Everyday Is Like Sunday

Morrissey - Everyday Is Like Sunday

Sunday 22nd May 2016
Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division
Oban Saints AFC v Inverclyde AFC
Glencruitten 2
Mossfield Avenue
Oban
Argyll
PA34 4EH
Kick Off 2pm
Referee Mr Kevin McIntyre

In the second match of this weekend's double header Saints welcome another of their long time Scottish Amateur Football League rivals Inverclyde to Glencruitten. The 'Clyde's last visit to Oban on 24th May 2014 resulted in a 2 - 0 win for Saints which set up a final day league title showdown with Haldane United for the home side. Having flirted with relegation in season 2012 - 13, escaping the drop by a single point thanks to a last game of the season 3 - 3 draw against Saints in Oban, the 'Clyde's seven season spell in the Scottish Amateur League Premier Division ended with that 2 - 0 defeat. However, courtesy of Eaglesham, Haldane United and Thorn Athletic's departure for pastures new, the Clyde's stay in Premier Division One was brief and last season's 5th place finish behind East Kilbride FC Amateurs, Shawlands FP, East Kilbride Rolls Royce and Goldenhill was enough to earn them an immediate return to the top flight where they have successfully consolidated their position. With 7th placed Inverclyde already safe from an immediate return to Premier Division One and Saints a distant fourth behind Champions East Kilbride FC Amateurs there will be no repeat of the drama of the two previous fixtures today however matches between the two old foes are always close and an entertaining afternoon is in store for the home crowd.                    

Team News

It is very much a case of "another match, another squad re-shuffle" for Manager Alex Craik with Donald Campbell, Ross Maitland and Thomas McCulloch dropping out of Friday night's squad to be replaced by Paul Carmichael, Graham Douglas and, making his return from a toe injury sustained in the 0 - 0 draw away at Alba Thistle, Skipper Marc Maccallum. Myles McAuley remains sidelined with the ankle injury picked up in the Jimmy Marshall Trophy semi-final win over Motherwell Thistle while Martin Bonar will wait until the start of pre-season training before testing whether the Jones fracture in his left foot has fully healed.

Inverclyde AFC

Inverclyde AFC fixtures so far this season:-

Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division

19th August 2015 Inverclyde 0 - 4 Shawlands FP
22nd August 2015 Inverclyde 3 - 1 Oban Saints
5th September 2015 Inverclyde 2 - 4 Goldenhill
12th September 2015 East Kilbride Rolls Royce 2 - 4 Inverclyde
24th October 2015 Campbeltown Pupils 0 - 3 Inverclyde
7th November 2015 Alba Thistle 0 - 4 Inverclyde
14th November 2015 Inverclyde 2 - 0 East Kilbride Rolls Royce
20th February 2016 East Kilbride FC Amateurs 3 - 2 Inverclyde
27th February 2016  Goldenhill 3 - 0 Inverclyde
5th March 2016 Inverclyde 4 - 0 Alba Thistle
12th March 2016 Shawlands FP 3 - 1 Inverclyde
13th April 2016 Inverclyde 1 - 3 St Joseph's FP
23rd April 2016 Inverclyde 1 - 2 Finnart
30th April 2016 Inverclyde 4 - 2 Campbeltown Pupils
4th May 2016 St Joseph's FP 5 - 1 Inverclyde
7th May 2016 Inverclyde 1 - 2 East Kilbride FC Amateurs

Scottish Amateur Football League Centenary Cup

1st Round
15th August 2015 Rosehill Star 3 - 7 Inverclyde

2nd Round
29th August 2015 St Joseph's FP 3 - 0 Inverclyde


Scottish Amateur Football League Jimmy Marshall Trophy

1st Round
Bye

2nd Round
13th February 2016 Ferguslie Star 5 - 1 Inverclyde


Scottish Amateur Cup

1st Round
Bye

2nd Round
3rd October 2015 Inverclyde 5 - 1 Linwood Thistle

3rd Round
31st October 2015 Vale of Girvan 0 - 6 Inverclyde

4th Round
12th December 2015 Inverclyde 0 - 1 Rutherglen

West of Scotland Cup

1st Round
19th September 2015 Dumbarton Wanderers 2 - 1 Inverclyde

Saints Skipper Marc MacCallum makes the introductions when the Saints and Inverclyde met in the 20113 - 14 SAFL Jimmy Marshall Trophy Final

Inverclyde AFC recent SAFL finishes:-

2006 - 07 Premier Division One 2nd Promoted
2007 - 08 Premier Division 2nd
2008 - 09 Premier Division 7th
2009 - 10 Premier Division 5th
2010 - 11 Premier Division 5th
2011 - 12 Premier Division 8th
2012 - 13 Premier Division 6th
2013 - 14 Premier Division 9th Relegated
2014 - 15 Premier Division One 5th Promoted



Saints SAFL Premier Division home record v Inverclyde in recent seasons:-

2007 - 08 16th February 2008 Oban Saints 0 - 1 Inverclyde
2008 - 09 4th April 2009 Oban Saints 1 - 1 Inverclyde
2009 - 10 13th March 2010 Oban Saints 5 - 2 Inverclyde
2010 - 11 19th February 2011 Oban Saints 2 - 1 Inverclyde
2011 - 12 27th August 2011 Oban Saints 4 - 2 Inverclyde
2012 - 13 25th May 2013 Oban Saints 3 - 3 Inverclyde
2013 - 14 24th May 2014 Oban Saints 2 - 0 Inverclyde

Action from Inverclyde's last visit to Glencruitten

Donald Campbell opens the scoring in the 65th minute

Paul Kerr makes it 2 - 0 in stoppage time inching Saints ever closer to the Premier Division tile

#monthesaints

Friday Feeling

The Cure - Friday I'm In Love

Friday 20th May 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 6.45pm
Referee Mr Jimmy Litster

It remains to be seen whether the Scottish Amateur Football League have struck a late deal with Sky Sports or BT Sports to screen the climax of the Premier Division season or if there is some other reason behind this weekend's unusual Friday night and Sunday afternoon fixture schedule. Whatever the reason it at least gives the Saints faithful two home fixtures to look forward to after a run of just one home game out of the last nine since the Scottish Amateur Cup quarter-final win over Shortlees on 19th March.

In the first match of this weekend's double header Saints 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 consolation came in the shape of Craig MacEwan's second half goal adding 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. That defeat made it just one point from a possible nine in a poor start to the league campaign from the Saints however the much improved performance on the day against the reigning champions proved to be 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 defeats at the hands of Alba Thistle, Finnart, Goldenhill and home and away maulings from East Kilbride FC Amateurs have all but ended St Joe's hopes of a successful league title defence and they now occupy third place nine points behind leaders East Kilbride with just three games to play. Saints meanwhile lie a further seven points back in fourth place but with a game in hand over their old foes. With twenty two consecutive top flight seasons between them Saints and St Joe's are now very much the old guard of the Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division therefore, despite both now being out of the running for the league title, bragging rights alone will ensure a keenly contested match between the two old rivals.

Last Saturday at McKenna Park, Cardonald St Joseph's joined Saints in the final of the Jimmy Marshall Trophy with a 4 - 2 semi-final win over East Kilbride Rolls Royce. This will be St Joe's second cup final of the season having already reached the final of the Centenary Cup where, despite a dramatic last minute equaliser to take the tie to a penalty shoot-out, they were pipped 5 - 4 on penalty kicks by Ferguslie Star. The two Scottish Amateur Football League cup final appearances for St Joe's will go some way to making up for the disappointment of early exits from the major cup competitions at the hands of Kilsyth in the West of Scotland Cup and Albion in the Scottish Amateur Cup where St Joe's had hoped to improve upon last season's excellent showing which took them to the seventh round and a narrow exit at the hands of eventual competition runners up Craigshill Thistle.

Team News

In contrast to last Saturday's threadbare squad at East Kilbride Manager Alex Craik will have significantly more resources at his disposal as he welcomes back Craig Campbell, Dougal Graham, Jamie Graham, Ross Maitland and Allan Mackay. Still missing through injury are Martin Bonar, Myles McAuley and Skipper Marc Maccallum with Scott Maitland's international call-up (see below) also ruling him out. With places in the starting line-up for next Friday night's Jimmy Marshall Trophy final still very much up for grabs the Saints Gaffer will want to give his charges as much game time as possible over this weekend's double header.


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

SAFL Premier Division

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
19th March 2016 Alba Thistle 3 - 0 St Joseph's FP
13th April 2016 Inverclyde 1 - 3 St Joseph's FP
20th April 2016 St Joseph's FP 1 - 2 Goldenhill
27th April 2016 St Joseph's FP 4 - 2 Shawlands FP

4th May 2016 St Joseph's FP 5 - 1 Inverclyde

11th May 2016 St Joseph's FP 0 - 5 East Kilbride FC Amateurs

SAFL Centenary Cup

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

Quarter Final
5th March 2016 St Joseph's FP 5 - 2 East Kilbride FC Amateurs

Semi Final
9th April 2016 St Joseph's FP 1 - 0 Goldenhill

Final
8th May 2016 Ferguslie Star 1 - 1 St Joseph's FP
Ferguslie Star win 5 - 4 on penalty kicks

SAFL Jimmy Marshall Trophy

1st Round
Bye

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

3rd Round
16th April 2016 St Joseph's FP 4 - 0 Easthall Star

Quarter Final
30th April 2016 Ferguslie Star 1 - 2 St Joseph's FP

Semi Final
14th May 2016 East Kilbride Rolls Royce 2 - 4 St Joseph's FP


West of Scotland Amateur Cup

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

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 disappointment of Donald Campbell's long standing holiday arrangements forcing him to withdraw from the Scottish Amateur Football Association Select's visit to Belfast on Saturday 14th May was lessened considerably this week when Scott Maitland received a late call-up for the Select's trip to Lithuania. The International squad departed for Vilnius on Thursday where they will face Estonia, Sweden and hosts Lithuania in the UEFA Regions Cup tournament preliminary group stages. Scott's call up is a richly deserved reward, not only for his excellent season for Saints but also for the high level of commitment he has shown to the international squad since recently catching the eye of National Select Manager Bruce McNaught.

In Other Other News

The venue for this season's Scottish Amateur Football League Jimmy Marshall Trophy between Oban Saints and St Joseph's FP has been confirmed as Millburn Park, Alexandria home of Vale of Leven Juniors. The match will kick off at 7pm and must be played to a finish on the night with penalty kicks to decide the winners if the sides cannot be separated after ninety minutes.

#monthesaints

Accept No Substitutes

Clout - Substitute

Saturday 14th May 2016

Scottish Amateur Football League
Premier Division

East Kilbride FC Amateurs 1 - 1 Oban Saints AFC

K-Park Training Academy, Calderglen, East Kilbride G75 0QZ

Kick off 1pm
Referee Mr John McQuilter

Saints starting line-up:-

Thomas McCulloch

David McArthur
Alex Craik
Dene Cassells
Scott Maitland

Willie Gemmell
Paul Kerr
Donald Campbell (Captain)
Keith Millar

Dean Smith
Craig MacEwan

Unused Substitute:-

Peter MacCallum

Saints Goalscorer:-

Keith Millar ⚽

It was a very much down to the bare bones Saints party that made the long trip to Scotland's roundabout capital last Saturday to face title chasing East Kilbride FC Amateurs but full credit to those who did travel for they returned home with a highly creditable point. Injuries, work and family commitments left Manager Alex Craik with only ten available players plus himself and the ever youthful Coach Peter MacCallum. Despite the lack of numbers Alex was able to field a strong starting line-up of Thomas McCulloch in goal; a back four of David McArthur, Alex Craik, Dene Cassells and Scott Maitland; Willie Gemmell, Paul Kerr, Donald Campbell and Keith Millar in midfield; and a strike partnership of Dean Smith and Craig MacEwan. However it was on the bench where the paucity of players was most evident with only Peter MacCallum pulling a yellow bib over his number fourteen jersey.  

In a fairly even first half the home side had the better of the chances with Gary McDowal hitting the crossbar with a header and Paul Kerr and Dene Cassells having to make important interceptions to keep the Kilby attack at bay. Saints front pairing of Dean Smith and Craig MacEwan were well supported where possible by Skipper Donald Campbell but made little impression on the meanest defence in the league. The best move from the visitors came in the thirty first minute when Scott Maitland closed down and dispossessed Stuart McMillan just inside the Kilby half and worked a quick give and go with Donald Campbell. Scott made a good run into the left hand side of the Kilby box to receive the return pass from Donald and hit the bye-line before sending a cut back to Donald who was unlucky to see his shot blocked by Christopher Paterson. With only two minutes of the first half remaining Saints conceded in disappointing circumstances getting caught out with a swift counter attack from their own free kick. Willie Gemmell's short free kick from inside the centre circle was intercepted by David Hepburn who played a quick ball up to striker Jonny Diack. With Saints appealing in vain for an offside decision the Kilby danger man got in behind Dene Cassells and Scott Maitland and deftly lifted the ball over the advancing Thomas McCulloch and into the net to give the home side the lead.

Saints were quickly out of the starting blocks in the second half and equalised after just ninety seconds. Craig MacEwan made a good run into the right hand side of the Kilby box to get on the end of a Donald Campbell pass. Craig tricked his way past two players and delivered a low cross into the six yard box which Donald Campbell narrowly failed to connect with but Keith Millar stroked home at the back post. Saints came close to adding to their tally with Scott Maitland and Craig MacEwan forcing Kilby keeper Graeme McMillan into action. Craig's sixty eighth minute hook shot after a good move on the left involving Donald Campbell and Dean Smith was comfortably held by the keeper however he had to work considerably harder to keep out Scott's effort five minutes from time. Dean Smith won a throw-in high up the park on the left wing with Willie Gemmell finding Scott with his throw. Scott turned onto his right foot and fired in a terrific net bound shot which McMillan acrobatically tipped over his crossbar. At the other end Alex Craik turned back the years with a solid performance at the heart of the defence alongside Dene Cassells. When Kilby did manage to penetrate the Saints defence they found Thomas McCulloch to be in excellent form making top class saves to deny Gary McDowal, Christopher Paterson and David Hepburn. The pick of the bunch from the Saints number one came in the eighty third minute. Scott Maitland closed down David Atha on the Saints left at the expense of a corner kick. Atha's deep delivery was headed back across the box by Kilby Skipper Gavin Thomson into the path of Gary McDowal whose powerful volley from fourteen yards was well held by McCulloch diving to his left. The Saints eleven put in an excellent shift in the warm strength sapping East Kilbride sunshine with the prospect of Peter MacCallum having to enter the fray inspiring the players to find the necessary energy reserves to see out the remainder of the half and secure a thoroughly deserved share of the points. The single point leaves East Kilbride tantalisingly close to the league title which they can clinch with a victory over Goldenhill next Saturday. 

After a punishing schedule including three consecutive Wednesday night away fixtures Saints can at last look forward to a couple of home fixtures commencing on Friday night against St Joseph's FP quickly followed on Sunday by the visit of Inverclyde. 

Dean Smith breaks through

Dean Cassells and Jonny Diack

Scott Maitland and David Atha

Dene Cassells, David Atha and Scott Maitland

Thomas McCulloch

Dene Cassells

Keith Millar

Keith Millar equalises for Saints

Scott Maitland, Paul Kerr and Donald Campbell congratulate Keith Millar

Graeme McMillan punches clear under pressure from Craig MacEwan

Paul Kerr heads clear

Keith Millar closes down Stuart McMillan

Thomas McCulloch saves from David Hepburn

Willie Gemmell and Gavin Thomson

Peter Pan MacCallum

#monthesaints

Spring, Summer and Wednesdays

Status Quo - (April) Spring, Summer and Wednesdays

The Scottish Amateur Football League Jimmy Marshall Trophy

Wednesday 11th May 2016
Scottish Amateur Football League
Jimmy Marshall Trophy
Semi Final Tie
Motherwell Thistle AFC 0 - 3 Oban Saints AFC
Millburn Park
Leven Street
Alexandria
G83 0SR
Kick off 7pm
Referee Mr Jim Rose
Assistant Referee Gordon Hay
Assistant Referee Jozef Nemec

Saints Starting line-up:-

Thomas McCulloch

David McArthur
Craig Campbell
Dene Cassells
Scott Maitland

Myles McAuley
Paul Kerr
Willie Gemmell

Ross Maitland
Dean Smith
Craig MacEwan

Used Substitutes:-

Donald Campbell
Jamie Graham
Allan Mackay
Keith Millar

Unused Substitute:-

Alex Craik

Saints Goalscorers:-

Ross Maitland ⚽
Willie Gemmell ⚽

Dene Cassells ⚽


Saints made their fourth consecutive Scottish Amateur Football League Jimmy Marshall Trophy semi-final appearance last Wednesday night at bogey ground Millburn Park, Alexandria. Saints had never before won a match at the home of Vale of Leven Juniors but, despite an inauspicious start to the evening, finally managed to break that long standing hoodoo against Premier Division One promotion chasers Motherwell Thistle. A road traffic accident at the Halfway House resulting in the closure of the A85 almost put paid to Saints hopes of reaching Alexandria in time to play the match. However a perilous diversion along the verges of the almost totally gridlocked Connel back road eventually got the Saints minibus back on track albeit slightly later than planned with only a fifteen minute delay to kick off required.

Manager Alex Craik's enforced squad rotation continued with injury and work commitments forcing Paul Carmichael and Dougal Graham to drop out of the squad that had beaten East Kilbride Rolls Royce in the previous Saturday's league match. Craig MacEwan, Donald Campbell and Keith Millar returned with Craig going straight into the starting line-up while Donald and Keith joined the Gaffer, Jamie Graham and Allan Mackay on the substitiutes bench. The continuing absence through injury of skipper Marc Maccallum meant that Paul Kerr once again pulled on the Captain's armband in his accustomed midfield anchor role. Joining Paul in midfield were Myles McAuley and Willie Gemmell how would hope to provide the ammunition for the front three of Ross Maitland, Dean Smith and Craig MacEwan. At the back Saints has David McArthur, Craig Campbell, Dene Cassells and Scott Maitland in front of goalkeeper Thomas McCulloch.

Saints kicked off with the low sun behind them and were quick to try to exploit the wide open spaces of the large playing surface. With barley ninety seconds on the clock Myles McAuley played a delightful through ball for Dean Smith who timed his run well to get in behind Thistle skipper Stuart Hunter but sent his right foot shot past keeper Paul Aiton's left hand post. Having skimmed the top of the crossbar with a long range shot last Saturday Skipper for the day Paul Kerr decided to try his luck again from twenty five yards this time sending his effort from a Dean Smith lay off a foot over the bar. The front three of Ross Maitland, Dean Smith and Craig MacEwan were looking lively and combined to devastating effect in the fourth minute opening up the Thistle defence for Ross Maitland to curl a shot from sixteen yards into the bottom corner past Paul Aiton's despairing left hand. The long park provided an inviting space in front of the Thistle back four for Willie Gemmell to test the keeper from distance and in the tenth minute he has a goal bound effort deflected wide for a corner kick. Two minutes later he did manage to hit the target after a good move on the left involving Ross and Scott Maitland. Scott dispossessed Daniel Young on the Saints left and found Ross on the edge of the Thistle box. Ross laid the ball off to Willie Gemmell who had taken up a good position but failed to generate enough power on his shot to fully extend Paul Aiton. Misplaced passes and cheaply conceded possession on the bumpy surface dissipated Saints early domination allowing Thistle to come more into the match. Influential midfielder Steven Dunn hit a powerful shot from thirty yards which sailed over Thomas McCulloch's crossbar. Unfortunately Dunn appeared to injure his right thigh in the process and, despite continuing for a brief spell after treatment, eventually had to leave the field in the twenty first minute making way for Rhys Haggarty. A simple ball over the top from Thistle play maker William McMaster caught out the Saints defence in the twenty third minute. McMaster's lofted ball in the inside left channel was anticipated by Ombeni Ruhanduka who ran in behind David McArthur and Craig Campbell and drew a good save from Thomas McCulloch at his near post. Saints mirrored this move at the other end with Willie Gemmell the provider for Craig MacEwan who was crowded out by David Knight and Stuart Hunter before he could get his shot away. Gemmell had another shooting opportunity in the twenty sixth minute again after good work on the left by Scott Maitland. This time it was Craig MacEwan providing the lay-off for Willie who sent a fizzing low drive inches wide of Paul Aiton's left hand post. A good spell of Saints pressure just before the half hour almost lead to Ross Maitland doubling his tally. Ross made a good run up the right wing and sent a tempting cross along the six yard line just out of the reach of Craig MacEwan. Craig did well to retain possession taking the ball to the bye-line before cutting back to Dean Smith who opted out of a left foot shot which totally wrong footed Willie Gemmell who was also well placed for a shot on target. Paul Kerr picked up the loose ball and picked out Craig MacEwan still lurking on the left of the Thistle box. A Cruyff turn from Craig took out two defenders and opened up space for a pass across the face of goal to Ross Maitland who looked certain to score. Unfortunately for Ross the ball took a wicked bounce and Paul Aiton was able to scramble across his goal-line and smother the ball at the wee man's feet. Saints had a thirty second minute penalty appeal turned down by Referee Jim Rose from a long Willie Gemmell throw for the left. Gemmell aimed for the head of Craig Campbell but the ball appeared to come off the hand of Stuart Hunter. However Mr Rose ruled that Craig had fouled Hunter and awarded a free kick in Thistle's favour. At the other end Thomas McCulloch was called into action coming out well to narrow the angle and save from Ombeni Ruhanduka when the live wire striker burst through between Scott Maitland and Dene Cassells. This close shave was followed in 36th minute by a good deep cross from the left wing by Antony Mitchell for striker John Fowler who looked well placed to test McCulloch until Scott Maitland got back to block his path and see the ball behind for a goal kick. With the clock ticking down to the half time interval Myles McAuley made a good run through the inside right channel bursting into the box only to be closed down by Scott Watson and David Knight who forced the ball behind for a corner kick. Ross Maitland sent over an out-swinger from the right which Dene Cassells headed wide of target after making a good run to get across his marker. This was the last significant action of the first half before Mr Rose and his assistants retired to the pavilion for a half time cup of tea leaving both sets of players to catch their breath at the side of the pitch.

After a slow start the second half came to life in the fifty fourth minute with a double let-off for Saints. Thomas McCulloch lost the flight of a William McMaster free kick from the left in the low sunlight allowing Rhys Haggarty to send a looping header back over McCulloch's head towards the unguarded net. Fortunately for Saints the ball hit the crossbar but came out to Ombeni Ruhanduka who, from four yards out, also managed the hit the bar with McCulloch eventually able to pluck the ball from the air. Saints immediately pushed forward on the right with David McArthur sending Ross Maitland up the touchline where he delivered a cross to the near post which Craig MacEwan hooked over his shoulder but only into the grateful arms of Paul Aiton. Craig was heavily involved in the build up to Saints second goal when his perseverance closed down David Knight and drew a foul from the Thistle defender twenty four yards out on the Saints right. Ross Maitland flighted a good ball to the back post which Craig headed down and back across the face of goal to Willie Gemmell who resisted the temptation to go for power and passed the ball into the net from seven yards. That proved to be Willie's last involvement as Manager Alex Craik called Donald Campbell from the substitutes bench to replace him. Saints looked to exploit another set-piece opportunity in the sixty sixth minute after Dean Smith had been brought down just inside the Thistle half. Myles McAuley launched the free kick to the edge of the Thistle box with Dean Smith winning a good flick on to Scott Maitland whose left foot shot was blocked for a corner kick. Ross Maitland sent another excellent delivery onto the six yard line which was powered into the net by Dene Cassells for Saints third goal. Saints survived another scare in the seventieth minute when a ball over the top took out David McArthur and left Thomas McCulloch in no man's land with Antony Mitchell sparing their blushes by scooping over the bar when a goal seemed a certainty. Two minutes later McCulloch atoned for his part in the earlier mix-up making a good near post save from a Daniel McEwan shot. This was to prove the last serious threat to an all too rare Saints clean sheet as although Thistle kept working hard it was Saints who remained firmly in control in the closing stages. Donald Campbell made an excellent jinking run into the Thistle box in the seventy third minute and slipped in Dean Smith who fired in a good shot which was well held by keeper Aiton. The pair were involved again just one minute later with Donald picking out a good run by Dean who laid the ball back to Myles McAuley for a low shot just inches wide of the keeper's left hand post. Dean Smith and Ross Maitland made way for Allan Mackay and Keith Millar in the seventy fifth minute in a move which signalling a switch to a 4-4-2 formation. Allan brought out a good save from Paul Aiton stinging the palms of the keeper's hands with a fierce right foot shot from a Craig MacEwan lay-off with the keeper happy to gather the ball at the second attempt. A little bit of the gloss was taken off an otherwise successful night's work when Myles McAuley limped off with an ankle injury in the eightieth minute with his place being taken by Jamie Graham. Jamie slotted in a right back with David McArthur moving forward to the right of the four man midfield. McArthur made an immediate impact in his new more advanced role working a one-two with Donald Campbell to create the space for a low cross into the box which frustratingly feel just behind Allan Mackay in the middle. Saints comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to secure a third Jimmy Marshall Trophy Final appearance in four years and end a punishing schedule of Wednesday night fixtures on a high note.                      

Ross Maitland opens the scoring

Myles McAuley

Craig MacEwan and Paul Kerr

Steven Dunn before injury cut short his involvement

Daniel Young is watched closely by Craig MacEwan

Daniel McEwan tries to find a way past Paul Kerr

Paul Aiton gets back to save at Ross Maitland's feet

Thomas McCulloch gathers well at his near post

Willie Gemmell makes it 2 - 0 to Saints

Dean Smith turns away from Daniel Young

Craig MacEwan and Scott Watson

Dene Cassells powers home a header for Saints third goal

Millburn Park Home of Vale of Leven Juniors. Familiar surroundings but an unfamiliar result!

#monthesaints

Around and Around

Chuck Berry - Around and Around

Saturday 14th May 2016

Scottish Amateur Football League
Premier Division

East Kilbride FC Amateurs v Oban Saints AFC

K-Park Training Academy, Calderglen, East Kilbride G75 0QZ

Kick off 1pm
Referee Mr John McQuilter

Around and Around

After getting back to winning ways against East Kilbride Rolls Royce last Saturday Saints make an immediate return to Scotland's roundabout capital to face Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division leaders and champions elect East Kilbride FC Amateurs. The amateur wing of highly ambitious Scottish Lowland Football League club East Kilbride FC have taken the Scottish Amateur Football League by storm in recent seasons and now require just five points from their remaining three fixtures to crown their relentless march to the top with an unprecedented fifth consecutive league title. Kilby's hugely impressive league form includes thumping 6 - 0  and 5 - 0 home and away victories over reigning Champions St Joseph's FP effectively ending St Joe's hopes of retaining their trophy. The only black marks on Kilby's league record so far are the 2 - 0 away defeat against fellow title challengers Goldenhill and draws with neighbours East Kilbride Rolls Royce and Saints on the opening day of the season at Glencruitten. That ultra rare goalless draw was the first in the league for Saints for ten years but they are certainly not alone in failing the penetrate the miserly Kilby defence which has the leagues lowest goals against tally boasting five clean sheets in fifteen matches so far. Kilby are no slouches at the other end of the park either netting 109 times in all competitions and leading the Premier Division's scoring charts with forty three goals. Only Goldenhill now remain as serious challengers to Kilby's title charge giving a fantastic edge to next weeks meeting of the title challengers in East Kilbride.

In addition to their run of league title successes EKFC Amateurs have also recorded some highly commendable cup runs reaching the sixth round of the Scottish Amateur Cup in each of the last three seasons including this season's recent exit at the hands of the all conquering Colville Park. Kilby also reached the last eight of this season's West of Scotland Amateur Cup where they were unlucky to bump into the very much in form and eventual cup winners Shortless Amateurs.

Saints and Kilby have met only twice before with Saints just edging the head to head record. Following the highly entertaining goal-less draw at Glencruitten on the opening day of the season Saints knocked the East Kilbride men out of the Jimmy Marshall Trophy in February courtesy of a brace from Donald Campbell cancelling out David Atha's opener. With precious league points at stake Kilby will most certainly be up for this fixture and desperate to avenge that cup defeat. Having since advanced to the final of the Jimmy Marshall Trophy the Saints players now at least have some silverware to aim for in the closing weeks of the season which should assist Manager Alex Craik in keeping up the momentum in what might otherwise be considered meaningless league fixtures.

Team News

The Gaffer has a heady mixture of injuries, work and family commitments to contend with which will require a few changes to the squad which defeated Motherwell Thistle in the Jimmy Marshall Trophy semi-final in midweek. Notwithstanding his selection woes Alex will put out a strong team for Saints penultimate away trip of the league season.

East Kilbride FC Amateurs Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division One Champions 2014-15. Photograph @EKFCamateurs

East Kilbride FC Amateurs Scottish Amateur Football League record:-

2014-15 Premier Division One Champions Promoted

2013-14 Premier Division Two Champions Promoted

2012-13 Division 1A Champions Promoted

2011-12 Division 1B Champions Promoted

East Kilbride FC Amateurs fixtures so far this season:-

SAFL Premier Division

15th August 2015 Oban Saints 0 - 0 East Kilbride FC Amateurs

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

12th September 2015 Shawlands FP 0 - 1 East Kilbride FC Amateurs

24th October 2015 Goldenhill 2 - 0 East Kilbride FC Amateurs

28th November 2015 East Kilbride FC Amateurs 6 - 0 St Joseph's FP

20th February 2016 East Kilbride FC Amateurs 3 - 2 Inverclyde
19th March 2016 East Kilbride FC Amateurs 3 - 2 Campbeltown Pupils
9th April 2016 East Kilbride Rolls Royce 1 - 7 East Kilbride FC Amateurs
16th April 2016 East Kilbride FC Amateurs 2 - 1 Shawlands FP
20th April 2016 Alba Thistle 1 - 2 East Kilbride FC Amateurs
23rd April 2016 Campbeltown Pupils 2 - 4 East Kilbride FC Amateurs
30th April 2016 East Kilbride FC Amateurs 1 - 1 East Kilbride Rolls Royce
4th May 2016 Finnart 1 - 3 East Kilbride FC Amateurs
7th May 2016 Inverclyde 1 - 2 East Kilbride FC Amateurs
11th May 2016 St Joseph's FP 0 - 5 East Kilbride FC Amateurs

SAFL Centenary Cup

1st Round
Bye

2nd Round
29th August 2015 Shawlands FP (B) 0 - 7 East Kilbride FC Amateurs

Quarter Final
5th March 2016 St Joseph's FP 5 - 2 East Kilbride FC Amateurs

SAFL Jimmy Marshall Trophy

1st Round
Bye

2nd Round
27th February 2016 East Kilbride FC Amateurs 1 - 2 Oban Saints

Scottish Amateur Cup

1st Round

5th September 2015 East Kilbride FC Amateurs 4 - 0 Cambria

2nd Round

3rd October 2015 East Kilbride FC Amateurs 8 - 0 Campsie Minerva

3rd Round

31st October 2015 East Kilbride FC Amateurs 3 - 2 Hurlford Thistle

4th Round

12th December 2015 Strathmiglo United 1 - 2 East Kilbride FC Amateurs

5th Round

23rd January 2016 East Kilbride FC Amateurs 7 - 0 Eddlewood

6th Round

6th February 2016 East Kilbride FC Amateurs 1 - 4 Colville Park

West of Scotland Amateur Cup

1st Round

19th September 2015 Gryffe Thistle 2 - 6 East Kilbride FC Amateurs

2nd Round

17th October 2015 East Kilbride FC Amateurs 11 - 0 New Meadow

3rd Round

14th November 2015 East Kilbride FC Amateurs 4 - 3 Newton Academicals

4th Round

19th December 2015 East Kilbride FC Amateurs 4 - 2 Tynecastle

5th Round 

13th February 2015 Woodhall Thistle 1 - 3 East Kilbride FC Amateurs

6th Round

26th March 2016 East Kilbride FC Amateurs 1 - 0 St Mungo's

Quarter Final

2nd April 2016 Shortlees Amateurs 7 - 2 East Kilbride FC Amateurs

Action from Saints February visit to K-Park to face East Kilbride FC Amateurs

David Atha opens the scoring for East Kilbride FC Amateurs

First half scramble in the Saints goalmouth

Thomas McCulloch makes a comfortable save

Willie Gemmell

Paul Kerr

Donald Campbell's free kick is easily gathered by Graeme Campbell

Dean Smith turns away from Michael Peacock

Donald Campbell makes it 2 - 1 to Saints from the penalty spot

Saints defend a second half corner

Late opportunity on the counter attack for Dougal Graham and Myles McAuley

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