Feel The Burn

The Colville Park Country Club West of Scotland Cup

Saturday 18th October 2014
Colville Park Country Club West of Scotland Cup 2nd Round
Glenburn Athletic AFC v Oban Saints AFC
St James Playing Fields, Greenock Road, Paisley PA3 2LQ
Kick off 2pm
Referee

Last Time Out

The Burnside bathed in Autumnal sunshine

Basking in autumnal sunshine the Gilmour Street Playing Field, known locally as the Burnside, in the conservation village of Eaglesham provided a picturesque backdrop to last Saturday's Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division match between Eaglesham and Oban Saints. Unfortunately for Saints their performance in the opening stages failed to match the attractiveness of the surroundings as they produced a thoroughly disjointed opening half hour which saw them two goals down and having to chase the game. After the previous week's selection woes Manager Iain Jackson was able to name returning regulars Lewis Cameron, Myles McAuley and Roy McLuckie in the starting eleven. One notable absentee joining the lengthy injury list was Captain Marc MacCallum who was still suffering the effects of an injury picked up in the closing stages of the Scottish Amateur Cup against Wallacetoun Sporting Club. With Dougal Graham also unavailable this meant another defensive reshuffle with Roy McLuckie lining up in defence alongside Alex Craik and Jamie Graham. Mindful of the difficulties Saints had in penetrating a resolute Eaglesham defence at Glencruitten last month Manager Jackson fielded an adventurous 3-4-3 formation with Dean Smith, Paul Kerr, Myles McAuley and David McArthur in midfield and Daniel Cassells, Allan Mackay and Lewis Cameron in attack. Despite the attack minded formation Saints struggled to find any sort of rhythm and failed to threaten the Hams defence. Playing with the benefit of the slope Eaglesham opened the scoring in the 19th minute with the first chance of the match. The normally solid Saints defence, clearly missing the influence of Marc MacCallum, was easily carved open leaving Tony Atley a simple task to slot the ball past Thomas McCulloch in the Saints goal. In the 24th minute Saints already stretched resources suffered blow when top scorer Allan Mackay jarred his back and was forced to retire. Allan's place up front was taken by another of last week's returning absentees Ross Maitland. Saints fell further behind in the 26th minute in similar style to the opener. This time it was Gavin Doherty who strode unchallenged through the Saints defence before rounding keeper McCulloch and tucking the ball away to give the Hams an unexpected two goal lead.
Saints finally woke up and can consider themselves extremely unfortunate not have clawed back at least one goal before half time. In the 31st minute Dean Smith was fouled on the edge of the Hams box and Lewis Cameron's free kick produced the first of a string of excellent saves from the Hams keeper Gordon Taylor. Ten minutes later Saints had a strong penalty appeal waved away by the possibly unsighted referee when Dean Smith was bundled over in the Hams penalty box. In the 43rd minute goalkeeper Taylor pulled off another fine save from a Ross Maitland shot. The ball then broke to David McArthur just inside the Hams box, David fired a terrific shot goalwards only to see it "saved" by the outstretched arm of an Eaglesham defender. On this occasion the referee was well positioned and it is extremely difficult to explain quite how he failed to award Saints a penalty kick. The Saints players were understandably aggrieved by the referee's decision and continued their protests as the teams left the field for the half-time interval. Despite the two goal deficit the closing stages of the first half had given Saints renewed encouragement and with the words of their Manager ringing in their ears it was a determined looking group who took the field for the second half.
Saints dominated proceedings for the entire second half with the Hams digging in for a sustained defensive shift. The best opportunity of the half fell to Lewis Cameron after 55 minutes. Lewis was sent racing through the inside left channel by a deft flick-on from the head of Daniel Cassells but his tame shot was easily smothered by the imposing frame of Eaglesham keeper Gordon Taylor. Saints lost the services of Jamie Graham in the 58th minute, Jamie had been feeling unwell since mid-way through the first half and was unable to continue. Jamies's place in defence was taken by David McArthur with substitute David Beaton slotting into midfield. Saints pulled one back in the 60th minute when a Dean Smith free kick came back off the Hams wall and was drilled into the bottom corner of the net by Ross Maitland. Saints had another chance just one minute later but Lewis Cameron's free kick flew inches over the bar with the keeper rooted to the spot. Saints continued to create chance after chance but couldn't find a way past the Hams keeper who was in inspired form. Being under the cosh for so long Eaglesham took every opportunity to wind the clock down. In an attempt to speed up proceedings Saints coach Peter MacCallum positioned himself behind the Hams goal to ensure the ball was quickly returned to play. Inexplicably the referee to exception to this and ordered Peter back to the half way line. saints kept plugging away to the very last minute and in the closing stages had a point blank Alex Craik header excellently saved and a Martin Bonar chance foiled when the Hams keeper dived bravely at the feet of the Saints substitute.
Alas there was to be no last gasp equaliser and Saints were left counting the high cost of that dismal opening half hour.

Thomas McCulloch clears up-field

Daniel Cassells, Myles McAuley, Dean Smith and Ross Maitland wait for a cross from Lewis Cameron

A chance for David Beaton

David McArthur heads over

Eaglesham goalkeeper Gordon Taylor dives bravely at the feet of Martin Bonar

Martin Bonar is helped off the field by Goalkeeper/Striker/Physiotherapist Daniel Cassells

Up For The Cup?

This Saturday Saints get their West of Scotland Cup campaign underway with a tough trip to Paisley to face Paisley and District Amateur Football Association Premier Division outfit Glenburn Athletic. Saints went out of last season's competition at the fourth round stage when they lost out in that cruelest of ways, the "dreaded" penalty shoot out, to eventual finalists Giffnock North. There was therefore a definite sense of "it could have been us" for Saints when the North ran out at New Douglas Park, Hamilton to face Hurlford Thistle in the final on 5th May. Saints record in this competition is not the best and they are long overdue an extended run in the lesser of the big two cup competitions.
Saturday's opponents Glenburn Athletic have progressed from the Third to the Premier Division in the Paisley and District League set-up with a run of successive promotions. They currently lie 5th place in the Premier Division with six points from five games played having won two and lost three. Glenburn's three defeats have come against the top three sides in the division.
Saints will continue to be without long term injury victims Donald Campbell, Dene Cassells and Colin Tindall but will welcome back Craig MacEwan and Scott Maitland to the squad. David McArthur is on holiday and Martin Bonar has not yet recovered from his collision with Eaglesham's goalkeeper last Saturday.

Glenburn Athletic's league fixtures so far:-

23rd August Elderslie 3 - 2 Glenburn Athletic
30th August Glenburn Athletic 4 - 3 Gallowhill
6th September Apex 3 - 2 Glenburn Athletic
13th September Glenburn Athletic 3 - 5 Arkleston Athletic
11th October Fordbank Star 1 - 3 Glenburn Athletic

Saints recent West of Scotland Cup record:-

2006/07 3rd round
2007/08 3rd round
2008/09 5th round
2009/10 3rd round
2010/11 2nd round
2011/12 4th round
2012/13 4th round
2013/14 4th round

D.I. Burnside of TV's The Bill

Oban circa 1870

Burnside Cottages were located where Glenfoot Terrace, Miller Road is now

Burnside F.C.

Eight of this successful team went on to represent Oban Saints

#monthesaints

By George

The gate post at King George V Playing Fields, Ayr photograph courtesy of Scott Struthers

Saturday 11th October 2014
Umbro Scottish Amateur Football League
Eaglesham AFC v Oban Saints AFC
Eaglesham Playing Fields, Gilmour Street, Glasgow G76 0LG
Kick off 2.00pm
Referee Mr Alan Lamb

Last Time Out

A combination of injuries, holidays and work commitments deprived Saints of almost an entire team of players for last Saturday's trip to Ayrshire. It was therefore a most unfamiliar line-up that took the field against Ayrshire Amateur Football League Division Two leaders Wallacetoun Sporting Club in the Foster's Scottish Amateur Cup 2nd round. Saints resources were so stretched that first choice goalkeeper Daniel Cassells emerged from the changing rooms wearing the number 10 shirt with Thomas McCulloch taking Daniel's place between the posts. The small contingent of Saints supporters were left rubbing their eyes in disbelief at this unexpected change but that disbelief was soon dispelled when Daniel produced an excellent performance in the Saints attack alongside Allan Mackay. The new look forward line was ably supported by an equally unfamiliar looking midfield consisting of Martin Bonar, Dean Smith, David McArthur and Dougal Graham in front of Paul Kerr in his familiar anchor role. Only the defence had a look of normality about it with Alex Craik flanked by Captain Marc MacCallum and fit again Jamie Graham.
Saints were on the attack from the first whistle and almost opened the scoring in the first minute when Daniel Cassells got on the end of an Allan Mackay header to fizz the ball across the Wallacetoun goalmouth with Dean Smith only inches away from connecting at the back past. In the eighth minute Daniel Cassells fed David McArthur in the inside left channel, Dean Smith was again the target at the back post but David's cross was deflected behind foe a corner. Saints opened the scoring in the 11th minute after Allan Mackay had been fouled 25 yards from goal. Allan took the free kick himself and his low shot totally deceived Matt McClymont in the Wallacetoun goal beating him just inside his left hand post. Saints were having a lot of joy on the left wing with Dougal Graham and David McArthur linking up well with the strikers to create several decent scoring opportunities which unfortunately nobody was able to convert. The Saints defence was coping well with the Wallacetoun attack limiting them to just a few long range efforts. Wallacetoun's closest attempt came from a well taken 37th minute free kick which cleared the Saints wall but was well fielded by Thomas McCulloch in the Saints goal.
Saints continued to take the game to the home side in the early part of the second half and came close to doubling their advantage when Daniel Cassells fed Dean Smith just inside the box only for Dean's well struck shot to be saved by the Wallcetoun keeper. Wallacetoun were enjoying much more of the play in the second half and at only 1 - 0 down were still very much in the tie. With half an hour remaining Wallacetoun made a bold double substitution increasing their options up front. The change paid off quickly when in the 66th minute a slip by Alex Craik was quickly pounced upon setting up Wallacetoun striker Mark MacLean on the right hand side of the box. The tall striker strode forward and lashed an unstoppable shot high into the net past a helpless Thomas MacCulloch. The home side had their tails up now and sensed that there may be something in the game for them after all. Saints continued to create chances and came close again with another Allan Mackay free kick from a similar position to his first half opener, unfortunately on this occasion Allan's free kick was narrowly off target. In the 74th minute Saints Manager Iain Jackson made what was to prove a match winning double substitution when he replaced Daniel Cassells and Dougal Graham with youngsters Shaun MacIver and David Beaton. The fresh legs were proving difficult for the tiring Wallacetoun defence to cope with and in the 85th minute Wallacetoun's central midfielder Glass who had been impressive throughout was booked for a cynical trip on David Beaton as the youngster threatened to break through on goal. Dean Smith hoisted the resulting free kick into the Wallacetoun box where Allan Mackay beat his man in the air to flick the ball accross the face of goal narrowly evading the outstretched leg of substitute Daniel Cameron who had replaced Martin Bonar after 61 minutes. With the prospect of a replay at Glencruitten on everybody's minds second half substitutes Shaun MacIver and David Beaton combined well to put David through on goal in the 90th minute. With only the goalkeeper to beat David was unceremoniously hauled down by Wallacetoun Captain Nicky Warren leaving the referee an easy decision to award a penalty kick and issue the Wallacetoun skipper with a red card. Regular penalty taker Allan Mackay safely dispatched the spot kick to give Saints a narrow but deserved victory over a decent Wallacetoun side who look well on course to secure a third successive promotion in their bid to reach the top tier of the Ayrshire Amateur League.  

An early chance for David McArthur

Allan Mackay opens the scoring with a 25 yard free kick

Daniel Cassells was a revelation at Centre Forward

Daniel Cameron at the back post was unable to convert this Allan Mackay flick-on

David Beaton rushes to congratulate Allan Mackay on his 90th minute winner

This Saturday Saints are back on their travels again when they visit newly promoted Eaglesham. 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. Eaglesham currently occupy 7th place in the SAFL with three points from their opening four fixtures. The Hams opened their league campaign with two 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 only home appearance so far 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. The Hams' last league action was their away trip to Oban five weeks ago where despite a battling performance they lost out to a second half Craig MacEwan goal. Since their visit to Oban the Hams have been in SAFL Centenary Cup and SAFA Scottish Amateur Cup action. In the Centenary Cup they edged past local rivals Busby 5 - 4 on penalties after a 2 - 2 draw before exiting the competition at the Quarter Finals stage losing 3 - 2 to Hillington. In the Scottish Amateur Cup Eaglesham joined thirty other SAFL teams in the hat for the third round draw with a 2 - 0 away win at Carlton YMCA of SAFL Division 1B.
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 Thorn Athletic and St. Joseph's F.P. who go head-to-head on Saturday at Johnstone Community Sports Hub. Saints will still be without their long term injury victims however a good number of last weeks absentees should return to the squad for this important league fixture.



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
6th September 2014 Oban Saints 1 - 0 Eaglesham

Eaglesham's 2011/12 Promotion Winning Side

Craig MacEwan scores the only goal of the game in last month's reverse fixture

In Other News

The draw for the third round of the Scottish Amateur Football Association Challenge Cup Competition took place in Dalgetty Bay, Fife on Wednesday 7th October. Saints were drawn at home to face either Chryston of the Central Amateur Football League Division 1B or Giffnock North of the Caledonian League Premier Division. The Chryston and Giffnock North 2nd round tie was postponed last week so they will try again this Saturday. The third round tie is scheduled to be played on Saturday 1st November. 

David James, nowhere near as good as Big Dan!

#monthesaints

Hit The Road Jack

Hit The Road Jack

Saturday 4th October 2014
The Scottish Amateur Football Association Challenge Cup Competition
2nd Round
Wallacetoun Sporting Club v Oban Saints AFC
King George V Playing Fields
Mosside Road
Ayr
KA8 9ET
Kick Off 2pm
Referee Mr Nathan McMullen

Last Time Out

Without a game last weekend, due to a September Weekend fixture holiday declared by the Scottish Amateur Foorball League, a good number of the Saints players and management took in the Oban Camanachd v Fort William Marine Harvest National Division league title decider shinty match at Mossfield. Everything was going well for the local team with a first half Daniel MacIntyre strike giving them a well deserved half time lead. At this point the "Camancheros" appeared to be well on their way to winning the league and with it a return to top flight shinty next season but the proceedings were soon to turn into a farce. In a bizarre incident the referee was hit in the "family jewels" by a thumping clearance from Camanachd's Captain Scott MacMillan. Much to the hilarity of the large crowd the referee went down like a tonne of bricks, however the hilarity soon turned to concern and despair when it became apparent that the referee was in no fit state to continue. Amazingly, despite there being several qualified referees and two high ranking Camanachd Association officials present, nobody seemed to know what to do. Amid scenes of utter confusion Fort William seized their opportunity to get out of jail by successfully calling for the match to be abandoned much to the ire of their opponents. The match is now to be replayed and is guaranteed to be a feisty affair. Oban Camanachd have already offered to play on any date chosen by the Camanachd Association and have decided on free admission for spectators waiving their normal £3 charge. The re-match is guaranteed to generate massive interest and attract a bumper crowd. I wonder if the SAFL would consider another fixture holiday??

Saints produced their best performance of the season so far to record a convincing 3 - 0 win over Busby at Glencruitten on Saturday 20th September. Saints had managed just one point from two previous home matches against Busby and were anticipating another tough afternoon against the East Renfrewshire side. A strong start to the match by Saints soon had Busby pinned back in their own half and Craig MacEwan, Lewis Cameron, Allan Mackay and Ross Maitland all came close to giving the home side the lead. Just as it appeared that Busby had managed to reach the interval without conceding Saints eventually made the breakthrough when Roy McLuckie finished off an excellent Saints move involving Craig MacEwan, Ross Maitland, Lewis Cameron and Paul Kerr. A one goal advantage at half time was the very least that Saints first half play merited and better was to follow in the second half. With only seven minutes of the second half played Saints doubled their lead through a clever Lewis Cameron lob over advancing Busby keeper Danny Moy. The veteran keeper was having another good game between the posts denying Saints on a number of occassions but with ten minutes remaining Allan Mackay finished off the scoring with a deft chip over the keeper following good approach play by David McArthur and Dean Smith. The Saints Management, delighted as they were with the passing and movement in midfield and attack will also be quietly satisfied with a third consecutive clean sheet which helps keep Saints in touch with early pace setters Thorn Athletic and St Joseph's FP.

Saints Captain Marc MacCallum tussles with Busby striker Billy McGhee

Saints defender Dougal Graham and Busby wide man Stuart Kinloch link arms

This Saturday Saints begin another Scottish Amateur Cup adventure with a tricky away tie against Wallacetoun Sporting Club of the Ayrshire Amateur Football Association Second Division. Following two successive promotions and a blistering start to the new season Wallacetoun currently sit proudly on top of the Truckpoint Ayrshire Second Division with maximum points from their opening seven games and are one of only two teams in the AAFA set-up with a 100% record so far. The Toun have also been prolific scorers with forty two league goals to date including a 17 - 0 demolition of Vale of Girvan. The Ayrshire Cup has also been a happy hunting ground for the Toun with the scalps of Premier Division sides Dirrans Athletic and Lochan seeing them safely through to the third round where they have been drawn away to Second Division Prestwick against whom they have already recorded a 5 - 4 league victory. The only blot on an otherwise perfect start to the season for the Toun was a narrow Thistle Bar Trophy first round exit at the hands of Third Division Auchinleck Boswell.

Saints come into this fixture on the back of three successive victories and look to be slowly getting back to the form which brought them a league and cup double last season. Saints enjoy a good recent record in the Scottish Amateur Cup reaching at least the fifth round stage in all but two of the last eight seasons. Saints also have a good recent record in Scottish Cup ties on Ayrshire soil having notched up victories over Knockentiber in the 2006 - 07 7th round and Caledonia in the 2011 - 12 2nd round. Saints will be desperate to make amends for last season's meek 7th round exit against eventual losing semi-finalists Eastfield of the Central Scottish League Premier Division when despite having home advantage Saints produced their worst performance of the season to go down 2 - 0 in disappointing style. Saturday's match looks to be a very difficult fixture for Saints so early in the competition with the free scoring Toun attack sure to give the frugal Saints defence a thorough examination. Saints will be without their long term injury victims Donald Campbell, Dene Cassells and Colin Tindall while Scott Maitland is also still suffering the effects of his knee injury suffered against Kings Park Rangers.

King George V Playing Fields

Wallacetoun Sporting Club

Two of Ayr's Famous Sons:-

Rambo

John Loudon McAdam 1756 - 1836 Pioneer of modern road construction

In Other News

The draw for the second round of the Colville Park Country Club West of Scotland Amateur Cup took place on Monday 22nd September. Saints were drawn away from home to Glenburn Athletic of the Paisley and District Amateur Football League Premier Division. The tie is scheduled to be played on Saturday 18th October.

Saints received a major boost with the news that long term injury victim Donald Campbell's broken metatarsal is at last beginning to heal. Early indications are that Donald could return to action before the end of the year which is fantastic news for the player and the club.

Donald Campbell

#monthesaints

In The Pink

Saturday 20th September  2014
Scottish  Amateur  Football  League  Premier  Division
Oban Saints AFC  v Busby AFC
Glencruitten 2
Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr John Scott

Last Time Out

Saints edged a highly competitive Argyll Derby against Campbeltown Pupils at Kintyre Park last Saturday afternoon thanks to a 59th minute Allan Mackay strike. The last time this fixture was played was in 2009 but absence doesn't always make the heart grow fonder and this was a typically hard fought encounter from which Saints were delighted to take all three points. Victory however came at a cost for Saints with central defender Alex Craik joining the lengthy injury list when he suffered a back strain after just ten minutes. On the plus side midfield anchorman Paul Kerr once again demonstrated his versatility by dropping into defence where he produced an accomplished display in the sweeper role.

Busby

This Saturday Saints host Busby in what is the East Renfrewshire side's first away match of the league season. Busby's last visit to Oban was for their final match of the 2013-14 season but was nothing like the end of season fixture that might have been envisaged. Saints were involved in a four way tussle at the top of the league with Haldane United, Finnart and St Joseph's while Busby had already secured their Premier Division status for another season. Busby in their Shocking Pink away kit produced a disciplined defensive performance which Saints found extremely difficult to penetrate while hitting Saints on the break with some lightning quick counter attacks. Two goals from Busby striker Billy McGhee threatened to de-rail Saints title charge but an inspirational closing twenty minutes from Donald Campbell and two goals from talismanic striker Allan Mackay finally secured a share of the points keeping Saints title hopes alive.
Saints currently occupy third spot in the SAFL Premier Division behind St Joseph's and league leaders Thorn Athletic. Saturday's opponents Busby are currently in seventh place with three points from their opening four fixtures. Although Busby have endured a difficult start to the season they enjoy a good record in Oban and will once again prove to be tough opponents for a Saints side still struggling to rediscover their title winning form of last season. Saints will again be without Scott Maitland who remains on the injured list with long term absentees Donald Campbell, Dene Cassells and Colin Tindal. On a more positive note both Alex Craik and Jamie Graham should be available for selection.

Busby's league fixtures so far this season:-

Busby 3 - 6 Finnart
Busby 7 - 4 Eaglesham
Busby 0 - 3 St Joseph's
Busby 0 -  2 Campbeltown Pupils

Busby's recent record in Oban:-

2013-14 Oban Saints 2 - 2 Busby
2007-08 Oban Saints 2 - 3 Busby

Busby's recent SAFL record:-

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

Other News

In other news Saints players Lewis Cameron, Myles McAuley and Craig MacEwan featured for the Scottish Amateur Football League Select in a 2 - 2 draw against a Lothian and Edinburgh Select last Sunday. All three Saints players had a good game with Lewis getting on the score sheet with a particularly eye catching performance.

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:-

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