Och Aye

Campbeltown Loch Och Aye

Saturday 13th September 2014
Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division
Campbeltown Pupils AFC v Oban Saints AFC
Kintyre Park, Limecraigs Road, Campbeltown PA28 6JT
Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr James Litster

Last Time Out

Saints lucky white kit made it's first appearance of the season against Eaglesham at Glencruitten last Saturday and brought with it a return to the high tempo football missing from the Saints armoury in recent weeks. Saints took the game to the visitors straight from the kick off with Eaglesham content to sit back and hit Saints on the break. In a goalless first half Saints were frustrated by an inspired performance by Hams keeper Gordon Taylor who produced a string of excellent saves to keep his team in the match. At the other end the Saints rear guard restricted the Hams to just two attempts on target both of which were well saved by keeper Daniel Cassells. Manager Iain Jackson was forced to make a change at half time when Scott Maitland was unable to continue following a knee knock picked up in the closing minutes of the first half. Scott had put in a good performance alongside Paul Kerr and Myles McAuley in the Saints engine room, hopefully he will recover quickly from this injury set-back. Scott's place in the line-up was taken by namesake Ross who took up his accustomed position on the right wing with Roy McLuckie moving infield.
The first half pattern continued in the opening stages of the second half with Lewis Cameron, Roy McLuckie and Craig MacEwan all coming close to breaking the deadlock. Saints eventually made the breakthrough in the 65th minute from a Ross Maitland low near post corner. Stretching to reach the ball at the near post, Saints Skipper Marc MacCallum got the slightest of touches which caused the Hams keeper to spill the ball straight to Craig MacEwan who made no mistake from 4 yards out. The goal for Saints brought about a change in tactics from Eaglesham who began to push forward in search of an equaliser. Despite enjoying their best spell of the match the Hams were unable to create any clear cut chances. Eaglesham's best opportunity of the second half came when Lewis Cameron's attempted bicycle kick clearance on the edge of the Saints box was harshly penalised for dangerous play. The resulting free kick was expertly clipped over the Saints wall forcing Daniel Cassells into an excellent diving save low down at his right hand post. The Hams were now leaving more space at the back for Saints to exploit and Saints came close to increasing their lead firstly when Myles McAuley was thwarted by Gordon Taylor in the Hams goal, then when Lewis Cameron flashed a header wide from a Ross Maitland free kick.
The match ended 1 - 0 to Saints who will be pleased not just to get back to winning ways but also with a far more "Saints-like" performance. Although defeated Eaglesham can take great credit for a spirited performance with their keeper Gordon Taylor earning top marks for an inspired display.

Heavy first half downpour

Scott Maitland lets fly in the 42nd minute

Eaglesham keeper Gordon Taylor makes another fine save

Craig MacEwan nets the only goal of the game

78th minute Eaglesham free kick well saved by Daniel Cassells

Lewis Cameron sends a glancing header narrowly wide from a Ross Maitland free kick

Saints take the Kintyre Trail on Saturday to face Argyll rivals Campbeltown Pupils in what is widely considered to be the biggest of all the Argyll derbies. As derby matches go Pupils v Saints is not exactly local but the 88 or so miles between the two clubs does nothing to diminish their fierce rivalry. The battle for football supremacy in Argyll has raged long and hard since Saints gained admission to the Scottish Amateur Football League in 1976 paving the way for the other Argyll teams. Saints and Pupils have been by far the most successful of the Argyll clubs with both enjoying spells as "top dogs". Saints may have been first to join the SAFL but it was Pupils who were first to fulfill the criteria for admission to the Premier Divison. Similarly it was Pupils who were the first Argyll club to be crowned SAFL Premier Division Champions beating their Oban rivals to this prestigious accolade by 10 years. Since then the balance of power has swung towards Saints with the Oban club now in it's 13th consecutive season in the top flight during which time Pupils have yo-yo'd between the three divisions in the Premier League set-up. 

After an absence of five seasons Pupils return to the Premier Division on the back of two consecutive league championships. The foundation for this resurgence has been Pupils' phenomenal home record of just two defeats in three seasons. That particular crown has begun to slip somewhat at the start of this new season with two heavy home reverses against title contenders St Joseph's and Haldane United.

Saints have found goals hard to come by in their three league games so far this season and will hope to capitalise on Pupils' defensive frailties. Joining the lengthening Saints injury list are Dougal Graham, Jamie Graham and Scott Maitland so Manager Iain Jackson will have his resources fully stretched for what is sure to be a full blooded affair for local bragging rights. 

Campbeltown Pupils SAFL Premier Division fixtures so far this season:-

16th August 2014 Campbeltown Pupils 2 - 6 St Joseph's FP

30th August 2014 Busby 0 - 2 Campbeltown Pupils 2

6th September 2014 Campbeltown Pupils 2 - 7 Haldane United

Campbeltown Pupils SAFL Premier Division One Champions 2013-14

Campbeltown Pupils' recent record in the SAFL:-

2013/14 Premier Division One Champions Promoted
2012/13 Premier Division Two Champions Promoted
2011/12 Premier Division Two 4th
2010/11 Premier Division One 9th Relegated
2009/10 Premier Division One 7th
2008/09 Premier Division 10th Relegated
2007/08 Premier Division One 3rd Promoted
2006/07 Premier Division One 5th

Kintyre Park, Campbeltown

On 30th November 2013 an incredible crowd of 550 spectators packed Kintyre Park to witness Pupils' 3 - 1 Scottish Amateur Cup 3rd round victory over near neighbours Carradale. In the foreground, braving the winter chill in short sleeves is Campbeltown's answer to die-hard Saints fan David MacPhee. David's only concession to the on-set of winter is to add a wooly hat and gloves to his usual T-shirt and shorts ensemble!  

In other news

The draw for the second round of the Foster's Scottish Amateur Cup was made on Tuesday 9th September at Hampden Park, Glasgow. Saints were drawn away to Wallacetoun Sporting Club of the Ayrshire Amateur Football League Second Division. Saturday's opponents Campbeltown Pupils were drawn at home to Tannahill of the Paisley and District Amateur Football League Division One A. The second round ties are scheduled to be played on Saturday 4th October.

Saints Manager Iain Jackson ponders Saturday's team selection

#monthesaints 

Radio Radio

Radio Radio

Saturday 6th September 2014
Umbro Scottish Amateur Football League
Oban Saints AFC v Eaglesham AFC
Glencruitten 2, Mossfield Avenue, Oban PA34 4EH
Kick off 1.45pm
Referee Mr Gordon Kelso

Last Time Out

Unbeaten on the road for fifteen months, Saints proud run finally came to an end last Saturday ironically on the very ground where the run began. The excellent playing surface at Thorn Athletic's "Field of Dreams" McMaster Park was an ideal setting for one of the Scottish Amateur Football League's most eagerly anticipated fixtures, unfortunately for Saints it was the home team who prevailed on this occasion. Saints were far from convincing in their 2 -1 opening fixture victory over Kings Park Rangers and their struggle to find top gear continued at the home of their great rivals from Johnstone. Despite being second best for long spells it was Saints who took the lead in the 70th minute with a well placed Lewis Cameron header from a pinpoint Scott Maitland left wing cross. Regrettably the lead lasted barely a minute when Saints conceded a needless free kick 25 yards from goal. Thorn always pose a threat from set pieces but they sprang a surprise when their usual dead ball expert Paul Young stood aside to allow recent signing Ryan McCay to take the kick. The powerful free kick went through the legs of the Saints wall and beat the despairing dive of keeper Daniel Cassells just inside his left hand post. This was a bitter disappointment for Saints to concede such a soft goal having until that point dealt reasonably comfortably with everything the Thorn attack had to offer. Saints pressed forward again and were unlucky when Thorn keeper Liam McWilliams nicked the ball off the toes of Ross Maitland with the "wee man" about to skip round him on the edge of the box. Saints then shot themselves in the foot in the 76th minute by conceding a needless penalty for a rash rash challenge inside the box. Ryan McCay took the spot kick which he dispatched beyond Daniel Cassells via the inside of the big keeper's left hand post.
Saints threw everything at Thorn in the closing stages but couldn't find an equaliser. With Saints pressing hard at the other end Thorn were able to exploit the gaps in the Saints defence and, on several occasions, came close to increasing their lead. In the end although Saints will be disappointed to have gifted Thorn their two goals there is no denying that Thorn were the better team on the day and thoroughly deserved their victory.

Allan Mackay's first half shot is comfortably saved by Liam McWilliams

Craig MacEwan and Thorn's Niall Kennedy enjoyed a fascinating battle throughout the match

Skipper Marc MacCallum finds himself in an unfamiliar outside left position

Substitutes Lewis Cameron and Scott Maitland gave Saints more of an attacking threat

Lewis Cameron heads Saints into a short lived lead

Roy McLuckie shoots narrowly over the bar late in the second half

A last minute stramash in the Thorn penalty area

This Saturday Saints will hope to return to winning ways when newly promoted Eaglesham visit Glencruitten. The "Hams" won promotion to the Premier Division thanks to a third placed finish in last season's Premier Division One and Castlemilk's defection to the Caledonian League. The Hams first two matches of the new season were high scoring away defeats firstly at Thorn Athletic where they lost out by the odd goal in nine, followed by a 7 - 4 reverse at near neighbours Busby. On their last outing the Hams recorded a 2 - 1 home win over last season's Premier Division runners up Haldane United a result which will have raised a few eyebrows among keen followers of the Scottish Amateur Football League.
Saints have an excellent record against the Hams and must ensure that runs continues if they are to keep in touch with the league's early pace setters St. Joseph's F.P. With the exception of long term injury victims Donald Campbell, Dene Cassells and Colin Tindall Manager Iain Jackson should have a full squad at his disposal for this important fixture. Please note the earlier than normal kick off time of 1.45pm, come early to avoid the rush!



Eaglesham's recent SAFL finishes:-

2013/14 Premier Division One 3rd Promoted
2012/13 Premier Division 10th Relegated
2011/12 Premier Division One 2nd Promoted
2010/11 Premier Division Two 3rd Promoted
2009/10 Premier Division One 9th Relegated
2008/11 Premier Division One 4th
2007/08 Premier Division One 5th
2006/07 Premier Division One 5th
2005/06 Premier Division One 4th
2004/05 Premier Division Two Champions Promoted



Saints recent record v Eaglesham:-

Jimmy Marshall Trophy Quarter Final
25th April 2009 Eaglesham 1 - 7 Oban Saints

Jimmy Marshall Trophy 1st Round
17th October 2009 Oban Saints 3 - 1 Eaglesham

SAFL Premier Division
20th April 2013 Eaglesham 0 - 4 Oban Saints
5th May 2013 Oban Saints 2 - 0 Eaglesham

Eaglesham's 2011/12 promotion winning side

Some Other Hams:-

#monthesaints

No Bucketeers

The Bucket of Water Song

Saturday 30th August 2014
Umbro Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division
Thorn Athletic AFC v Oban Saints AFC
McMaster Sports Centre, Greenend Avenue, Johnstone, Renfrewshire PA5 0LD
Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr Stuart Cormack

Last Time Out

Saints got the defence of their Premier Division title off to a winning start against Kings Park Rangers at Glencruitten last Saturday.Kings were below full strength for what was also their opening league fixture however they more than made up for this by implementing a disciplined defensive strategy which very nearly gained them a share of the points. Despite enjoying the vast majority of first half possession Saints passing lacked the crispness necessary to penetrate the massed ranks of the Kings defence. Any effort that did make it through the Kings back line was comfortably dealt with by goal keeper Jim McLaughlin. The breakthrough for Saints came in the 36th minute when last season's top scorer Allan Mackay rose unchallenged in the box to head home a Ross Maitland free kick. Saints almost doubled their lead four minutes later when a Craig MacEwan header from a Ross Maitland corner looped over the goalkeeper and landed on top of the cross bar before bouncing behind for a goal kick. In a move that was ultimately to prove decisive Manager Iain Jackson withdrew central defender Alex Craik prior to the start of the second half replacing him with striker Dean Smith. Saints started the second half brightly and created a few decent chances all of which failed to hit the target. Unfortunately for Saints the encouraging start didn't last long and the game fell flat for long spells. With Saints struggling for inspiration Kings grew in confidence and began to push bodies forward in support of lone striker Dean McCallum. Eventually this more adventurous approach paid off for the visitors and from a throw in on the right wing Dean McCallum hit the bye-line and sent in a low cut back which found Kings Martyn Reid exactly where you would expect to find Alex Craik. Instead of the danger being cleared the ball was knocked home from close range to bring Kings level. Despite not having the best of afternoons Saints responded well to this set back and regained the lead in the 88th minute. A neat turn and low shot from substitute Dean Smith finally knocked the stuffing out of Kings and secured the victory for Saints. Definitely not a vintage Saints performance but a winning start to the league campaign nonetheless.  

New signings Dougal Graham and Scott Maitland make their competitive debuts for Saints

Allan Mackay opens the scoring

Dean Smith marks his return to the Saints fold with an 88th minute winner

Saints play their first away fixture of the season on Saturday and they could hardly have asked for a stiffer challenge than a trip to face old foes Thorn Athletic. Saints have never tasted a league defeat away to Thorn but have been made to battle hard for every point won. Saints can expect yet another difficult afternoon in Johnstone for although Thorn have flirted with relegation in the past two seasons they have worked extremely hard in pre-season and have been steadily building up a head of steam for the new campaign. An eight match pre-season schedule including matches against Junior sides Benburb and Troon has seen Thorn hit the ground running scoring eight goals in their opening two league fixtures. Almost a third of the way to matching last season's goals tally already, Thorn have been playing some excellent football and will seriously fancy their chances of mounting a sustained challenge for the Premier Division title. A home win against newly promoted Eaglesham followed by an away draw at strongly fancied Finnart has set Thorn up nicely for the visit of the reigning champions. Thorn's renewed prowess in front of goal will provide a stern test for the curmudgeonly Saints defence which has conceded the fewest league goals in four of the last five Premier Division seasons. Always a fixture that captivates the imagination, not only of the players and supporters of both sides but also of the wider amateur football world, Saturday's match is sure to be another no quarter asked or given affair with both teams desperate to take the three points.



Thorn Athletic SAFL record:-

2013/14 Premier Division 6th
2012/13 Premier Division 8th
2011/12 Premier Division 3rd
2010/11 Premier Division 3rd
2009/10 Premier Division One Champions (Promoted)
2008/09 Premier Division Two Champions (Promoted)



Saints league record in Johnstone:-

2013/14 Thorn Athletic 1 - 2 Oban Saints
2012/13 Thorn Athletic 0 - 1 Oban Saints
2011/12 Thorn Athletic 1 - 1 Oban Saints
2010/11 Thorn Athletic 1 - 1 Oban Saints

Thorn Athletic on their pre-season trip to Galashiels

Other News

In other news congratulations to Saints winger Ross Maitland and his partner Claire Gilpin on the birth of their son (no name yet but Santi gets my vote) another future Saints star.

In other, other news Saints and Thorn both declined to accept a nomination from Inverclyde AFC to take part in the Ice Bucket Challenge which is a major surprise as both sets of players normally never shirk a challenge and are known to take a good bucket.

Craig MacEwan's stunning late strike seals the points for Saints on their last visit to Johnstone

#monthesaints

Start!

http://youtu.be/dktlq3-gNvk

Saints skipper Marc MacCallum hoists the SAFL Premier Division trophy after last season's thrilling final day victory over Haldane United

Saturday 23rd August 2014
Umbro Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division
Oban Saints AFC v Kings Park Rangers AFC
Glencruitten 2
Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr Jimmy Litster

Saints begin the defence of their Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division title with a home game against newly promoted Kings Park Rangers at Glencruitten this Saturday. The return of KPR to the top flight sees the resumption of one of the leagues oldest remaining rivalries with the two sides having almost ninety years of SAFL membership between them. Since first meeting in the Scottish Amateur Cup 40 years ago the paths of Saints and KPR have crossed on numerous occasions up and down the league with many enduring friendships being made along the way.
KPR's 51st season in the SAFL brings with it a welcome return to the top flight for the boys from Croftfoot. The club will be hoping to fare considerably better than on their last season in the Premier Division when they finished bottom of the pile and without a single point. KPR have prepared well for the new season with tough friendly matches against Gartcosh United of the Caledonian League Premier Division, Barrhead YM of the Greater Glasgow Premier League Division One, Wellhouse of the Central Scottish Premier Division and Carlton YMCA of the SAFL Premier Division Two.
KPR made their return to competitive action on Wednesday night where they surrendered a two goal lead away at Easthall Star of Premier Division Two in the Centenary Cup first round. Despite a thrilling comeback by the home side to level the tie at 2 -2 the visitors eventually prevailed winning the penalty shoot out 3 - 2. KPR will now face Finnart at home in round two. The first round draws for this season's major cup competitions have also given KPR home advantage. In the Scottish Amateur Cup they will face Mauchline United of the Ayrshire Amateur Football League First Division, in the West of Scotland Cup they will face last season's quarter finalists Eastfield of the Central Scottish League Premier Division.  

The Kings Park Rangers squad celebrating last season's 2 - 1 victory at Kintyre Park over Champions Campbeltown Pupils which finally sealed their promotion back to the Premier Division

Kings Park Rangers recent SAFL record:-

2013-14 Premier Division One 2nd (Promoted)
2012-13 Premier Division One 7th
2011-12 Premier Division 10th (Relegated)
2010-11 Premier Division One 3rd (Promoted)
2009-10 Premier Division One 4th
2008-09 Premier Division One 7th
2007-08 Premier Division 10th (Relegated)
2006-07 Premier Division 5th

Saints recent record against Kings Park Rangers:-

2011-12
19th May 2012 Oban Saints 3 - 1 Kings Park Rangers
17th September 2011 Kings Park Rangers 0 - 5 Oban Saints

2007-08
24th May 2008 Kings Park Rangers 1 - 3 Oban Saints
25th August 2007 Oban Saints 3 - 1 Kings Park Rangers

2006-07
28th April 2007 Oban Saints 0 - 1 Kings Park Rangers
23rd September 2006 Kings Park Rangers 3 - 3 Oban Saints

Kings Park Rangers on a recent away trip (well, recent-ish)

Despite the disappointment of the cancellation of their final pre-season warm-up game against Tynecastle of the Strathclyde Saturday Morning Amateur Football League, and the necessity to request a free Saturday last week, the Saints squad have been working hard in training and are eager to mark their return to competitive action with a home victory. With the exception of long term injury victims Donald Campbell, Dene Cassells and Coin Tindall Manager Iain Jackson has a full squad to select from as he seeks to mastermind the defence of the league title. This season's SAFL Premier Division has the makings of an extremely competitive league with Saints title rivals last season Haldane United, Finnart and St Joseph's already setting down markers with impressive away wins last Saturday. An exciting campaign for players, officials and fans alike is about to Start!

#monthesaints

The Perfect Pre-Season?

This weekend will see the climax of Saints preparations for the new season with a free week requested due to non availability of key players. This hastily arranged event to be attended by a significant number of players completes the set of especially recreated "actual season scenarios" meticulously planned by Manager Iain Jackson to prepare his squad for the season ahead. Always at the forefront of innovative coaching methods Jackson planned Saints pre-season to replicate as closely as possible the difficulties likely to be encountered during the season. Saints seldom play in sunshine during the course of a normal season therefore every pre-season match was played in heavy rain. Saints rarely get a chance to play any more than two consecutive games without interruption so no fixture was arranged for the weekend following the D&K Cup Tournament. In a league so competitive as this season's Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division there will be no easy games therefore a high intensity match was arranged against Greenock High School Former Pupils where no quarter was given or asked. No season is complete without at least one serious injury and Saints managed to sustain two in one game. There is always a crunch match that has to be faced without a host of first choice players so the Saints squad that took on Ashvale Victoria was missing five of last season preferred starting eleven. Every winter sees matches called off either the night before or on the morning of the game so when Tynecastle cancelled last Saturday's trip to Oban on the eve of the game this ticked another box in Jackson's plan.
Jackson is always very cautious not to reveal any of his coaching methods and has been quoted in the Oban Times as being disappointed that the Tynecastle game was cancelled, however he is believed to be secretly delighted that his audacious plans were almost entirely completed. The only missing piece in the jigsaw was for the D&K Cup Tournament to be abandoned due to bad weather but this plan had to be scrapped when tournament sponsors D&K Lafferty Contractors refused to pay for an artificial snow machine.


On a serious note the injuries sustained by Paul Kerr and Donald Campbell in the friendly against Greenock HSFP have turned out to be much worse than anticipated. Paul will definitely lose his two front teeth and Donald's broken metatarsal will keep him in plaster for several months. Paul will be able to return to action soon but Donald will not play at all this season. Donald's injury is a devastating blow for the club and of course for Donald himself. Never before having missed a single game through injury the rehabilitation period is sure to feel like an eternity for Donald but I'm sure that the Saints boys will keep his spirits up and he will be back next season raring to go.

Hands up if you thought Martin Bonar would be Saints top scorer in pre-season

#monthesaints

Eastenders

Saturday 9th August 2014
Oban Saints AFC v Tynecastle AFC
Pre-season Friendly
Glencruitten 2
Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr John Scott

Saints face their final pre-season test on Saturday with the visit to Glencruitten of top Strathclyde Saturday Morning Amateur Football League side Tynecastle AFC. Established in 1978 Tynecastle hail originally from Tynecastle Street in Glasgow's East end and with thirty four completed seasons are their league's longest serving current members. Since joining what was then known as the Civil Service League for the 1978/79 season Tynecastle have notched up 4 league titles and 3 cup successes. After a nip and tuck league campaign last season Tynecastle eventually finished runner-up to undefeated champions Whitefield Rovers. Missing out on the title by just three points Tynecastle's only league defeat came in their final match of the campaign at the hands of the eventual champions. Tynecastle also narrowly missed out on silverware in the Challenge Cup Final losing 4 - 2 after extra time to Blochairn Star. However in a re-match in the Tommy Marshall Trophy Tynecastle avenged this defeat to ensure that the didn't end an excellent season trophyless.

Tynecastle AFC Roll of Honour:-

1989/90 Division 2A Champions (promoted)
1995/96 Division 1 Champions (promoted)
2005/06 Strathclyde Cup Winners
2008/09 Premier Division Champions
2010/11 Premier Division Champions
2011/12 Strathclyde Cup Winners
2013/14 Tommy Marshall Trophy Winners

Tynecastle AFC Tommy Marshall Trophy Winners 2013 - 14

Tynecatle have lead a slightly nomadic existence with spells playing at, amongst others, Greenfield, St John's, Cranhill School, Garthamlock School, Mount Ellen and Westwood. They currently play their home matches at Lochend Community High School, Easterhouse which is approximately 2.5 miles from their spiritual home in Tynecastle Street.

Tynecastle AFC in league action against Shawbridge at Lochend Community High School

Tynecastle have drawn all three of their pre-season games so far against F.C. Baillieston of the Glasgow Sunday Amateur Football League, Maryhill Thistle of the Glasgow Colleges Football Association Premier Division and Mearns Amateurs of the Central Scottish Amateur Football League Division 1A.

Ross Maitland in action against Busby last season

Saints will be without injury victims Donald Campbell, Dene Cassells and Paul Kerr but on a more positive note Ross Maitland is now back in training and will join up with what will be a strong Saints squad. This is Manager Iain Jackson's final opportunity to assess his squad in match conditions before the season starts in earnest so once again everybody will get some game time. With a host of new faces added to the squad competition for starting places is sure to be fierce which bodes well for the season ahead. Saturday's opponents Tynecastle boast a number of former professionals and top amateur players among their playing and coaching staff which will provide another stiff test for the Saints boys against highly experienced opposition.

#monthesaints

No Way Through

Saturday 2nd August 2014
Pre-season friendly
Glencruitten 2
Kick off 2.30pm
Referee Mr John Scott
Oban Saints AFC 0 - 1 Ashvale Victoria AFC

Substitutes:-

Stuart Alexander
David Beaton
Martin Bonar
Daniel Cameron
Shaun MacIver
PJ Sinclair

Last Saturday at a rain soaked Glencruitten Saints played host to Ashvale Victoria of the Central Scottish Amateur Football League in the penultimate warm up match for both sides before the season begins in earnest. The Vic's were quickest out of the blocks and  in just the 2nd minute caught Saints cold with what turned out to be the only goal of the afternoon. It wasn't only the Saints defence that was caught cold as this intrepid reporter was still adding the Saints line-up to his notes when the net bulged. Doh! What I can tell you is that there were strong Saints appeals for offside but referee John Scott, fresh from an appearance at the Lorn Show, ruled that a touch from Saints keeper Daniel Cassells had played the Ashvale goal scorer onside. It took Saints a while to get over this set back with their usually assured defence looking more than a little shaky. Saints were also struggling to keep hold of the ball in midfield putting the defence under unnecessary pressure. In the 12th minute Saints again conceded possession needlessly allowing the Vic's to run through on goal. The Vic's attacker rounded Daniel Cassells and sent a shot net bound however a last gasp sliding interception from David MacPhee cleared the ball off the line and kept the deficit to one. Saints eventually started to get into the game and created a few half chances. Dean Smith came close with a header from a Scott Maitland corner before Roy McLuckie and Allan Mackay both sent shots wide of the target. Allan thought he had equalised when he skillfully took down a Myles McAuley through ball before dispatching a neat finish beyond the Vic's goal keeper. Regrettably for the second week in succession referee John Scott denied the Saints striker a goal adjudging him to be offside. In the 30th minute a good move down the right hand side involving Myles McAuley and Jamie Graham gave Dean Smith a shooting opportunity just inside the box but with Ashvale defending in depth his shot was charged down. The Vic's had another good spell leading up to half time forcing a succession of corners which the Saints defence did well to repel. Saints had one last chance in the first half with a good low cross from Jamie Graham being snatched off the toe of the on rushing Allan Mackay by the Vic's goal keeper.
Saints were again under the stewardship of Secretary David Buchanan and Coach Peter MacCallum while Manager Iain Jackson continued to top up his tan abroad. The stand-in management duo made three changes for the re-start withdrawing Roy McLuckie, Jamie Graham and Dean Smith replacing them with Daniel Cameron, Stuart Alexander and Martin Bonar. Saints had an early opportunity to restore parity from a free kick 27 yards out but Scott Maitland's tame left foot effort looped harmlessly into the grasp of the Vic's keeper. Saints continued to probe without any success and with 63 minutes on the clock striker Allan Mackay was replaced by young David Beaton. Saints then survived two scares in as many minutes when first Craig MacEwan and then Alex Craik made timely interventions in the penalty box to keep Saints in the game. At the other end Saints were getting no change whatsoever out of a very well disciplined Vic's defence. In the 73rd minute Craig MacEwan made way for another youngster Shaun MacIver. In the 80th minute Captain Marc MacCallum made a rare charge forward but his fierce low right foot shot from 25 yards grazed the outside of the right hand post with the keeper well beaten. The Vic's were now content to hold onto their slender lead and denied the youthful Saints forward line any glimmer of an opportunity to equalise. Saints made one final change before full time when in the 82nd minute PJ Sinclair replaced Marc MacCallum on the left hand side of the defence.
Saints were frustrated throughout the 90 minutes by a very well organised Ashvale Victoria side who were well worthy of their victory and but for some last gasp Saints clearances would have won by a far more convincing score line. On the plus side for Saints this was another good workout against quality opposition with all the available players getting some game time and the new players gaining more valuable experience which should stand them in good stead for the season ahead.

Ashvale Victoria commence their league campaign this coming Saturday with an away fixture at Gourock Athletic. The match will also see the Central League debut of former Scottish Amateur Football League referee James Gallacher. Winning In The Rain wishes James all the best for this new chapter in his refereeing career.

More offside frustration for Allan Mackay

Dean Smith, Allan Mackay and Myles McAuley probe for an opening in the Vic's defence

Scott Maitland's free kick is easily saved by the Vic's keeper

Allan Mackay is crowded out by two Ashvale Victoria defenders

Saints will face their final pre-season test on Saturday with the visit of Tynecastle of the Strathclyde Saturday Morning Amateur Football League Premier Division. Kick off at Glencruitten 2 is 2pm.

#monthesaints 

Victoria

http://youtu.be/6VzsQoR806c

Saturday 2nd August 2014

Pre-season Friendly

Glencruitten 2

Oban Saints AFC v Ashvale Victoria AFC

Referee Mr John Scott

Saints welcome Central Scottish Amateur League team Ashvale Victoria to Glencruitten on Saturday for what should be another good workout for the squad. The "Vics" endured a difficult 2013-14 season when a return of just 7 points from 20 games saw them finish bottom of the Central Scottish Premier Division and suffer relegation to Division 1B. The club's management team have been working hard throughout the summer months on reinforcing their squad for the new campaign and have made a number of new signings in key positions. The "Vics" play their home matches at the home of Benburb Juniors which, until the end of last season, was the now closed Tinto Park, Govan. At present both Ashvale and Benburb are technically homeless while they await the completion of Benbrub's superb new 4G park and Clubhouse which should be ready in September. 

The new season commences for the "Vics" at Gourock Athletic a week on Saturday where they will be desperate to hit the ground running and put last season's disappointments behind them. A swift return to the Premier Division is the target for the "Vics" but competition for promotion will be fierce. Saints can therefore expect another high tempo match from a team itching to get their season off to a flying start.  

The "Vics" have played two friendlies so far this pre-season firstly against Greater Glasgow Amateur Football League Premier Division Renfrew Thistle followed by Saints Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division rivals Finnart.

Ashvale Victoria's pre-season matches so far:-

19th July 2014 Renfrew Thistle 1 - 5 Ashvale Victoria

29th July 2014 Ashvale Victoria 1 - 2 Finnart   

Ashvale Victoria's recent record in the Central Scottish Amateur Football League:-

2013-14 Premier Division 11th (Relegated)

2012-13 Premier Division 7th

2011-12 Premier Division 4th

2010-11 Division One Champions (Promoted)

               Robert Whyte Memorial Trophy Winners

Ashvale Victoria Central Scottish Amateur Football League Division One and Robert Whyte Trophy Winners 2010 - 11 

This is Saints penultimate game before the season starts in earnest and will give the boys another stiff test against quality opposition. Saints will be without Lewis Cameron who is on holiday plus the injured quartet of Donald Campbell, Dene Cassells, Paul Kerr and Ross Maitland. On the plus side last week's absentees Daniel Cassells, Dougal Graham, Jamie Graham and Myles McAuley should all return to the squad.

Donald Campbell in action against Greenock HSFP before injury cut short his pre-season

#monthesaints