthesaints

Peter's Jig

Cambridge Morris Men - Peter's Jig

Saturday 28th November 2015
Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division
Oban Saints AFC v Finnart AFC
Oban Community Sports Field (3G)
Soroba Road
Oban
Argyll
PA34 4JB
Kick Off 2pm
Referee Mr Mark Cameron

Last Saturday's thrilling 4 - 4 draw away at Goldenhill marked the end of a seven match winning streak for Saints. Although it was disappointing to drop two valuable league points the draw at least extends Saints unbeaten run in all competitions which now stretches back to 12th September. This Saturday Saints entertain Finnart in what should be an evenly matched contest with both teams in good recent form. Saturday's visitors currently sit in seventh place in the Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division with six points from six games five points behind Saints who have played one game more. Saints had no home fixture against Finnart last season as the boys from Bridgeton were unable to travel on the allotted date with Saints eventually being awarded the three points by a Committee decision. When the two sides met at Glencruitten in season 2013-14 they were both very much in the title hunt and it was Saints who prevailed on that occasion thanks in no small measure to goalkeeper Daniel Cassells who pulled off two stunning penalty saves from Finnart skipper Brian Blair. In an incident packed game Saints took the lead through Ross Maitland and, after surviving the two Finnart penalties, wrapped things up against a tiring Finnart defence with two late goals from substitute Mattie Rippon.

It was an entirely different story when the sides met at Glasgow Green last November when Finnart recorded their first ever victory over Saints. Finnart again won two penalties in the match which were this time clinically dispatched by Andy Robertson giving Daniel Cassells no chance of repeating his previous heroics. The two second half penalties added to first half goals from Jason McArthur and Ben Mills to give Finnart an unassailable 4 - 0 lead, however to their Credit Saints never gave up and were rewarded for their tenacity with an 83rd minute Donald Campbell consolation goal.

Only time will tell whether it will be a jig of delight or a long trudge back to the changing rooms at full time but with Finnart's last two outings in league and cup seeing them rack up thirteen goals without reply and Saints rediscovered eye for goal all bodes well for another cracking game on Saturday. Both sides are desperate for league points to stay in touch with early pace setters St Joseph's FP and Inverclyde and will provide an entertaining spectacle for what, despite the dismal weather forecast, will hopefully be a good crowd of spectators. Saints have mixed news on the injury front with Dougal Graham returning to fitness after an injury sustained in training last week but Keith Millar looks likely to be out for a couple of weeks and joins Myles McAuley on the sidelines. Martin Bonar is also unavailable but with those exceptions Manager Alex Craik will have a strong squad to choose from.

Finnart AFC 2014 - 15

Finnart's league fixtures so far this season:-

22nd August 2015 East Kilbride FC Amateurs 4 - 0 Finnart

29th August 2015 Finnart 2 - 1 East Kilbride Rolls Royce

19th September 2015 St Joseph's 2 - 1 Finnart

10th October 2015 Finnart 1 - 2 Shawlands FP

24th October 2015 Finnart 2 - 3 Alba Thistle

7th November 2015 East Kilbride Rolls Royce 0 - 5 Finnart

Finnart's SAFL Centenary Cup results this season:-

First Round
15th August 2015 Busby 1 - 5 Finnart

Second Round
12th September 2015 Finnart 1 - 6 Goldenhill

Finnart's Scottish Amateur Cup results this season:-

First Round
5th September 2015 FC Clydebank 3 - 2 Finnart

Finnart's West of Scotland Amateur Cup results so far this season:-

First Round
Bye

Second Round
17th October 2015 Finnart 6 - 2 Craigneuk

Third Round
21st November 2015 Condorrat 0 - 8 Finnart

Finnart's SAFL record:-

2010/11
Premier Division Two Champions (Promoted)

2011/12
Premier Division One Champions (Promoted)
Centenary Cup Runners Up to Postal United

2012/13
Premier Division 7th

2013/14
Premier Division 4th

2014/15
Premier Division 4th

Centenary Cup Runners Up to Goldenhill

Saints record against Finnart:-

2012/13
Oban Saints 4 - 1 Finnart
Finnart 0 - 1 Oban Saints

2013/14
Oban Saints 3 - 0 Finnart

Finnart 0 - 1 Oban Saints

2014/15
Finnart 4 - 1 Oban Saints
Oban Saints v Finnart (Unfulfilled Fixture, Points awarded to Saints)

Action from Finnart's last visit to Oban on 26th April 2014

Ross Maitland opens the scoring for Saints

   Daniel Cassells keeps Saints in front with his second penalty save

Mattie Rippon's emphatic right foot finish puts Saints 2 - 0 up

Lewis Cameron skips through the Finnart defence to set up Saints third goal

Mattie Rippon turns in Lewis Cameron's cut back to seal the three points for Saints

Lewis congratulates Mattie as coach Peter MacCallum dances a jig of delight

SAFL Select

Last Sunday Donald Campbell and Jamie Graham turned out for the Scottish Amateur Football League Select in an Inter League Cup Quarter Final tie against the Ayrshire Amateur Football Association Select at Dalziel Park, Motherwell. The Ayrshire Select won a tight match 4 - 2 with the SAFL goals coming from Steven McAuley of Kings Park Rangers and David Edwards of Ferguslie Star. Ayrshire will now meet the Caledonian League Select in the Semi Finals after the Cally Select knocked out Lothian and Edinburgh by three goals to nil also last Sunday. In the other Semi Final Aberdeenshire, who received a Quarter Final stage bye, will meet the winners of the one remaining Quarter Final tie between the Central Scottish Amateur League and the Strathclyde Saturday Morning Football League which will be played at Dalziel Park this Sunday.

SAFL Jimmy Marshall Trophy

The draw for the first and second rounds of the Scottish Amateur Football League Jimmy Marshall Trophy took place on Wednesday night. Only Bridgewater and Rosehill Star will be required to play a first round tie with all other clubs going straight into round two. Saints were handed a very difficult second round away tie against last season's Premier Division One Champions East Kilbride FC Amateurs. The second round ties will be played in January 2016 on a date yet to be set.

#monthesaints