Sunday, 20 March 2016

Into The Semis






Saturday 19th March 2016
The Scottish Amateur Football Association Challenge Cup Competition
Quarter Final Tie
Oban Saints AFC 2 - 1 Shortlees AFC
Glencruitten 2, Mossfield Avenue, Oban, Argyll PA34 4EH
Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr James Gallacher
Assistant Referee Mr Steven Johnston
Assistant Referee Mr Jonathan Zadok


Saints starting line-up:-
Thomas McCulloch
David McArthur
Marc Maccallum (Captain)
Jamie Graham
Scott Maitland
Willie Gemmell
Paul Kerr
Donald Campbell
Ross Maitland
Dean Smith
Craig MacEwan
Used Substitutes:-
Myles McAuley
Allan Mackay
Brian Mackay
Keith Millar
Unused Substitute:-
Dougal Graham
Saints Goalscorers:-
Willie Gemmell 
Allan Mackay 

Match Report


Oban Saints survived a second half onslaught from a very impressive Shortlees Amateurs side to book their first ever Scottish Amateur Cup semi-final slot in front of a large crowd at Glencruitten last Saturday afternoon. With nerves jangling all around it was a typically cool finish from second half substitute Allan Mackay which sealed the victory and put Saints within ninety minutes of a trip to Hampden Park on Sunday 22nd May. 

With the exception of the suspended Dene Cassells Manager Alex Craik selected the same starting eleven to face the Ayrshire Amateur Football Association First Division side that had seen off Caledonian League Premier Division leaders Doune Castle in the seventh round. Dene's place in central defence was taken by Jamie Graham who had recovered from the bout of flu that had restricted him to a substitutes role against Doune. Taking his place alongside Dougal Graham, Allan Mackay. Keith Millar and Myles McAuley on a strong Saints bench was new signing Brian Mackay.

The visitors kicked off attacking the Mossfield end and immediately showed their attacking intent with Alex Duffy threading a pass between David McArthur and Marc Maccallum on the right of the Saints back four looking for the diagonal run of Craig McIntosh. However Saints keeper Thomas McCulloch was alert to the danger and came sliding out to the edge of his box to safely gather the ball. Saints first effort on goal came in the second minute from the unlikely source of Jamie Graham who came striding out from the back to strike a thirty five yard shot well over the Shortlees crossbar. The Lees are a good footballing side with a wealth of experience in their ranks however they are not shy in using the aerial route to goal and looked to exploit the height advantage of towering central defender Gordon Minor at every set-piece. Right full back Gregg Calder launched a deep free kick from the half way line looking for the head of Minor after Willie Gemmell was penalised for a late challenge on Joseph Gold. The free kick evaded the head of Minor and was cleared for a throw-in by Jamie Graham. The Lees then unleashed another of their weapons with a long throw from the right touchline from left full back Graeme Anderson which Greig Rankin headed well wide of target under pressure from Willie Gemmell. A very interesting midfield battle was developing between Saints play maker Donald Campbell and the vastly experienced Jim Caldwell. Donald got the better of his man in the sixth minute to clip a pass to Craig MacEwan cutting in from the left. Craig slipped past Gordon Minor and unleashed a powerful right foot shot on target from the eighteen yard line which was charged down by Shortlees defensive rock five time Scottish Junior Cup winner William Mason. Saints dead ball expert Willie Gemmell had his first sight of goal in the eighth minute after Dean Smith had turned Gordon Minor and been tugged back by the big centre half twenty eight yards from goal. Unfortunately Willie's sights weren't yet fully focused and he sent his curling effort high over the Shortlees crossbar. The understandably nervous start from both sides continued and it wasn't until fifteen minutes in that the first effort on target was mustered. Willie Gemmell was involved again this time with another weapon in his armoury the long throw. Willie's throw from the right touchline, level with the six yard line, was flicked on by Dean Smith at the near post to Craig MacEwan who tried to guide his header inside the post but with insufficient power to trouble Shortlees keeper Garry Murdoch who gathered easily. Two minutes later Shortless danger man and Scottish Amateur Cup winner with Hurlford Thistle Keir Knapp caught out the Saints back four with a diagonal pass from the left looking for the run of Alex Duffy but Thomas McCulloch was again quick to read the danger and came well off his line to cut out the cross. Saints path to goal was blocked for a second time by William Mason whose performance at the heart of the Shortlees defence belied his forty plus years of age. Willie Gemmell played a free kick from the half way line to Craig MacEwan who came short to meet it before turning the ball wide to Scott Maitland on the left wing. Scott picked out Donald Campbell inside the penalty box who turned away from Jim Caldwell making space for a right foot shot from seventeen yards which Mason was once again perfectly positioned to block. Saints repeated the Gemmell to MacEwan free kick routine in the twentieth minute with Craig playing in Donald Campbell on the left of the box for a powerful left foot shot which Garry Murdoch did well to hold at his near post. The Lees countered again on the left with Knapp sending a deep cross to the back post looking for the head of Craig McIntosh but Jamie Graham climbed well to head the ball behind for a corner kick. The corner from right was met with a powerful near post header from Paul Kerr to clear the danger. Another of the game's interesting personal duels was that of Saints skipper Marc Maccallum and Shortlees principal goal threat Keir Knapp. On the half hour mark Knapp made a dangerous run into the Saints box but his progress was matched all the way by Maccallum who forced him wide with the Lees man eventually running the ball harmlessly out of play. Saints upped the pressure on the visiting defence with two good chances to open the scoring in quick succession. Craig MacEwan made a good run on the left wing and played the ball to Dean Smith on the eighteen yard line. With his back to goal Dean held the ball up well before slipping in Ross Maitland on the left of the Shortlees box. Ross bore down on goal and from the corner of the six yard box shot left footed trying to squeeze the ball in between Garry Murdoch and his near post but the Lees keeper narrowed the angle well to turn the ball behind for a corner kick. Ross took the kick himself and sent a dangerous ball into the six yard box which Murdoch failed to gather cleanly under pressure from Marc Maccallum with the ball dropping to Dean Smith who scooped a difficult chance over the cross bar from three yards range. Following on from Craig MacEwan and Donald Campbell Paul Kerr was next to have a goal bound shot blocked by William Mason. Paul's twenty five yard rocket was turned away by the outstretched left leg of the Lees defensive stalwart with Graeme Anderson mopping up the loose ball. With ten minutes of the first half remaining Saints had a strong claim for a penalty kick denied by Referee Gallacher. Craig MacEwan made a good run into the Shortlees box before going down under a sliding challenge from right back Gregg Calder. Despite loud appeals from the Saints contingent the Dumbarton whistler judged the tackle to be fair and waved play on. The deadlock was broken in the thirty eighth minute from the deadly right foot of Willie Gemmell. Craig MacEwan won a free kick twenty two yards from goal and slightly left of centre when he was brought down by Gordon Minor. Willie adjusted his sights from his previous off target effort and curled a delightful shot around the wall and into the postage stamp corner past a static Garry Murdoch. Straight from the restart Shortlees broke up the left wing with Keir Knapp setting up Joseph Gold for a long range shot which Thomas McCulloch held well. With the clock ticking down to the half-time interval The Lees took the aerial route again when Graeme Anderson sent in a deep free kick from just inside the Saints half looking for the head of Gordon Minor. The giant centre half flicked on from the edge of the box but Saints skipper Marc Maccallum won the second ball and cleared well setting up Craig MacEwan for a counter attack. Craig hurdled a desperate lunging tackle from Anderson on the halfway line with Referee Gallacher playing a good advantage, however Craig was unable to keep the ball in play and Mr Gallacher brought the play back for a free kick to Saints flashing the yellow card in Anderson's direction in the process. Saints failed to capitalise on the set-piece and Mr Gallacher brought the first half to an end with Saints good value for their narrow lead. 

Saints kicked off the second half looking for the second goal which they hoped would make the tie safe but again they struggled to unlock the Shortlees back line who defended their eighteen yard line doggedly. William Mason kept up his personal crusade to ensure that no shots from open play would find their way through to keeper Murdoch when he blocked a David McArthur effort from twenty yards just inside his own box. The visitors slowly started to gain the upper hand and a long throw from Graeme Anderson forced Thomas McCulloch into an excellent finger tip save diving to his right to turn a glancing Keir Knapp round the post. Knapp was in the thick of the action again in the fifty third minute bursting through from midfield before threading a pass through the inside left channel looking for the run of Greig Rankin. David McArthur recovered well to make an important interception denying Rankin what would have been a terrific chance for the equaliser. After ten second half minutes Craig MacEwan succeeded in hitting the bye-line after a good run up the right wing. Having finally managed to turn the well drilled Lees defence Craig was disappointed to see his cut back drift into the keeper's arms and out of the reach of Dean Smith's near post run. Ross Maitland also managed to get in behind the Lees defence but couldn't bring David McArthur's through ball under control. The wee man's blushes were spared however when Assistant Referee Steven Johnston flagged him offside. There were scarlet faces in Saints defence in the fifty eighth minute when Marc Maccallum and Thomas McCulloch left a long Shortlees punt upfield to one another. Keir Knapp pounced on the moment of indecision between keeper and defender picking up the loose ball and rounding the keeper before being thwarted by a tremendous last ditch tackle by Maccallum. Moments later danger man Knapp fizzed a long range drive inches wide of Thomas McCulloch's right hand post. On the hour mark Saints Manager Alex Craik decided to ring the changes withdrawing Ross Maitland and goal scorer Willie Gemmell replacing them with the fresh legs of Brain Mackay and Myles McAuley. It didn't take Myles long to make an impact on proceedings unfortunately it was at the wrong end. Keir Knapp cut in from the right and made a terrific run along the eighteen yard line where he was upended just inside the box by McAuley. The rash tackle earned Shortlees a penalty kick and the Saints midfielder a yellow card. Knapp took the spot kick himself and although McCulloch guessed correctly the ball squirmed underneath his body and nestled in the back of the net to bring the visitors level. Shortlees had their tails up now and, urged on by their substantial travelling support, certainly fancied themselves to kick on and get the winner. With fifteen minutes remaining Allan Mackay entered the fray replacing Dean Smith up front and doing his usual good job of winning headers and holding the ball up. Shortlees continued to ask questions of the Saints defence but skipper Maccallum marshaled his troops well restricting the visitors to shots from distance. Joseph Gold and Jim Caldwell both sent efforts wide of target when set up by Gordon Minor knock downs from Graeme Anderson free kicks. Keir Knapp was brought down by Scott Maitland on the right hand corner of the box giving the Shortlees top goal scorer the chance to showcase his dead ball skills. Fortunately for Saints his left foot shot was high and wide of target posing more of a problem to ball boy Peter MacCallum than keeper Thomas McCulloch. In the eightieth minute Saints had a set-piece opportunity of their own when Paul Kerr was bundled over by Greig Rankin twenty eight yards from goal. With Willie Gemmell off the field Allan Mackay assumed responsibility and had Garry Murdoch scrambling across his goal line to field a curling right foot shot just inside his left hand post. As time ebbed away a replay in Kilmarnock was looking the most likely outcome however there was time for one last twist in the tale. In the eighty eighth minute Donald Campbell made a sensational driving run at the heart of the Lees defence. With defenders trailing in his wake Donald burst into the box and laid the ball off to Allan Mackay to calmly slot the ball past the left hand of Garry Murdoch and into the bottom corner of the net. Cue scenes of delirium both on and off the field as Saints players and supporters celebrated the goal wildly. Two minutes later Saints had the chance the completely kill the tie when Brian Mackay combined with Craig MacEwan on the right wing sending Craig to the bye-line. Craig cut the ball back for Myles McAuley at the back post for what should have been a routine tap-in but the ball stuck underneath McAuley's feet allowing Gregg Calder to clear the danger. Sixty seconds into the five minutes of stoppage time allowed by Mr Gallacher Saints made their final change with Keith Millar coming on the replace Craig MacEwan. Such were the nerves on the touchline that the stoppage time seemed to last forever and the Saints faithful had two final close shaves to endure before the agony was over. A long punt into the box fell kindly for Jim Calder but the close attentions of Paul Kerr caused Calder to miscue and send his shot well wide of target. Finally in the ninety fifth minute Shortlees won a corner on the left with keeper Murdoch running the full length of the park to join the attack. Gregg Calder's in-swinging corner curled over the hands of Thomas McCulloch but, much to the relief of all in navy blue, landed on the roof of the net. Referee Mr Gallacher who, ably supported by Assistant Referees Steven Johnston and Jonathan Zadok, handled the match impeccably brought proceedings to an end confirming an historic win for Saints.        

Saints will now face Leven United of the Kingdom Caledonian Amateur Football Association in a semi final tie to be played at New Douglas Park home of Saints good friends Hamilton Academical on Thursday 31st March.

Craig MacEwan finds his path to goal blocked by William Mason


Donald Campbell shapes to shoot


Shortlees keeper Garry Murdoch


Ross Maitland

Willie Gemmell gives Saints the lead

Willie Gemmell is mobbed by delighted Saints players, substitutes and the Manager!


Scott Maitland


Dean Smith, Ross Maitland and Donald Campbell prepare to get the second half underway



Donald Campbell with William Mason and Jim Caldwell



Keir Knapp nets from the penalty spot to bring Shortlees level at 1 - 1

We all live in a mental housing scheme



Donald Campbell wheels away in celebration after setting up Allan Mackay for Saints winning goal


Allan Mackay is congratulated by his team mates on his winning goal

Myles McAuley misses a last minute opportunity to score a third

Saints ball Ref!




#monthesaints

Sunday, 13 March 2016

At The Edge













Saturday 19th March 2016
The Scottish Amateur Football Association Challenge Cup Competition
Quarter Final Tie
Oban Saints AFC v Shortlees AFC
Glencruitten 2, Mossfield Avenue, Oban, Argyll PA34 4EH
Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr James Gallacher








This Saturday afternoon at Glencruitten Saints Manager Alex Craik bids to make history by leading his charges into the previously uncharted territory of the Scottish Amateur Cup semi-finals. Barring the path to a semi-final showdown against either Kingdom Caledonian AFA high flyers Leven United or Linlithgow Thistle of the Lothian and Edinburgh AFA Premier Division are Ayrshire AFA First Division outfit Shortlees Amateurs.

The Lees are the form team in the Ayrshire Amateur ranks with a 100% start to their league campaign and a place in the semi-finals of the Ayrshire Cup already secured as they strive to go one better than last season's runners-up spot against all conquering Hurlford Thistle. Their semi-final slot was confirmed last weekend with a 3 - 1 away win against fierce local rivals New Farm Loch whom Saints fans will recall from the West of Scotland Amateur Cup fourth round tie at Oban High School in January. On that occasion Saints also prevailed by three goals to one before falling at the next hurdle to the seemingly invincible Colville Park. Shortlees however made it a double of quarter final qualifications in the national cup competitions with last month's six round 4 - 0 win over three time winners Dalziel High School Former Pupils of the Caledonian League Premier Division.

The Lees have also been relentless in their pursuit of Scottish Amateur Cup glory cementing their place in the quarter-finals with a thoroughly convincing 5 - 0 win over Lothian and Edinburgh AFA Championship leaders Shotts Victoria taking their goal tally to thirty four goals in seven matches. Saints however can point to an equally impressive run in Scottish amateur football's most prestigious competition which notably includes the scalps of last season's runners-up Craigshill Thistle and runaway Caledonian League Premier Division leaders Doune Castle.

A good turnout of local fans is anticipated and with the Shortlees supporters likely to travel in large numbers to cheer on their favourites the stage is set for a thrilling cup tie between two well matched teams standing at the edge of semi-final glory.

Team News

Manager Alex Craik's preparations for the biggest test of his tenure so far received a set-back when last Saturday's Scottish Amateur League Premier Division match against league leaders and reigning Champions St Joseph's FP had to be postponed on the morning of the match. Glencruitten 2 failed to withstand Friday and Saturday's deluge leaving an eager to go Saints squad kicking their heels and hoping that the cancellation will not prove too disruptive of the terrific head of steam built up in recent weeks. Alex's team selection options narrowed somewhat with the news that the re-occurrence of Martin Bonar's foot injury will keep him out of action for the remainder of the season. This significant blow was compounded when news of Dene Cassells' suspension for his ordering off against Colville Park in last month's West of Scotland Amateur Cup tie came through from Hampden park. Dene's moment of madness in the dying minutes of the fifth round tie will keep him on the sidelines for six matches which is enormously frustrating at this crucial stage of the season. On a more positive note Saints confirmed the re-signing of Brian Mackay who will be a valuable addition to the squad with the big fixtures coming thick and fast. Despite losing Martin and Dene from his plans Manager Craik should still be able to name a strong squad as plots to take Saints into their first ever Scottish Amateur Cup semi-final.


Shortlees Ayrshire Amateur Football Association record:-

2011-12 Fourth Division 4th
2012-13 Fourth Division 3rd Promoted
2013-14 Third Division 4th Promoted
2014-15 Second Division Champions Promoted and Ayrshire Cup Runners Up


Shortlees results so far this season:-

Ayrshire AFA First Division


8th August 2105 Dailly 0 - 5 Shortlees
15th August 2015 Shortlees 5 - 1 Kilbirnie
17th August 2015 Fenwick Thistle 2 - 5 Shotlees
22nd August 2015 Shortlees 12 - 1 Fenwick Thistle
26th September 2015 Glenburn Miner's Welfare 1 - 5 Shortlees
10th October 2015 Shortlees 6 - 0 Beith



Ayrshire Cup

Round One
Bye

Round Two
29th August 2015 Shortlees 4 - 1 Westkirk Thistle

Round Three
21st November 2015 Galston United 1 - 3 Shortlees

Quarter Finals
12th March 2016 New Farm Loch 1 - 3 Shortlees



Ayrshire AFA James Scott Trophy

Round One
12th September 2015 Hurlford 1 - 5 Shortlees

Round Two
19th September 2015 Shortlees 0 - 2 Clark Drive



West of Scotland Cup

Round One
Bye

Round Two
24th October 2015 Cambusnethan Talbot 2 - 5 Shortlees

Round Three
28th November 2015 Shortlees 6 - 0 Mearns

Round Four
19th December 2015 Shortlees 2 - 0 Cumbernauld Colts

Round Five
13th February 2106 East Kilbride Thistle 2 - 9 Shortlees

Round Six
27th February 2016 Shortlees 4 - 0 Dalziel HSFP




Shortlees Progress to the Scottish Amateur Cup Quarter Finals:-

Round One
5th September 2015 Crosshouse Waverley 0 - 11 Shortlees

Round Two
3rd October 2015 Drumchapel FP 0 - 6 Shortlees

Round Three
7th November 2015 Westkirk Thistle 1 - 5 Shortlees

Round Four
12th December 2105 Hillington 1 - 2 Shortlees

Round Five
23rd January 2016 Shortlees 2 - 1 Holytown Colts Youths

Round Six
6th February 2016 Shortlees 3 - 0 Pennies

Round Seven
5th March 2016 Shortlees 5 - 0 Shotts Victoria



Saints progress to the Scottish Amateur Cup Quarter Finals:-

1st Round
Bye

2nd Round
3rd October 2015 Oban Saints 9 - 1 Millbeg Villa

3rd Round
31st October 2015 Condoratt Club v Oban Saints - Walkover to Saints

4th Round
12th December 2105 Postal United 0 - 1 Oban Saints

5th Round
9th January 2016 Oban Saints 4 - 1 Craigshill Thistle

6th Round
6th February 2016 Stirling City 1 - 4 Oban Saints

7th Round
5th March 2016 Oban Saints 5 - 1 Doune Castle



Round Two - Donald Campbell nets Saints second goal against Millbeg Villa


Round Four - Saints skipper Marc Maccallum in the thick of the action against Postal United


Round Five - Craigshill Thistle keeper Robert Sinclair produces a terrific save to Deny Ross Maitland

Round Six - Willie Gemmell, Keith Millar and Dene Cassells celebrate Keith's late strike against Stirling City

Round Seven - Scott Maitland scores Saints fourth goal against Doune Castle 



News From Down Under



An impressive pre-season from former Saints striker Lewis Cameron has cemented his place in the Rochedale Rovers starting eleven for their assault on the Brisbane Premier League. After a tricky start to the league campaign losing their first two fixtures Rovers got their first point on the board with a hard fought 1 - 1 draw against Peninsula Power. This was followed up last Saturday with their first league win of the season against Albany Creek Excelsior. An eye catching performance from Lewis in a convincing 3 - 0 away win earned him the sponsor's Man of the Match award. You can watch edited highlights from the Albany Creek versus Rochedale Rovers match and a brief post-match interview with Lewis by clicking the links below.



Sponsorship

Following an appeal in an Oban Times article written by young reporter David McPhee Lewis has attracted sponsorship from two local businesses. Lewis' former employers the Floorshop and former Saints team-mate Sean Ford of Sean Ford Joinery answered the call and will sponsor Lewis for the 2016 Brisbane Premier League season.  

Sean Ford and the Floorshop's number one floor layer Paul Kerr look on as a bloodied Dene Cassells is helped from the field by Davie Buchanan in the 2013 Jimmy Marshall Trophy final at Somervell Park, Cambuslang

#monthesaints






Friday, 11 March 2016

In Between Days



Saturday 12th March 2016
Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division
Oban Saints AFC v St Joseph's FP AFC
Glencruitten 2, Mossfield Avenue, Oban, Argyll PA34 4EH
Kick Off 2pm
Referee Mr Gordon Mackay





Sandwiched between Saints Scottish Amateur Cup seventh round and quarter-final ties is yet another crucial fixture when old rival St Joseph's FP come calling on league business. On their last visit to Glencruitten on 22nd November 2014 St. Joe's produced a scintillating performance to inflict Saints heaviest home defeat in many a long year. Despite going into the half-time interval on level terms with a goal a-piece Saints struggled to contain their visitors from Duntocher and were blown away in the second half. David Gallagher, John Paul Seagrave and Blair Mulgrew were all on target for St Joe's before Ryan Holms added to his first half strike to complete a miserable day for the home side whose only consolation came in the shape of Craig MacEwan's second half goal to add to Donald Campbell's ninth minute opener. St. Joe's also prevailed in the last two fixtures between the clubs winning last May's Jimmy Marshall Trophy semi-final at Millburn Park, Alexandria 2 - 0 with first half goals from Gary Redpath and Thomas Wilson; and this season's keenly contested September league encounter at William Street, Duntocher 1 - 0 thanks to a looping Ryan Craig shot just before half-time. Saints will take succour from a much improved performance on the day against the reigning champions which was the catalyst for a fifteen match unbeaten run ended only by defeat in the West of Scotland Amateur Cup to Colville Park on 13th February.

The reigning Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division Champions and Jimmy Marshall Trophy holders made a blistering start to the defence of their league title winning five matches on the bounce to open up a considerable gap at the top of the table. However a 6 - 0 thumping at the hands of East Kilbride FC Amateurs and last month's 3 - 1 defeat at Glasgow Green against Finnart have seen that lead eroded somewhat with the gap to second placed Inverclyde now just three points. Saints meanwhile lie one point further behind in fourth place and know that a win on Saturday will thrust them right back into contention for a second league title in three seasons.

St Joe's made a convincing start to their defence of the Jimmy Marshall Trophy with an emphatic 11 - 0 home win against Premier Division Two side Tarbert. They also already through to the Centenary Cup semi-finals where they will face Goldenhill for a place in the final against Premier Division One promotion hopefuls Ferguslie Star. St Joe's only regret of a positive season so far will be their failure to improve upon last season's excellent showing in the Scottish Amateur Cup which took them to the seventh round and a narrow exit at the hands of eventual competition runners up Craigshill Thistle.  

Team News

It's a mixed bag on the Saints team news front with the gloss almost instantly being rubbed off the re-signing of Brian Mackay (see below) with the news that the reoccurrence of Martin Bonar's foot injury will keep him out of action for the remainder of the season. This is a massive blow for both player and club and Winning In The Rain wishes Martin a full and speedy recovery. In a further set-back Dene Cassells was handed a suspension for his ordering off against Colville Park in last month's West of Scotland Amateur Cup tie. Dene's moment of madness in the dying minutes of the fifth round tie will keep him on the sidelines for six matches and is another massive blow to the club at a crucial stage of the season. Manager Alex Craik will however still be able to name a strong squad as he bids to maintain Saints interest on three trophy fronts.


 




St Joseph's FP AFC SAFL Premier Division fixtures so far this season:-

22nd August 2015 Shawlands FP 2 - 6 St Joseph's FP
5th September 2015 St Joseph's FP 1 - 0 Oban Saints
12th September 2015 Campbeltown Pupils 0 - 5 St Joseph's FP
19th September 2015 St Joseph's FP 2 - 1 Finnart
24th October 2015 East Kilbride Rolls Royce 1 - 3 St Joseph's FP
28th November 2015 East Kilbride FC Amateurs 6 - 0 St Joseph's FP
12th December 2015 St Joseph's FP 2 - 1 East Kilbride Rolls Royce
6th February 2016 St Joseph's FP 3 - 0 Alba Thistle
13th February 2016 Finnart 3 - 1 St Joseph's FP



St Joseph's SAFL Centenary Cup exploits this season:-

1st Round 15th August 2015 St Joseph's FP 4 - 0 Motherwell Thistle
2nd Round 29th August 2015 St Joseph's FP 3  - 0 Inverclyde
3rd Round 5th March 2016 St Joseph's FP 5 - 2 East Kilbride FC Amateurs


St Joseph's SAFL Jimmy Marshall Trophy exploits this season:-

1st Round Bye
2nd Round 27th February 2016 St Joseph's FP 11 - 0 Tarbert


St Joseph's West of Scotland Amateur Cup exploits this season:-

1st Round Bye
2nd Round 17th October 2015 St Joseph's FP 2 - 1 Glentynan Thistle
3rd Round 21st November 2015 Kilsyth 2 - 1 St Joseph's FP


St Joseph's Scottish Amateur Cup exploits this season:-

1st Round Bye
2nd Round 3rd October 2015 St Joseph's FP 7 - 2 Rannoch
3rd Round 31st October 2015 St Joseph's FP 3 - 1 Cumbernauld Colts
4th Round 5th December 2015 Albion 4 - 2 St Joseph's FP



St Joseph's FP AFC recent Scottish Amateur Football League finishes:-

2006/07 Premier Division One 4th
2007/08 Premier Division One 2nd Promoted
2008/09 Premier Division Champions
2009/10 Premier Division 6th and Centenary Cup Winners
2010/11 Premier Division 6th
2011/12 Premier Division 6th
2012/13 Premier Division 5th
2013/14 Premier Division 3rd and Centenary Cup Runners Up
2014/15 Premier Division Champions and Jimmy Marshall Trophy Winners


The St Joseph's FP player celebrate winning the 2014-15 SAFL Jimmy Marshall Trophy






Saints home record against St Joseph's FP:-

2008/09 Premier Division Oban Saints 2 - 3 St Joseph's FP
2009/10 Premier Division Oban Saints 2 - 0 St Joseph's FP
2010/11 Premier Division Oban Saints 8 - 1 St Joseph's FP
2011/12 Premier Division Oban Saints 3- 1 St Joseph's FP
2012/13 Premier Division Oban Saints 0 - 1 St Joseph's FP
2013/14 Premier Division Oban Saints 1 - 1 St Joseph's FP
2014/15 Premier Division Oban Saints 2 - 5 St Joseph's FP


Action from some past Saints v St Joe's encounters at Glencruitten


Marc Maccallum and Donald Campbell 17th March 2012


Willie Gemmell's indirect free kick hits the St Joseph's wall 17th March 2012



Allan Mackay and Craig Cameron 14th September 2103



In Other News




The draw for the semi-finals of the Scottish Amateur Cup took place at Hampden Park on Monday afternoon. The winners of Saints quarter-final tie against Shortlees will face Leven United or East Kilbride YM or Linlithgow Thistle or Dennistoun Vale. The dates and venues for the semi-final ties have still to be announced.







In Other Other News


Saints this week secured the services of former player Brian Mackay who will be a valuable addition to the squad in what could prove to be a hectic fixture schedule. Brian has been training with the squad for a couple of weeks and is likely to be named in the match day squad for the game against St Joseph's FP.

Brian Mackay in action against Kilbowie Union on 17th August 2013

#monthesaints



Sunday, 6 March 2016

Into The Quarters

Saturday 5th March 2016
The Scottish Amateur Football Association Challenge Cup Competition
7th Round Tie
Oban Saints AFC 5 - 1 Doune Castle AFC
Glencruitten 2, Mossfield Avenue, Oban, Argyll PA34 4EH
Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr Peter Laing



Saints starting line-up:-

Thomas McCulloch

David McArthur
Marc Maccallum (Captain)
Dene Cassells
Scott Maitland
Willie Gemmell
Paul Kerr
Donald Campbell
Ross Maitland
Dean Smith
Craig MacEwan
Substitutes used:-
Dougal Graham
Jamie Graham
Allan Mackay
Myles McAuley
Keith Millar
Saints Goalscorers:-
Dean Smith 
Craig MacEwan 
Donald Campbell (2) 
Scott Maitland 

Match Report


Saints pursuit of the Holy Grail of the Scottish Amateur Cup gathered pace last Saturday afternoon when the valiant Knights of Doune Castle were put ruthlessly to the sword in a seventh round tie at Glencruitten. The Castle had been widely tipped as one of the favourites for the cup and understandably so as they were on a twenty four match winning streak, sitting proudly on top of the Caledonian League Premier Division sixteen points of closest rivals Giffnock North, and also through to the semi finals of the East of Scotland Cup. However Saints demonstrated that they are also a force to be reckoned with and added the scalp of the much fancied visitors to that of last season's runners up Craigshill Thistle whom Saints defeated in the fifth round. Manager Alex Craik's plans were dealt a blow in midweek when Martin Bonar limped out of training with a recurrence of the foot injury which has kept him out of action since the beginning of December. Jamie Graham added to the problems with his failure to recover fully from a flu bug opening the door for a return to the starting line up for Dene Cassells. Dene, whose recent appearances from the bench have been in an attacking role, slotted into a far more familiar central defensive position alongside inspirational skipper Marc Maccallum. With that exception Manager Alex Craik named the same starting eleven and bench that had defeated East Kilbride FC Amateurs in the SAFL Jimmy Marshall Trophy on the previous Saturday.
The visitors kicked off attacking the Mossfield end but it was Saints who were first to provide an attacking threat. With only one minute on the clock Scott Maitland and Craig MacEwan combined on the left to win a throw-in level with the eighteen yard line. Willie Gemmell's long throw was flicked on at the near post by Donald Campbell to Craig MacEwan who couldn't connect as he would have liked with an attempted hook shot over his shoulder allowing Castle central defender Kenneth Feaks to clear off the goal line. Saints were seeing plenty of the ball in the early stages and continued their positive start making the breakthrough after just five minutes. Donald Campbell clipped a high pass out to Craig MacEwan on the left who expertly took the ball down with his left foot and continued his run forward cutting along the eighteen yard line to fire in a shot which deflected across the box to Dean Smith who drilled a first time right foot shot under Castle keeper Steven Fotheringham. The visitors had their first sight of the Saints goal in the seventh minute when Paul Kerr was harshly judged to have fouled Lukasz Duszvnski twenty eight yards from goal and slightly left of centre. Richard Smith opted to ignore the aerial threat waiting in the box and went for goal firing the free kick harmlessly high and wide of target. Unfortunately the flowing start to the match wasn't to continue as Referee Peter Laing, taking charge of his first match in the later stages of the Scottish Amateur Cup, produced an over fussy display making for a stop start match which suited neither side. Doune showed a glimpse of what they are capable of when Scottish Amateur International Sean Heaver and Christopher Ogilvie worked a neat one-two on the right to send Ogilvie through on goal however Scott Maitland recovered quickly to match Ogilvie's run and see the ball behind for a goal kick. In the eleventh minute Saints began a period of sustained pressure which ultimately resulted in the second goal. Donald Campbell found Dean Smith with a crisp pass from midfield which Dean controlled well and rolled to Craig MacEwan on the edge of the D. Craig tried to trick his way through the tangerine wall in front of him but was scythed down by Kenneth Feaks. Willie Gemmell's free kick over the wall was on target but close enough to keeper Fotheringham to allow him to claw the ball out to the Saints left where Ross Maitland picked up the loose ball. Ross turned the ball back across goal looking for the head of Craig MacEwan only for Ryan Duncanson to head clear and threaten to launch a Doune counter attack up the right wing. Saints skipper Marc Maccallum had other ideas and acrobatically intercepted Doune's progress teeing up David McArthur for a cross field pass to Ross Maitland to get in behind the advancing Doune back line. Ross cut into the box beating full back Jonathon Burns to find himself one on one with Fotheringham. The keeper narrowed the angle well and made an excellent save down to his right to deny Ross and turn the ball behind for a corner kick. Ross swung in the corner from the left which Craig MacEwan met with a perfectly placed glancing header inside the far post to double Saints lead. Thomas McCulloch was called into action for the first time in the fourteenth minute when Sean Heaver fired in a shot from the left which the big Saints keeper did well to hold low down to his right. Ross Maitland was almost in on the keeper again in the nineteenth minute after good work from Dean Smith and Donald Campbell tee'd up Willie Gemmell for a long ball looking for Ross. Unfortunately Willie's usual accuracy deserted him and his long ball over the top was fractionally too heavy for Ross and the ball slipped behind for a goal kick. Fotheringham obtained good distance with his bye kick which was flicked on by Richard Smith to Alan Inglis with his back to goal on the eighteen yard line. Inglis turned well to get his shot away but couldn't completely escape the attentions of Dene Cassells and Scott Maitland who combined to take the sting out of his shot giving McCulloch an easy save to make. McCulloch showed good handling again in the twenty second minute to hold a Sean Heaver free kick from the left which bounced just in front of the keeper with Inglis waiting to pounce on any mistake. In the twenty fourth minute Kenneth Feaks became the first name in Referee Laing's notebook for a heavy challenge on Craig MacEwan in the centre circle. From yet another free kick shortly afterwards Doune full back Jonathon Burns swung in a deep cross from just inside the Saints half which Alan Inglis got up well to meet but sent his header high over the cross bar. At the other end Saints launched a swift attack up the right wing with Willie Gemmell playing a crisp cross field pass to Dean Smith who narrowly failed to pick out Craig MacEwan in the middle with a good cross. Referee Laing continued to punish almost every challenge and harshly penalised Paul Kerr for allegedly climbing on the back of Lukasz Duszvnski. Dead ball specialist Sean Heaver squandered the opportunity to test Thomas McCulloch by firing his free kick from twenty five yards and the rebound into the Saints wall. Saints dead ball expert Willie Gemmell fared little better with his efforts sending his thirty fifth minute cross from the right straight into the hands of keeper Fotheringham and his thirty ninth minute shot into the wall after Dean Smith had been brought down by Ryan Duncanson thirty yards from goal. In between times Dean Smith picked up a yellow card for a lunging challenge on Jonathon Burns which, although he didn't appear to make any contact, Mr Laing judged to be sufficiently dangerous to warrant a booking. Craig MacEwan followed Dean into the book on the stroke of half time for an over the ball challenge on the right touchline on Kenneth Feaks. Dene Cassells headed the resulting free kick behind for a corner with Thomas McCulloch coming through a ruck of players to punch clear Sean Heaver's in-swinger from the left before Mr Laing blew for half time.

Manager Alex Craik ordered more of the same from his charges in the second half but it was the visitors who started the stronger encouraged by the large travelling support and finally stringing some passes together in midfield. The Saints back four however stood firm with Dene Cassells and the effervescent Marc Maccallum forming a solid partnership to keep Doune danger man Alan Inglis in check. Maccallum's obligatory charge up field came in the fifty second minute after he had charged down a corner from the Doune right conceded by Dene Cassells. The Saints skipper took off up the left wing pursued by two Doune players and was finally closed down just over the half way line when two further Doune defenders converged on him to bring the charge to an end. Saints came close to extending their advantage in the fifty fourth minute when Ross Maitland won a throw-in on the right wing. David McArthur found Donald Campbell with the throw who sent a low cross along the six yard line to Willie Gemmell. Willie opted not to take on the shot with his left foot but turned onto his right and fired back across goal unfortunately hitting Craig MacEwan on the backside with Alan More thumping the loose ball to safety. Two minutes later Thomas McCulloch had to look lively to keep his clean sheet in tact diving low to his right to turn a rasping Christopher Ogilvie drive around the post for a corner kick. McCulloch comfortably collected the corner kick from the left and launched a counter attack where Craig MacEwan and Dean Smith combined on the Saints left to send Craig through on goal and one on one with the advancing Fotheringham. The Castle keeper made an excellent job of closing Craig down and, as Craig attempted to pass the ball round him into the net, stuck out a strong left hand to make the save. The visitors, cheered on by the travelling support, were pressing further forward looking for the goal that would bring them right back into the game but dogged Saints defending continued to keep the Castle's prolific strike force at bay. With the game beginning to stretch Manager Alex Craik decided to make the first of his changes withdrawing Dean Smith and Ross Maitland replacing them with Allan Mackay and Myles McAuley. In the sixty fourth minute Saints skipper Marc Maccallum produced another inspirational moment to take the ball off the toes of Alan Inglis with a perfectly timed challenge just inside the box after the big Doune striker had turned Dene Cassells. The Doune players screamed for a penalty kick but Referee Laing was unmoved by their appeals. In the sixty eighth minute Saints capitalised on Doune's desire to press forward when Allan Mackay closed down and dispossessed central defender Ryan Duncanson twenty five yards from goal setting up Donald Campbell to slot the ball into the bottom corner past the despairing left hand of Fotheringham. The third goal from Saints not only knocked the stuffing out of the Doune players but also silenced the vociferous support on the touchline. Doune's best chance of the match followed two minutes later from yet another Sean Heaver free kick from the left. Heaver's flighted cross cleared everybody and was met by second half substitute Colin Burke stealing in at the back post but his cushioned effort off his right instep slipped wide of the post. The Castle continued to threaten from set pieces and main goal threat Inglis sent a spectacular overhead kick high over the crossbar from a Christopher Ogilvie free kick from the right. Saints replied with a good run and cross on the right from David McArthur which Myles McAuley got his head to but unfortunately only succeeded in diverting the ball away from Craig MacEwan steaming in at the far post. More free kick pressure followed from Doune but, under severe pressure from Kenneth Feaks and Alan Inglis, Thomas McCulloch pushed the ball up into the air and gathered safely at the second attempt. Referee Laing ruled that the challenge of Inglis while McCulloch was on the ground was illegal and booked the big Scottish Amateur International striker. David McArthur joined him in the book shortly afterwards after losing possession inside his own half and bringing down Sean Heaver in his attempts to redeem his error. Saints fourth goal came from a lightning quick counter attack up the right wing. David McArthur found Craig MacEwan who tricked his way past Alan More and picked out a terrific pass along the eighteen yard line to Scott Maitland cutting in from the left. The predominantly left footed Scott surprised everybody, possibly even himself, by striking the ball first time on his right foot and into the bottom corner giving keeper Fotheringham no chance. That stunning strike proved to be Scott's last involvement as he made way for Dougal Graham for the closing ten minutes. The Castle pounced for a deserved consolation goal with just four of the regulation ninety minutes remaining. Alan Inglis took advantage of a rare mistake in the Saints defence to notch his forty fifth goal of the season so far bundling the ball over the line from eight yards out. Saints then made their fourth change with Keith Millar coming on to replace Paul Kerr in central midfield. Despite the shortage of remaining time there was no let up in the action and almost immediately from the restart Craig MacEwan and Donald Campbell combined to release Allan Mackay in the Doune box but with Keeper Fotheringham once again doing a good job to narrow the angle Allan could only find the side netting with his shot. To their credit Doune kept plugging away and were unlucky not to add a second goal when David McArthur got a vitally important touch to deflect an Alan Inglis strike wide for a corner kick. From the corner kick on the right Marc Maccallum produced more heroics diving to chest a clearance and quickly recovering to charge down the loose ball. Deep inside the six minutes added by Mr Laing Craig MacEwan limped off with an injured toe to be replaced by Jamie Graham in an extremely unfamiliar striker's role. In the ninety fifth minute Donald Campbell completed the scoring exploiting another mistake in the tiring Doune defence to drill the ball past Fotheringham for Saints fifth. After one final minute of the thrilling cup tie Mr Laing brought proceedings to an end sending Saints through to the quarter finals where they will face Shortlees of the Ayrshire Amateur Football Association First Division on Saturday 19th March.    
             


Craig MacEwan heads Saints second goal

The Saints players celebrate Craig MacEwan's goal


Dean Smith surrounded by a pack of Doune Castle players


Donald Campbell and Richard Donaldson Smith 


Doune goalkeeper Steven James Fotheringham



Thomas McCulloch collects a corner kick


Scott Maitland scores Saints fourth goal


The Saints players celebrate Scott Maitland's goal


Alan Inglis nets consolation goal for Doune Castle

Jamie Graham and Steven James Fotheringham


#monthesaints

Friday, 4 March 2016

The Holy Grail








Saturday 5th March 2016
The Scottish Amateur Football Association Challenge Cup Competition
7th Round Tie
Oban Saints AFC v Doune Castle AFC
Glencruitten 2, Mossfield Avenue, Oban, Argyll PA34 4EH
Kick off 2pm
Referee Mr Peter Laing






Doune Castle by the river Teith in Doune, Perthshire was famously used extensively in the filming of the Monty Python team's classic 1975 film The Holy Grail and this Saturday at Glencruitten the local football team, which takes it's name from the striking 14th century edifice, enter battle with Saints in pursuit of the Holy Grail of all amateur football clubs in Scotland the Scottish Amateur Football Association Challenge Cup. Founded in 1954 "The Castle" have a long and proud history in Scottish amateur football and have twice come within touching distance of the biggest prize of all on both occasions losing out to a famous name of the past Douglas Amateurs. The Castle lost the 1970 Hampden Park showpiece final in cruel fashion after taking their strongly fancied opponents to extra-time and, four years later, fell agonisingly short of a national stadium return losing at the semi-finals stage once again after extra-time to eventual winners Douglas Amateurs. Despite falling short in the Scottish Amateur Cup the Castle have two very presentable consolation prizes in the form of their East of Scotland Amateur Cup wins in 2007 and 2012. In this season's bid for the East of Scotland trophy Doune have already reached the semi-finals where they will face last season's Scottish Cup runners up Craigshill Thistle. Last May the Castle brought their diamond jubilee season to an end in fitting style with the capture of their first ever Caledonian League Premier Division title ten years after joining one of Scotland's top leagues from their previously successful stint in the Stirling and District league set up.

The Castle make the trip to Oban flying high on a twenty two match winning streak stretching back to their only defeat of the season in a League Cup tie against Dumbarton on 22nd August. Their almost perfect record includes a massive 163 goals haul and some significant scalps along the way particularly the highly rated Lothian and Edinburgh side Linlithgow Thistle, East Kilbride of the Central Scottish Amateur Football League and shock troops Albion of the Glasgow Colleges Football Association who had previously eliminated West of Scotland Amateur Cup holders Greenock HSFP and reigning Scottish Amateur Football League Champions St Joseph's FP. The Castle's 100% record in defence of their Caledonian Premier Division crown presently has them sixteen points ahead of closest rivals Giffnock North and leaves them looking strong favourites to retain the title.

Saints own record in the Scottish Amateur Cup is good, particularly in recent seasons when they have reached the seventh round stage in five of the last ten seasons plus two losing quarter finals appearances. Manager Alex Craik has a strong squad from which to choose as he bids to secure a home quarter finals tie against either Shortlees or Shotts Victoria. Alex's selection choices for this crucial tie were given a boost last Saturday when Myles McAuley came through his first competitive forty five minutes in his comeback from injury in the Jimmy Marshall Trophy win against East Kilbride FC Amateurs. However, every silver lining has a cloud and Martin Bonar limped out of training on Wednesday night with a suspected recurrence of Jones fracture in his left foot which has kept him out of action since the beginning of December.

The weather forecast for the weekend looks favourable so hopefully a large crowd will gather at Glencruitten for what promises to be a cracking cup tie with two top quality sides slugging it out for a place in the last eight of Scotland's premier cup competition.        






Doune Castle AFC Caledonian League Premier Division Champions 2014 - 15






Doune Castle's recent Caledonian League finishes:-

2008-09 Premier League 9th
2009-10 Premier League 6th
2010-11 Premier League 11th (Relegated)
2011-12 Division One Champions (Promoted) East of Scotland Cup Winners
2012-13 Premier League 4th
2013-14 Premier League 4th
2014-15 Premier League Champions and League Cup Runners Up


Doune Castle's results so far this season:-


Caledonian League Premier Division 

15th August 2015 Doune Castle 2 - 1 Gartcosh United
19th August 2015 Milton 3 - 6 Doune Castle
26th August 2015 Doune Castle 5 - 3 Cumbernauld Colts
12th September 2015 Glasgow University 1 - 6 Doune Castle
19th September 2015 St. Mungo's 1 - 6 Doune Castle
26th September 2015 Strathclyde University 1 - 4 Doune Castle
10th October 2015 Doune Castle 7 - 0 Castlemilk
24th October 2015 Dalziel 0 - 5 Doune Castle
7th November 2015 Doune Castle 5 - 3 Dumbarton
21st November 2015 Doune Castle 2 - 0 St Mungo's
13th February 2016 Cumbernauld Colts 1 - 2 Doune Castle
27th February 2016 Castlemilk 0 - 7 Doune Castle


Caledonian League Cup

8th August 2015 Doune Castle 3 - 0 Rannoch
12th August 2015 Doune Castle 4 - 3 Milngavie
22nd August 2015 Dumbarton 2 - 0 Doune Castle



Caledonian League Challenge Cup

29th August 2015 Doune Castle 8 - 1 Rannoch



East of Scotland Cup

1st Round
17th October 2015 Doune Castle 10 - 2 Queensferry Athletic

2nd Round
14th November 2015 Doune Castle 7 - 1 Drumpellier Thistle

3rd Round
28th November 2015 Doune Castle 7 - 0 Bonnybridge YFP

4th Round
23rd January 2016 Edinburgh South Vics 1 - 6 Doune Castle

Quarter Finals
20th February 2016 Linlithgow Thistle 0 - 2 Doune Castle


Scottish Amateur Cup

1st Round
5th September 2015 Newton Grange Star 1 - 12 Doune Castle

2nd Round
3rd October 2015 Doune Castle 16 - 0 Leslie Hearts

3rd Round
31st October 2015 Doune Castle 16 - 0  Wellbank

4th Round
5th December 2015 Doune Castle 5 - 3 East Kilbride

5th Round
9th January 2015 Albion 1 - 6 Doune Castle

6th Round
6th February 2016 Doune Castle 4 - 2 Bearsden



Saints progress to the Scottish Amateur Cup seventh round:-

1st Round
Bye

2nd Round
3rd October 2015 Oban Saints 9 - 1 Millbeg Villa

3rd Round
31st October 2015 Condoratt Club v Oban Saints - Walkover to Saints

4th Round
12th December 2105 Postal United 0 - 1 Oban Saints

5th Round
9th January 2016 Oban Saints 4 - 1 Craigshill Thistle

6th Round
6th February 2016 Stirling City 1 - 4 Oban Saints

Craig MacEwan nets Saints 7th goal against Millbeg Villa in round 2


The Saints players celebrate their third goal against Stirling City in round 6

#monthesaints