Oban Saints AFC

CAMBRIA were the visitors to Oban for this Premier Division league match and the Glasgow side's Cammy Scott will be the happier of the two managers as his team battled for a hard fought draw against the league leaders.
   Extra spice was added to the match with Cambria having no fewer than five former Oban based players in their squad - Daniel Cassells, Joe Lopez, Scott Johnston, Eddie Swift and Calum Hill.
   The game had to be switched to the 3g at Oban High School at the last minute when referee Gary Stephen, after an inspection, decided that the grass pitch at Glencruiiten was too hard and would be dangerous for the players.
   With a lot of friendly banter between the clubs on the SAFL website leading up to the game a big crowd of spectators turned up for the match and they weren't disappointed, the only thing that was missing was goals.
The first half was pretty evenly balanced with the teams sizing each other up. Eddie Swift and Dougie Gunning showing up well in attack for the visitors.
   The best chance in the opening period fell to Saints when Asen Gaydardzhiev played in Donald Campbell, but he will be disappointed that the failed to make Cambria keeper Daniel Cassells work as he blasted the ball over the bar from 12 yards.
   Cambria looked pretty solid at the back and were frustrating the home team. There was no quarter asked or given as tackles were going in thick and fast, with referee Gary Stephen, who had a good game, keeping a tight rein on things, never letting the game get out of control.
   It was a more determined Saints team that came out at the start of the second half and Craig MacEwan had a great chance to open the scoring but he rushed his shot and it went wide of the right hand post.
   Cambria were stunned by this early onslaught, but were defending well. The home side had another excellent chance when Sean Ford found himself clear on the right and decided to have a shot, which was the wrong option, when a square ball across the goals would have given Asen an easy tap in.
   Saints had another great opportunity in the 55th minute when Asen sent over a great corner from the left, but Craig MacEwan headed wide of the target when it looked easier to score.
   The visitors weathered the storm and almost snatched the lead when the Saints defence got caught napping at a free kick, but the home side have keeper Graham Douglas to thank for a brillant save low down from Dougie Gunning's shot which looked to be heading into the back of the net.
   The home side came storming back and Myles McAuley had a good effort but his shot sailed over the bar.
   Cambria's goal led a charmed life in the 78th minute when Saints had three attempts to score, the ball coming off the bar with Daniel Cassells beaten. It was bouncing tantalisingly around the box and the home side had another two goes at getting it into the net but the ball was blocked on the line on both occasions, before being booted clear.
   The visitors luck held out again when a net bound shot from Allan MacKay was cleared off the line with five minutes remaining - it was going to be one of those days for Saints
   Just on the full time whistle the home side had a frustrated Jamie Graham red carded by the referee for dissent which summed up their day when nothing went right, especially in front of goals.
   The Oban side used three substitutes in the second half - Marc MacCallum, Willie Gemmell and Mattie Rippon coming on for Alex Craik, Sean Ford and Craig MacEwan.
   Manager Iain Jackson was bitterly disappointed at not picking up all three points. He said: 'We created three or four really good chances, which we failed to take, but credit to Cambria, they defended well and looked dangerous on the break, but we feel this was two points dropped.'

Oban Saints: Douglas, J Graham, Lopez, Craik (MacCallum), McAuley, R Graham, Ford (W Gemmell), Campbell, MacKay, Gaydardzhiev, MacEwan Rippon). Sub not used: Maitland

Scottish Amateur Cup - 5th Round - Saturday 20th January
Saints snatch defeat from
the jaws of victory
Falkirk 4 v 3 Oban Saints

Allan MacKay

SAINTS travelled to take on former Scottish Cup finalists Falkirk in the 5th round of this year's competition, but unfortunately it was a disappointed Oban outfit that made their way home on the end of a 4-2 defeat.
   This was the fourth attempt the teams had to get the game played due to the recent bad weather and it would not have been a surprise if the referee had called this match off as well.
   There was due to be three games played at Little Kerse on Saturday, and the referees in the other two matches called their games off saying the pitches were too dangerous, but Mr Blake from the Fife League took the decision to play the Scottish Cup tie between Falkirk and Saints.
   Credit should go to both teams for turning in an exciting encounter in conditions more suited to dancing on ice rather than football.
   The Oban side were without defenders Jamie Graham and Marc MacCallum who were both unavailable which forced a re-jig at the back which didn't help the Saints cause.
   Both sets of players took time to find their feet, literally, on the tricky surface which was going to be a nightmare for defenders.
   The game started well for the visitors, Donald Campbell had a good effort as did Asen Gaydardzhiev in the opening minutes and at the other end Scott McManus and Stephen Hutchison came close.
   This was a typical cup tie with both teams going at it hammer and tongs, but it must be said the game was played in good spirit with both sets of players realising the chance of injury due to the difficult underfoot conditions.
   Falkirk are a very experienced side, but the young Saints outfit were giving a good account of themselves and were not being overawed by their opponents.
   Donald Campbell had a good shooting chance in the 19th minute, but his effort sailed over the bar and Saints have Graham Douglas to thank for two good saves in quick succession to keep the scoreline blank.
   The visitors broke the deadlock in the 41st minute when Myles McAuley fed the ball to Allan MacKay, who in turn sent a great cross into the box for Craig MacEwan who got in front of his marker to head the ball past his namesake John MacEwan in the Falkirk goal to make the half time score 1-0
  Saints started the second half very casually and almost let the home side in on goals, but eventually the ball was cleared. This should have been a warning to the visitors that Falkirk meant business.
   However, it was Saints who increased their lead three minutes into the half when Allan MacKay picked the ball up 25 yards from goal and thumped a right foot rocked over the helpless John MacEwan to give Saints a two goal advantage.
   Saints should have taken the sting out of the game at this point and tried to keep possession for a while to set themselves up again, but one minute later Dante Lopez failed to clear his lines and eventually the ball was crossed for Derek Colquhoun who outjumped Alex Craik to head the ball home.
   The visitors had a major collapse at this point and the defence lost another two very poor goals scored by Derek Colquhoun and Robert Swan, so in the space of seven minutes Saints went from 2-0 up to 3-2 down.
   Falkirk were pouring forward at every opportunity with that man Colquhoun causing the Saints rearguard no end of trouble.
   Credit to the visitors though, they weathered the storm and went looking for an equaliser and Donald Campbell had a great chance, but he blasted the ball over the bar from 12 yards. Allan MacKay also had a good chance when played in by Asen, but this was also missed.
   With ten minutes left Derek Colquhoun killed off any chance Saints had of forcing a replay when he raced clear before lobbing the advancing Graham Douglas to make the score 4-2.
   With time running out Saints pressed forward and Donald Campbell had another great chance as the ball was driven low acros the penalty box, but it was just one of those days for Donald as he missed an easy tap in.
   Derek Colquhoun had another opportunity near the end of the game when he was clean through, but Graham Douglas made good save to deny the Falkirk striker.
   In the final minute Falkirk central defender Neil Fleming almost put through is own goal when his attempted headed clearance come off the cross bar with his keeper beaten. Alas for Saints time ran out with Falkirk going through to the last 32 of the competition.
   Manager Iain Jackson was disappointed in the scoreline, but not by the way his team played. He said: 'Apart from a mad ten minute spell at the start of he second half when we lost three very poor goals we were a match for a well organised Falkirk team. We created three or four excellent chances and if they had gone in then you just never know. The difference between the teams was Falkirk striker Derek Colquhoun who was different class.'

Oban Saints: Douglas, R Graham, Lopez, Craik, McAuley, D Campbell, Millar, MacEwan (W Gemmell), Maitland (Rippon), MacKay (Ford), Gaydardzhiev

Scottish Amateur Cup - 4th Round Replay
Saturday 9th December
Saints sweep Broomhill away to go through to the last 64
Broomhill 1 v 2 Oban Saints

Ross Graham

SAINTS travelled to Greenock to take on West of Scotland Premier Division team Broomhill in this Foster's Scottish Amateur Cup 4th round replay and it was a happy Oban contingent that headed back up the A82 with a narrow 2-1 win under their belts which now gives them a tough away tie against Falkirk in the last 64 of the competition.
  However, the 2-1 scoreline doesn't tell the full story of the game. Apart from the opening ten minutes the visitors dominated for long spells of this hard fought encounter where no quarter was asked or given.
   The match was switched to the 3g pitch at Battery Park after an inspection found Broomhill's grass park at Parklea to be unplayable due to the hard frost.
   Manager Iain Jackson made two changes from the first game with strikers Allan MacKay and Craig MacEwan coming into the starting line-up in place of Sean Ford and Steven MacLeod.
   It was the home side who started the game in determined mood and had Saints pinned back and they deservedly took the lead in the 6th minute when some slack play in midfield from Willie Gemmell and Keith Millar allowed Daniel Main to run past them before squaring the ball into the path of Gary Devlin who despatched a well placed shot past the helpless Graham Douglas and into the net to give the home team the lead. As it turned out this was the only shot of any significance that Broomhill had on target all afternoon.
   Saints were stung by this goal and came storming back into the match, but the home defence were standing firm and anything that did get through was confidently dealt with by keeper Terry Stinson.
   This was a typical Scottish Cup tie with plenty meaty challenges going in but referee Jim Ferrick, who had a good game, never let it get out of control.
    The visitors had a great chance to pull level in the 14th minute, but Hill keeper Terry Stinson made a great save with his legs to stop a Craig MacEwan effort hitting the back of the net.
    Gradually the visitors took control of the game with defenders Jamie Graham, Dante Lopez and Alex Craig marking Hill strikers Gary Black and Ryan Miller very tight, not allowing them to create anything up front for the home side.
   The half time whistle arrived with Saints trailing 1-0 although Keith Millar had a good chance but he headed a Donald Campbell corner over the bar just before the interval.
    The second half started with the Oban side in determined mood and they pushed forward at every opportunity. The midfield battle between Ross Graham and Keith Millar against Gary Devlin and Kevin Begley was going to prove a vital part of the match, with the superior fitness of the Oban duo starting to take effect as the half wore on.
   Saints equalised in the 56th minute when Broomhill keeper Terry Stinson made a fine save, but the rebound fell kindly for Donald Campbell and the Saints midfielder wasted no time in drilling the ball into the back of the net to make the score 1-1.
   Broomhill seemed to be tiring as the game wore on and it was the Oban side who were doing most of the pressing urged on by Ross Graham and Keith Millar in midfield.
   Donald Campbell was unlucky not to make the score 2-1 when he broke through the middle, but his curling shot, which had beaten the keeper, hit the post before being booted clear.
   Two minutes later Asen Gaydradzhiev had a great chance, but again the Hill net minder made a fine save smothering the ball at the striker's feet. Craig MacEwan was next to try his luck but just over ran the ball when sent clear on the left. Willie Gemmell then hit a fee kick, but it never really troubled the big keeper too much and Allan MacKay had a fine effort which whistled just over the bar.
With fifteen minutes remaining Saints deservedly took the lead when Asen Gaydardzhiev out on the left touchline cleverly beat his maker before sending over a great cross into the box for Allan MacKay who outjumped his marker to head the ball past Terry Stinson and into the net to make the score 2-1.
   With nothing to lose Broomhill pushed men forward to try and take the game to extra time, but the Saints defence were standing firm, although Jamie Graham sliced a clearance that might have caused keeper Graham Douglas a problem.
   The visitors had a claim for a penalty turned down by the referee when Gary Devlin broke into the box and took a theatrical tumble, after a tackle from Ross Graham, but thankfully for Saints the referee wasn't interested and they managed to play out the final few minutes to gain a 2-1 win.
    Saints introduced Marc MacCallum and Paul Carmichael in the second half in place of Willie Gemmell and Asen Gaydardzhiev.
   Manager Iain Jackson was delighted to get through to the 5th round of the competition. He said: 'Broomhill made us fight all the way, but the win was more comfortable that the scoreline suggests. Apart from the opening ten minutes I thought we dominated the match and fully deserved our victory. In fact I was disappointed that we had to come down here for a replay in the first place as we should have won the original game in Oban by two or three goals.'

Oban Saints: Douglas, J Graham, Lopez, Craik, W Gemmell (MacCallum), Millar, R Graham, Campbell, MacEwan, Gaydardzhiev (Carmichael) and MacKay. Subs not used: Maitland, Ford and McAuley.

Scottish Amateur Cup - 4th Round - Saturday 5th December
Lack-lustre Saints struggle to score in Scottish Cup tie
Oban Saints 0 v 0 Broomhill

Alex Craik

SAINTS entertained West of Scotland Premier League side Broomhill from Greenock at Glencruitten in this Scottish Cup 4th round tie and the Oban management team must be scratching their heads as they watched their side turn in their worst performance of the season by a long way.
   The players looked way short of their normal pace, hardly ever getting to the second ball, the passing was pretty poor with the wrong choices being made time after time. They wanted to do too much work on the ball instead of making the obvious pass and make the ball do the work.
   The visitors started well and had Saints pinned back in the early minutes and Daniel Mains came close with a good free kick that went inches over the bar. This should have been a warning to Saints, that Broomhill meant business.
  The home side came back into the game and Donald Campbell had a good chance, but he failed to hit the target in the 13th minute, then Asen Gaydardzhiev headed a Willie Gemmell corner over the bar.
   The visitors were controlling the midfield with some excellent play from Gary Devlin and Kevin Begley which was causing the home side plenty of problems.
    Donald Campbell had another good chance, but he shot past the post then Asen had a header cleared off the line by Jamie Roe.
    The visitors almost opened the scoring in the 42nd minute when they were awarded a free kick out on the right, but thankfully for Saints, keeper Graham Douglas made a great save, touching the ball round the post to keep the scoreline blank at the interval.
    Saints manager Iain Jackson was not a happy bunny at half time and let his players know that a major improvement was needed or they could go out the cup.
    Credit to the players they responded and turned in a better second half performance, although still not up to their usual standard, letting Broomhill have too much time on the ball.
   Having said that Saints created plenty of chances in the second half with Asen missing a great opportunity with a free header which he put round the post when it looked easier to score.
   Broomhill keeper Terry Stinson then came to his team's rescue with a brilliant save touching an Asen header over the bar. The big keeper made two other important saves later in the half to keep his team in the cup.
   The home side then hit the bar twice in a matter of seconds. Asen first, then Donald Campbell, but the ball would not cross the line and it was eventually booted clear.
    Saints were on top as the game drew to a conclusion, but all credit to Broomhill they defended as though their lives depended on it. They carried another bit of luck when Donald Campbell got on the end of Willie Gemmell corner, but this effort also hit the bar and was scrambled clear.
   It was obvious then that it just wasn't going to be Saints' day and in the end although the home side created more scoring chances, Broomhill were entitled to the draw and take the Oban side back down to Parklea for a replay.
   Manager Iain Jackson was not happy with the performance. He said: 'This display was pretty poor, all he boys know they can do much better and that was our worst performance of the season by a mile. We have a wee bit unrest in the camp at the moment. A few players are not abiding by club rules and this is not acceptable so I will be having a meeting with those involved to get things sorted out.

Oban Saints: Douglas, J Graham, Lopez, Craik, MacLeod, R Graham, Millar, W Gemmell, Ford (Rippon), Gaydardzhiev and D Campbell. Subs not used: Maitland, MacEwan, McAuley, Carmichael, MacCallum, MacKay.

Umbro SAFL Premier Division - Saturday 28th November
Asen's double helps Saints sink the High School
Oban Saints 4 v 1 Greenock HSFP

Craig MacEwan

THIS top of the table clash between Saints and Greenock HSFP turned out to be a cracking game for the spectators as these two teams put on a show that was a credit to the Scottish Amateur League.
   The game was switched to the 3g Community Pitch at Oban High School after the heavy rain that had fallen all week made the grass pitch at Glencruitten unplayable.
    The slick 3g surface suited the teams as they both like to get the ball down and play it about and this made for a great game of football.
    Manager Iain Jackson made one change from the team who lost 2-1 away to Milton in the West of Scotland Cup the week before with Sean Ford coming into midfield in place of Marc MacCallum.
    The game started at a cracking pace and it was the visitors who took the match by the scruff of the neck and took the early initiative, forcing Saints to defend in depth, but they never really troubled Saints keeper Graham Douglas too much.
   It took the home side fully ten minutes to get going and a fine move between Asen Gaydardzhiev and Donald Campbell was only stopped by a timely interception from Chris McAllister.
   The game was getting played at a 100 miles an hour with plenty meaty tackles going in thick and fast but referee John Scott, who had a good match, never allowed things to get out of hand.
   The home side took the lead in the 16th minute when Sean Ford played Donald Campbell in on the right flank. Donald beat his marker, cut inside before firing a right foot shot goalwards.. The ball took a wicked deflection off Sean Jamieson, which completely wrong- footed Greenock keeper Willie Swan and the ball ended up in the back of the net.
   Greenock battled back into the game, but the home defence of Jamie Graham, Dante Lopez and Alex Craik were in good form giving Greenock strikers Gordon Smith and Gary Loughran few opportunities to trouble keeper Graham Douglas. The half time interval arrived with Saints leading by the narrow margin of 1-0.
   The High School came out with all guns blazing at the start of the second half and had Saints pinned back for long spells and deservedly equalised in the 54th minute. Barry Munro beat Ross Maitland on the right flank, before sending a superb low cross into the Saints box which evaded all the defenders for Michael O'Donoghue steaming in at the back post to knock the ball home to make the score 1-1 - game on.
   Greenock were right back in the match now and Saints keeper Graham Douglas had to make a couple of good saves low down to keep the scores level.
    Saints were getting a bit of a doing at the start of the second half as the visitors were starting to outmuscle and bully them a bit, so it was time for a change. The Saints management team decided to replace the smaller Sean Ford and Ross Maitland with the bigger and stronger Willie Gemmell and Myles McAuley and this certainly changed the pattern of the game with Willie setting up some great chances and the strong running from Myles always a threat to the Greenock back line.
   The home side almost took the lead in the 68th minute when Asen got on the end of a Willie Gemmell corner, but the Bulgarian was unlucky to see his header hit the bar. However, four minutes later the Greenock defence hadn't learned from their earlier let-off as the same two players combined and this time Asen again found space in the Greenock box and bulleted a header past the helpless Willie Swan to give Saints a 2-1 lead.
   Five minutes later the Oban side took a 3-1 lead with a controversial goal. Asen was sent clear on the right and he wasted no time in slotting the ball past Willie Swan from 12 yards. It must be said that he looked yards offside, but he wasn't hanging about  to find out as he calmly slotted the ball into the net. Despite the protests from the Greenock side, referee John Scott allowed the goal to stand.
   All credit to the visitors they never gave up, but Saints had the smell of victory in their nostrils. Urged on by Keith Millar, Steven MacLeod and Ross Graham in midfield the Oban side were giving nothing away and the icing on the cake came in the final minute when Willie Gemmell fired a good ball into the box for Craig MacEwan, who had come on for Asen as the game drew to a close. Craig outjumped his marker before glancing the ball with his head past the keeper and into the corner of the net to make the final score 4-1.
   Saints manager Iain Jackson was delighted to get full points from a difficult fixture. He said: 'It was a great game, plenty of good football, plenty of passion, played by two good teams. Perhaps the 4-1 scoreline flatters us a wee bit, and Greenock will be a bit unhappy about the third goal, but that's football. We defended really well when we had to and scored four goals into the bargain.'

Oban Saints: Douglas, J Graham, Lopez, Craik, MacLeod, R Graham, Ford (W Gemmell), Millar, Maitland McAuley), Gaydardzhiev (MacEwan), Campbell. Subs not used: Carmichael and Rippon

West of Scotland Cup - 3rd Round - Saturday 21st December
Saints lose out to Milton in the Battle of Bannockburn
Milton 2 v 1 Oban Saints

Steven MacLeod

SAINTS travelled to Bannockburn to take on top Caledonian League side Milton in the 3rd round of the West of Scotland Cup and the teams deserve a great deal of credit for turning in a sporting and entetaining game of football for the brave band of spectators who turned up in horrendous weather conditions that would have kept Robert the Bruce and William Wallace at home by the fire.
   The game was switched from Milton's grass park to the 3g at Banockburn High School and the slick surface seemed to suit both teams.
   The home side booked the strong blustery wind and driving rain in the first half and had Saints pinned back in the opening period of the game, The visitors took a while to settle and it was the home side who looked the more dangerous, coming close on a couple of occasions.
    Gradually Saints fought their way back into the game and Ross Maitland had a great chance, but he fluffed his shot in front of goal. Then Donald Campbell sent a great ball across the home penalty area, but Keith Millar failed to make contact with his head which should have resulted in a goal.
    Milton took the lead in the 23rd minute and what a sloppy goal for Saints to lose. The home side were awarded a corner on the right which was crossed into the box. Keeper Graham Douglas seemed to come for the ball then stop, it went over his head and the unmarked Sam French was on hand to head the ball into the net. This was a poor goal for Saints to lose as nobody picked up the Milton striker and he had a free header.
   However, to their credit Saints came storming back into the game urged on by the midfielders Keith Millar, Marc MacCallum and Ross Graham, but they were finding the Milton defence a hard nut to crack.
   The half time whistle blew with the home side good value for the slender 1-0 lead as they had the better of the territorial advantage, mainly due to the weather conditions.
  With the elements in their favour in the second 45 minutes the visitors came out flying and had Milton pinned back in their own half for long spells, and almost scored when Donald Campbell danced past several defenders in the box, but his shot was saved low down by the keeper.
   Saints were well on top now and it was vital that they scored in this period and this they did in the 64th minute when Asen Gaydardzhiev pounced on a loose ball bouncing around the box and hammered it high into the net, but to everybody's dismay referee Robert McKendry, who had a good game, chalked the goal off saying that Asen's boot was too high but it looked the other way round to the Saints contingent, they thought the Milton defender went in with his head low and the goal should have stood. This refereeing decision was going to play a vital part in the outcome of the final result.
   The Oban side kept pushing forward at every opportunity, but the Milton boys, well organised by James Adamson and Stephen Reynolds were defending well and were not afraid to boot the ball out the park when required to do so.
   Milton always looked dangerous on the break and Saints keeper Graham Douglas had to make a great reaction save when a shot was deflected off Dane Lopez which looked to be heading for the net.
   With thirteen minutes remaining Milton scored their second goal, and it was another disaster for Saints. Skipper Dante Lopez, who had a good game, was short with a pass back to his keeper and Milton substitute Steven O'Hare nipped in to slot the ball home to give his team a 2-0 lead. This was another poor goal for Saints to give away at a vital time in the match.
   The Oban lads battled away, but it now looked an impossible task to claw back the two goals against a top class side like Milton. However, with two minutes remaining they managed to get one back when Steven MacLeod thumped a tremendous right foot shot high into the net to throw Saints a lifeline, but alas it was too little too late and Saints made their exit from the West of Scotland Cup.
   Saints manager Iain Jackson was bittelry disapointed at the two goals his team gave way, but happy that his team battled all the way and gave everything they had against a good Milton side. He said: 'We gave away two poor goals and you can't afford to do that against a team of Milton's quality. However, the turning point of the game was when we got the goal chalked off. I thought Asen's goal was a good one and should have stood. That would have made the score 1-1 and we were on top at that time and in the end the scoreline might have been different. I thought we at least deserved to go to extra time.'

Oban Saints: Douglas, J Graham, Lopez, Craik (Carmichael), MacLeod, MacCallum (W Genmell), R Graham, Millar, Maitland (MacEwan), Gaydardzhiev and Campbell. Subs not used: McAuley and Ford

Scottish Amateur cup - 3rd Round - Saturday 7th November
Asen strikes in forty seconds to help Saints into fourth round
Linlithgow Thistle 1 v 2 Oban Saints

Jamie Graham

A GOAL forty seconds from the kick-off by Saints Bulgarian striker Asen Gaydardzhiev gave the Oban side the perfect start in this third round Foster's Scottish Amateur Cup tie played at Linlithgow Sports Centre
   The referee had barely blown his whistle for the kick-off when Jags keeper Andy Fellows was picking the ball out from the back of his net. Right from the off Saints played the ball forward and good work from Myles McAuley and Donald Campbell set up Asen who calmly stroked the ball into the corner of the net.
    Any thoughts that this game was going to be an easy touch for last year's quarter finalists was quickly dispelled as the home side came roaring back into the game.
    Both teams were going at it hammer and tongs with tackles going in thick and fast, but referee Andy Lyon kept a tight lid on things and never let the game get out of control.
   The visiors had a claim for a penalty in the the 14th minute when Myles McAuley was upended in the box, but the the referee, probably rightly, waved away the protests from the Saints players.
    This was a typical Scottish Cup tie with no quarter being asked or given by either side. The Oban lads knew before hand they would be in for a battle and that is exactly what they got.
    The Saints defence looked pretty solid and were dealing with the home side's attack with Jamie Graham doing a good marking job on Jags danger man Graham Orr.
    Keith Millar seemed to be getting singled out for a bit of rough treatment, but he and Marc MacCallum were battling hard in the middle of the park against the experienced Mark Whyte and Derek Oliver.
   The visitors were unlucky not to extend their lead in the 29h minute when Donald Campbell cut inside his marker before sending over a great strike that hit the bar with Jags keeper Andy Fellows stranded.
    Just before the interval the home side nearly drew level when Kevin Morrison turned Willie Gemmell far too easily, but was unlucky to see his shot come back off the post and booted clear.
    There was no more scoring with Saints going in at the half time break with a slender one goal lead.
    The second half was to be the same as the first with two committed teams going at each other. Saints got that all important second goal in the 51st minute which gave them a vital two goal cushion. Allan MacKay picked up the ball twenty-five yards from goal and took a couple of strides forward before unleashing a right foot thunderbolt which flew past Andy Fellows who was rooted to the spot - a great goal.
    Myles McAuley was next to try his luck, but the Jags keeper made a good diving save to deny the Saints front man.
    Thistle had nothing to lose and pushed more men forward, but the Saints defence were coping well with anything that came their way, although substitute Steven Wardrope came close with a fine effort in the 59th minute.
    The home side pulled a goal back in the 67th minute when the Saints defence failed to clear a corner. The ball fell kindly in the box for Thistle's central defender Ray Shiels who was on hand to bundle the ball over the line from close range.
    The Oban side knew they were in for a tough last 20 minutes, but they weathered the storm and were unlucky when Donald Campbell sent over a great cross for Allan Mackay, whose header hit the bar before being scrambled clear.
    The visitors had a strong claim for a penalty when Myles McAuley seemed to be fouled in the box, but again the referee was in no mood to point to the spot.
    The home side also had a penalty claim turned down when the ball struck Alex Craik on the arm, but it would have been a harsh decision as it seemed to be ball to arm rather than the other way round, but you've seen them given.
    Thistle front man Graham Orr was sent off after being shown his second yellow card of the match in the dying minutes after a tackle on Jamie Graham which ended any chance of a late comeback from the home side.
    The visitors played out the final minutes quite comfortably to earn a hard fought 2-1 win against tough opposition.
    Saints took off Willie Gemmell and Asen Gaydardzhiev and replaced them with Ross Graham and Steven MacLeod in the second half.
    Manager Iain Jackson was happy with the win and go into the fourth round draw. He said: ' We knew it would be a tough match, the pitch was a bit bumpy and it was just a case of battling hard against a good Linlithgow team. We scored two well taken goals, created more chances, hit the bar twice, so I think we deserved to go through.'

Oban Saints: Douglas, J Graham, Lopez, Craik, Gemmell (MacLeod), Millar, MacCallum, D Campbell, McAuley, MacKay, Gaydardzhiev (R Graham). Subs not used: Maitland, Ford, Carmichael.

Umbro SAFL Premier Division - Saturday 31st October
Kilpatrick and Saints have to settle for a share of the points
Kilpatrick 1 v 1 Oban Saints

Willie Gemmell

SAINTS made the trip to Temple Recreation to take on Kilpatrick in this Premier Division league match and it was the Oban contingent who must have been the happier after the 90 minutes, picking up a valuable away point against a good Kilpatrick side.
   The visitors were without striker Asen Gaydardzhiev, who is home in Bulgaria on holiday, and the suspended Craig MacEwan, but apart from these two manager Iain Jackson had a full squad to choose from.
   Unfortunately he had to revise his plans just before the kick-off when Marc MacCallum and Steven MacLeod reported feeling unwell, so they dropped to the bench.
   The playing surface was in superb condition considering the heavy overnight rain, but I'm afraid these two teams just did not turn on the style they are capable of as both defences were on top and goalscoring chances were few and far between with neither goalkeeper having to make a save of any significance.
   Saints had the advantage of a blustery breeze in the first half, but they were finding the Kilpatrick defence, well marshalled by Jeremy Packman and Scott Barrie a hard nut to crack.
    There was no quarter asked or given as the tackles were flying in thick and fast, but in the most past the game was played in the right spirit.
   Willie Gemmell fired in a long throw in the 14th minute which caused a bit of confusion in the home defence, but the Saints strikers couldn't get on the end of the ball as it was bouncing invitingly around the box.
   At the other end Saints keeper Graham Douglas was glad to see a David Simeon shot scream over the bar.
    The home side took the lead in the 23rd minute when Scott Craig was sent through on the right and he fired the ball over from an acute angle and it ended up in the back of the net. Whether this was a cross or a shot only Scott knows the answer, but we'll give him the benefit of the doubt and say he meant to score.
   Saints were stung by this reversal and they came storming back into the game and equalised on the half our mark when Willie Gemmell fired in a long throw to Allan MacKay who cleverly flicked the ball out of the reach of Kilpatrick keeper Jim Chalmers and into the net to make the half time score 1-1.
    The second half was exactly the same as the first with both teams very committed, but there was a lack of any real constructive play.
    With the blustery breeze in their favour the home side had a fair bit of the territorial advantage in the second period, but they seldom put the visiting defence, well marshall by skipper Dante Lopez, under too much pressure and never really created a clear-cut chance.
    Saints took off young Mattie Rippon, replacing him with Paul Carmichael in attack and with his first touch Paul raced past his maker, but slipped before he could get a cross into the box to the unmarked Allan MacKay.
    The home side were awarded a couple of free kicks in dangerous positions, but thankfully as far as Saints were concerned these were missed.
   Allan MacKay and Donald Campbell both came close with half decent efforts as the game drew to a close but in the end both teams had to settle for a share of the points which was just about right.
   Sean Ford and Ross Maitland came on for Allan MacKay and Ross Graham in the latter stages of the game.
   Saints manager Iain Jackson was a bit disappointed with the way his team played, but happy enough to take what might prove to be a vital away point. He said: 'This was a big game as both teams will surely be in the shake up at the end of the season. We never got the ball down and passed it about, but at the end of the day this was always going to be a difficult game against a good side, so we have to be happy with a point.

Oban Saints: Douglas, J Graham, Lopez, Craik, McAuley, R Graham (Ford), W Gemmell, D Campbell, Millar, MacKay (Maitland) and Rippon (Carmichael). Subs not used: MacCallum and MacLeod

West of Scotland Cup - 2nd Round - Saturday 24th October
Mattie's double rips the
heart out of Hamilton
Oban Saints 3 v 0 Hamilton FPs

Mattie Rippon

TWO goals from young Mattie Rippon finally killed off a spirited challenge from Caledonian League side Hamilton FPs at Glencruitten in this second round West of Scotland Cup tie.
    Manager Iain Jackson decided to freshen up his line-up from the previous week's win over Eaglesham with Willie Gemmell and Keith Millar making the starting line-up at the expense of Sean Ford and Ross Maitland who took their place on the bench alongside Paul Carmichael, Ross Graham and Mattie Rippon.
   The home side started rather slowly and it was the visitors who had the upper hand in the early exchanges, and they had a great chance to open the scoring in the 8th minute when skipper Dante Lopez was short with a pass back. The alert Hamiton striker Graeme Lorimer picked the ball up and bore in on goals, but Graham Douglas, the Saints keeper, made a brilliant save to deny the Hamilton front man. This was a let off that thankfully Saints heeded as they hardly put a foot wrong at the back after this early scare.
   Saints came back into the game after their slow start and Keith Millar had a fine effort which was well saved by the FPs keeper Tony McFall.
    The game was of a high standard and played at a good tempo with both teams wanting to get the ball down and play it about on the deck.
   Willie Gemmell had a go with a free kick, but it sailed over the bar, then Keith Millar and Myles McAuley combined for a reasonable effort.
   Allan MacKay sent Keith Millar through the middle with a great pass, but referee John Scott blew up for offisde which didn't go down too well with the Saints support.
   The half time interval arrived with the scoreline blank mainly due to the defences being on top with few clearcut goalscoring chances being created.
    The home side came out with all guns blazing at the start of the second half and almost took the lead when Myles McAuley was unlucky to see a right foot thunderbolt crash off the underside of the bar with the keeper stranded. The ball was bouncing around the Hamilton box, but was eventually booted clear.
    Saints had to make a change early in the half with Steven MacLeod having to come off with a leg injury, his place being taken by young Mattie Rippon and it took the youngster only a couple of minutes to make a big impression on the game.
    Mattie's pace took him clear on the right and he raced goalwards, then cleverly cut back inside defender Stuart Loose before thumping a low daisy cutter past the outstretched arms of Hamilton keeper Tony McFall.
    Saints now had the upper hand and had the visitors pinned back for long spells, forcing a number of corners in quick succession. It was important that they scored during this sustained period of pressure and this they did in the 59th minute when Myles McAuley and Mattie Rippon combined on the right before Myles fired over a great low cross into the box for the ever alert Keith Millar to get to the ball before the keeper and defender to slot the ball home from close range to make the score 2-0.
   The visitors were stung by this reversal and pushed forward more, but the resolute Saints defence and midfield were in no mood to give anything away.
    Ross Graham, who had come on for the hard working Marc MacCallum made a tremendous run into the Hamilton box, and was only thwarted by a last ditch tackle.
    Saints put the final nail in the Hamilton coffin in the 84th minute when Donald Campbell threaded a great pass through to another of the Saints youngsters Paul Carmichael, who had come on in attack for Allan MacKay. Paul cleverly dummied the ball to Mattie Rippon who took a few steps forward before curling a great shot past the helpless keeper to make the score 3-0.
   The Oban lads thought they should have been awarded a penalty in the last minute when Myles McAuley was unceremoniously upended in the box, but referee John Scott, who had a good game, waved away the protests from the Saints contingent, so in the end the Oban side had to be content with a hard-fought 3-0 victory.
   Manager Iain Jackson was delighted at the result and performance of his team, especially in the second half. He said: 'The Caledonian League teams are of a high standard and Hamilton were no exception. They were a very good side, full of experienced players, but we matched them in every department and we were good value for our 3-0 win, and fully deserve to be in the draw for the next round.'

Oban Saints: Douglas, J Graham, Lopez, Craik, MacLeod (Rippon). MacCallum (R Graham), W Gemmell, D Campbell, Millar, McAuley and MacKay (Carmichael). Subs not used: Maitland and Ford

Jimmy Marshall Trophy - 1st Round - Saturday 17th October
Hams have no answer as Saints go through to second round
Oban Saints 3 v 1 Eaglesham

Ross Maitland

EAGLESHAM were the visitors to Glencruitten in this Jimmy Marshall Trophy first round tie, but the Hams had to head back down the road on the wrong end of a 3-1 scoreline.
   The teams had met in the same competition last season with Saints recording an impressive 7-1 win and it was obvious by the 4-5-1 formation that the Eaglesham management team were not wanting a repeat of that scoreline and to a certain extent their tactics worked. The had plenty of possession of the ball in midfield, but rarely troubled the home defence during the 90 minutes.
   The home side were without Asen Gaydardzhiev, Craig Campbell and Willie Gemmell for this game, but welcomed back Dante Lopez, Keith Millar and Ross Graham, missing from last Saturday's 11-0 win over Drumpellier Thistle in the Scottish Cup.
   The game started at a good pace with both teams knocking the ball about confidently, but it was the home team who looked more likely to score and they were unlucky in the 13th minute when a Myles McAuley rocked hit the bar with Hams keeper Danny Moy stranded.
   Saints should have taken the lead four minutes later when Ross Maitland set up Marc MacCallum but the midfielder knocked the ball past the post when it looked easier to score.
   The home side eventually took the lead in the 20th minute and they will be the first to admit to a piece of good fortune. Allan MacKay and Myles McAuley combined to set up Ross Maitland steaming in at the back post. Ross's shot came back off the post, hit keeper Danny Moy on the leg and ended up in the back of the net. Lucky - yes, but they all count.
   Eaglesham were playing some good stuff, but they had no firepower in attack with only Alex MacMillan ploughing a lone furrow up front and getting little change out of Jamie Graham who did his usual efficient marking job.
   The home side created another reasonable chance in the 27th minute when Ross Maitland and Donald Campbell played a neat one two before a cross into the box was met by Alex Craik, but his header went past the post.
   A minute later Alllan MacKay sent a great pass to Ross Maitland, but the wee man rushed his shot and he pulled his effort past the post.
   With half time approaching Eaglesham created their first real chance of the half when Ryan Waddell had a clear header but he put it over the bar. This served as a warning to Saints.
   Just on the half time whistle Ross Maitland was clean through with only the keeper to beat, but referee Peter Laing from Tarbert blew for half time before Ross could put the ball in the net.
   The interval arrived with Saints just about good value for their slender 1-0 lead, although the visitors were playing their part in a good game of football.
   The home side increased their lead in the 51st minute when Dante Lopez sent a great ball forward for Myles McAuley who knocked it on for Sean Ford and the wee midfielder calmly headed the ball over keeper Danny Moy and into the net to make the score 2-0.
   Eaglesham new they had to take a more positive approach so they pushed more men forward, but they were getting no joy against a hard working Saints defence. This also left more space for the Saints midfield and attack and they created several excellent chances. Allan MacKay crossed for Mattie Rippon, but the youngster headed over the bar, then the hard-working Marc MacCallum thundered a great shot that hit the post with the keeper beaten all hands down.
   Saints got the vital third goal in the 74th minute and what a cracker it  was. Allan Mackay picked the ball up 25 yards from goal, cut inside his marker before thundering a tremendous right foot rocket that flew into the postage stamp corner of the net.
   All credit to the Hams they came right back into the game and pulled a goal back a minute later after the Saints defence got caught flat footed for the only time in the game and substitute Ian Dahms was on hand to slot the ball past Graham Douglas to make the score 3-1.
   Although Eaglesham put a bit more pressure on the home defence in the closing stages Saints still created two or three more chances, but these were missed and in the end they had to settle for a 3-1 win.
   Manager Iain Jackson was happy with the result and to get through to the second round of the competition. He said: 'We played well at times, but we were not as clinical as we've been in recent games. Eaglesham are a good team, they knocked the ball about well, but they never really troubled us at the back. Apart from the goal and a header in the first half I don't think they created another goalscoring opportunity all afternoon.

Oban Saints: Douglas, Graham, Lopez, Craik, MacLeod, Ford (Rippon), MacCallum, D Campbell, McAuley (Millar), MacKay, Maitland (Carmichael). Sub not used: R Graham

Scottish Amateur Cup - 2nd Round - Saturday 10th October
Stroll in the park for Saints as they dump Drumpellier
Oban Saints 11 v 0 Drumpellier Thistle

David Dunlop

SAINTS played their first cup tie of the season and it turned out to be a no contest as the Oban side blew visitors Drumpellier Thistle away with a superb display of goalscoring, the highlight being five goals scored by Donald Campbell.
   The home side were without Dante Lopez, Keith Millar, Ross Graham, Craig MacEwan and keeper Graeme Douglas who was suffering from flu, so David Dunlop made a welcome return between the sticks after an absence of three years and the big man made it look as though he had never been away, although he will be the first to admit that it wasn't one of his busiest afternoons.
   The home side took the lead as early as the fourth minute when Ross Maitland crossed for Asen Gaydardzhiev to head home. The Bulgarian striker should have netted his second goal five minutes later when Donald Campbell and Allan MaKay set him up but he knocked the ball over the bar when it looked easier to score.
   However, the same three players combined three minutes later and Asen did get his second goal when he stroked the ball home from close range.
   The game was over in the 15th minute when Saints netted their third goal. Donald Campbell setting up Sean Ford and the wee midfielder made no mistake.
   It was all one way traffic with the visitors from Cumbernauld rarely troubling the Saints defence and anything that did get through was dealt with easily by David Dunlop.
   The homesters almost scored a fourth goal when Steven MacLeod crossed for Allan MacKay, but his header hit the bar with the keeper stranded. Then a Willie Gemmell free kick had the same fate, hitting the bar before the ball was booted clear.
   Saints took a 4-0 lead in the 27th minute with a pass from Allan MacKay setting up Donald Campbell who had cleverly held his run to beat the offside trap before slottng the ball past Thistle's Irish keeper Wayne O'Brien.
   On the half hour mark Davd Dunlop set up the fifth goal when he threw a quick ball out to Donald Campbell, who danced past his marker before sending a great pass out to Allan MacKay who then slipped the ball across the face of the goalmouth for Asen to slide the ball home for his hat-trick.
   The visitors were shell-shocked at this stage and two minutes later Donald Campbell and Sean Ford combined to put Allan MacKay through and he slotted the ball home for a well taken goal.
   The home side made the half time score 7-0 when that man Campbell, who had a great game, netted after some clever play by Allan MacKay .
   It tooks Saints less than a minute at the start of the second half to score number eight when Allan MacKay sent Ross Maitland clear and he helped himself to a piece of the goal scoring action, scoring a well taken goal.
   The home side took their foot off the pedal a bit after this goal, so manager Iain Jackson decided to freshen things up by introducing youngsters Mattie Rippon and Paul Carmichael.
   Saints scored again in the 63rd minute when Mattie Rippon and Sean Ford combined to set up Donald Campbell for his own hat-trick and his team's ninth goal. The Saints midfilder was in sparkling form and he brought out a great save from the Thistle keeper in the 68th minute.
   With ten minutes remaining Ross Maitland and Myles McAuley, returning to the squad after injury, played Donald Campbell in and he curled a beauty past the outstretched hands of Jags keeper Wayne O'Brien.
   With two minutes remaining it was fitting that Donald Campbell had the final say in this match when Sean Ford sent a clever pass through the Thistle defence and Donald waltzed past the keeper before stroking the ball home to make the final score 11-0.
   Manager Iain Jackson was delighted at the result and performance. He said: 'We played really well. Ok, maybe Drumpellier weren't the toughest of opponents, but you can only play and try and beat the team that is put in front of you, and we certainnly did that today. There will be a lot harder games to come in this season's campaign.'

Oban Saints: Dunlop, J Graham, MacCallum, Craik (Carmichael), MacLeod, W Gemmell, Ford, D Campbell, Maitland, MacKay (McAuley), Gaydardzhiev (Rippon). Sub not used: C Campbell.

Umbro SAFL Premier Division - Saturday 19th September
Aiken headache as Saints
score three without reply
Aikenhead Thistle 0 v 3 Oban Saints

Donald Campbell

LAST season's West of Scotland Cup finalists Aikenhead Thistle were Saints opponents in this SAFL Premier Divsion clash at Temple Recreation Centre on Saturday and it turned out to be a great game played by two well matched teams.
    Saints manager Iain Jackson picked the same starting eleven that defeated St Joes 2-0 the week before, but he found a place on the bench for Donald Campbell, who has missed the last three games.
   The home side came out of the blocks with all guns blazing and had Saints pinned back in the early exchanges, but the visitors were defending well and keeping the eager Aikenhead forwards at bay.
   Gradually Saints hauled themselves into the game, but were finding it difficult to get their attack on the ball long enough to create any real goalscoring chances.
   Both teams were playing some good football, but generally the defences were on top.
   However, the deadlock was broken in the 34th minute when Allan MacKay controlled the ball in midfield and sent a defence splitting pass through the middle. The home back line parted like the Red Sea which allowed Asen Gaydardzhiev a clear run through on goals and the Bulgarian striker showed great composure before firing a low right foot drive past Jags keeper John Mullen and into the net.
    The home side were stung by this goal and came flooding forward, but they were finding the Saints defence of Jamie Graham, Dante Lopez and Alex Craig, ably backed up by the hard working midfield of Steven MacLeod, Marc MacCallum Ross Graham and Willie Gemmell a hard nut to crack.
   Aikenhead lost the services of central defender Kevin Mooney with a nasty shoulder injury after he fell awkwardly in a harmless looking challenge for the ball with Allan MacKay.
   Saints were now posing more of a threat going forward and created a couple of reasonable chances, the best falling to Keith Millar just before the interval, but Jags keeper John Mullen made a great block to deny the Saints striker.
   The half time whistle blew with the visitors holding a slender 1-0 lead.
   Just like the first half the home side came storming forward and had Saints pinned back, and they should have equalised, when a dangerous ball came across the face of the Saints penalty area, but Graeme Shakeshaft put his effort wide, much to the relief of the Saints contingent.
   The visitors had to take off defender Jamie Graham who was struggling with a hamstring injury. This meant a reshuffle with Steven MacLeod moving to full back and Donald Campbell going into midfield and it wasn't long before Donald was tormenting the Aikenhead defence down the left hand side.
   The visitors took a 2-0 lead in the 59th minute and it was no surprise that it was that man Campbell who set up the goal. He collected the ball on the left, jinked past two defenders before firing a great ball across the face of the Aikenhead penalty box for Allan MacKay to hammer the ball high into the net past the helpless John Mullen.
   Aikenhead never gave up and were unlucky when a Robert Bennett pile driver was finger tipped on to the bar by Saints keeper Graeme Douglas and the ball was booted clear.
    As the game reached its latter stages Saints were on top and they freshened things up by taking off Asen and Marc MacCallum, replacing them with Craig MacEwan and Ross Maitland.
   In an effort to get a goal back the Jags pushed forward at every opportunity, which meant they were leaving spaces at the back, with the Oban side having two or three good opportunities to extend their lead, but these were all missed.
    However, with referee Thomas Clark, who had a superb game, playing added on time the home side got caught at the back and this time Allan MacKay sent Donald Campbell through and he celebrated the recent birth of his new son, also called Donald, by slamming the ball home to make the final score 3-0.
   Manager Iain Jackson was very happy with the result and his team's performance. He said: 'It was a cracking game played by two good teams. We knew this would be a difficult place to come and get a result, but the squad are full of confidence just now and we deserved to pick all three points with some clinical finishing. We've got off to a great start, picking up 15 points from a possible 18, but we will be keeping our feet firmly on the ground as there is still a long way to go and things can change very quickly.'

Oban Saints: Douglas, J Graham (D Campbell), Lopez, Craik, MacLeod, MacCallum (MacEwan), R Graham, W Gemmell, Millar, MacKay, Gaydardzhiev (Maitland). Subs not used: Ford and Rippon

Umbro SAFL Premier Division - Saturday 12th September
Oban defeat champions in the battle of the Saints
Oban Saints 2 v 0 St Josephs

Keith Millar

IT WAS the battle of the Saints in this premier division league encounter at Glencruitten when the Saints from Oban took on St Josephs from Clydebank, last season's league champions, so a cracking match was in prospect, and the good crowd of spectators, basking in the warm sunshine, were not disappointed as both teams turned in a top class display which was a great advert for the Scottish Amateur League..
   The kick-off had to be delayed for 15 minutes when Hamilton referee Alan Frame was late in arriving as he had been caught up in traffic on his way to the game.
   The match started at a cracking pace with both sets of players getting stuck in right from the start, but good refereeing kept a tight lid on things.
    Both teams played attacking formations, but in general defences were on top, although the visitors caused a panic in the Saints rearguard when a long throw was flicked on and the ball flew across the face of the goals, but fortunately for the home side the St Joe's strikers were caught on their heels and a good chance was missed.
   The football was of the highest standard, the only thing missing from the game was goalmouth incidents. Neither keeper was called upon to make saves of any significance.
   However, the deadlock was broken in the 41st minute and what a well worked goal it was. The ball was played out from the back and it came to Keith Millar who threaded a great pass forward to Asen Gaydardzhiev. He raced goalwards, then cleverly cut back inside his marker Sean Brady before curling a great left foot shot past the outstretched arms of St Joe's keeper Paul Halpin.
   A minute later the same two players combined, but this time it was Asen who set up Keith, but the cross was just too far in front of the Saints midfielder and he had to stretch to get to the ball and the chance was missed..
    Half time arrived with Saints holding on to their slender 1-0 lead.
   The second 45 minutes were the same as the first, with both teams playing some good football, but again the defences were on top, so few goalscoring chances were created, although Willie Gemmell was unlucky with a free kick in the 54th minute that almost caught out the St Joe's net minder.
   The game was flowing from end to end with St Joe's pushing hard for an equaliser and the Saints from Oban wanting another goal that would give them a vital two-goal cushion.
    Allan MacKay almost got that vital second goal with a cheeky lob from 40 yards, but unluckily for him it dropped just over the bar and not under it.
   Manager Iain Jackson decided to freshen up his attack and he took of Asen and Keith Milar replacing them with youngsters Mattie Rippon and Craig MacEwan.
   With ten minutes remaining Craig was shown a red card for a petulant kick at a St Joe's defender - a silly thing for the youngster to do, leaving his team a man short for the remainder of the game.
   The visitors made the extra man count and had Saints pinned back in their own half, but the Oban lads, well marshalled by skipper Dante Lopez were defending well.
   St Joe's numerical advantage was cancelled out with five minutes remaining when Gary Docherty was sent off after he was shown his second yellow card of the match which left each team with ten men to battle out the remaining minutes.
   Saints took off Marc MacCallum, who had run his heart out in midfield all afternoon, replacing him with Sean Ford.
   With the ninety minutes already up and the referee playing four minutes of added on time any hopes of a St Joe's comeback was killed stone dead when Allan MacKay sent Mattie Rippon through the middle, the youngster outpaced Kevin Stanley before slotting the past keeper Paul Halpin to make the final score 2-0 in what was a very entertaining game of football.
   Manager Iain Jackson was delighted at the result and the performance of his team. He said: 'It was a great game, St Joe's are an excellent side, but I thought we just about edged it and deserved to pick up all three points.'

Oban Saints: Douglas, J Graham, Lopez, Craik, MacLeod, MacCallum (Ford), R Graham, W Gemmell, Millar (MacEwan), MacKay and Gaydardzhiev (Rippon). Subs not used: Maitland and C Campbell

Umbro SAFL Premier Division - Saturday 5th September
Clyde defeated as Saints come out on top in five goal thriller
Inverclyde 2 v 3 Oban Saints

Mattie Rippon

FOR THE second week in a row Saints travelled down to the Tail o' the Bank, this time to take on Inverclyde at Darroch Park, Gourock, and unlike the previous week when they lost two late goals to lose to Greenock it was a happy squad who travelled back up the road with a close fought 3-2 win under their belts.
   The match was always going to be a game of two halves as they say in football circles as there was a strong blustery wind blowing from one end of the park to the other and this proved to be the case.
   Saints had the elements in their favour in the first 45 minutes and they had the majority of the territorial advantage.
   The visitors got off to a flying start with a goal in three minutes when Allan MacKay caught the ball on the byeline before cutting it back for young Mattie Rippon who fired a low shot through a ruck of players and into the corner of the net for his first goal at this level of the game.
   This was the start the visitors had hoped for and they pushed forward at every opportunity to try and increase their advantage, but credit to Clyde they were defending well and they created a couple of good opportunities themselves.
    Saints thought they had netted a second goal in the 35th minute when following a corner the ball fell kindly for Alex Craik, but his curling shot went inches past the post.
    However, the visitors had to wait only another sixty seconds till that vital second goal came along.
Marc McCallum lost possession, but the wee defender won the ball back and sent a great ball through the middle of the Inverclyde defence, who were caught square. Allan MacKay and keeper Stephen Kangly got to the ball at the same time, but it broke kindly for the Saints striker and he calmly slotted the ball into the net to make the score 2-0.
    Clyde were stung by this goal and came storming forward and they scored a goal right on the half time whistle when the Saints defence got caught napping at a corner and Stephen Gillan rose unchallenged at the back post to head the ball into the net to make the half time score 2-1.
    With the wind advantage now going to Inverclyde it was going to be a long second half for the visitors and this it proved to be with the Tail o' the Bank side pushing forward at every opportunity.
    The Saints defence were under pressure, but were coping well with the Clyde attack, although they have to thank keeper Graham Douglas for a couple of fine saves to keep their slender lead intact.
    However, the Clyde pressure eventually paid off in the 63rd minute when a dangerous free kick was whipped into the Saints box and Ryan Begley got in front of his marker to head the ball home - game on.
   Saints were stung by this goal and it took them a while to get going again. It was time to freshen up the team and manager Iain Jackson introduced Craig Campbell and Keith Millar, back from injury, to help the cause.
   The home side were unlucky in the 72nd minute when a Ryan Begley effort hit the bar and at the other end Asen Gaydardzhiev and Willie Gemmell worked a short free kick with Willie's shot crashing off the bar before being scrambled clear.
    With ten minutes to go Saints were awarded a penalty by referee Bobby Hughes, who had a good game. Asen Gaydardzhiev was sent sprawling in the box by a rash tackle which left the referee no option but to point to the spot. Allan MacKay was entrusted with the kick and he made no mistake sending the keeper the wrong way to give Saints a 3-2 advantage as the game drew to a close.
    Inverclyde pushed forward at every opportunity and it was backs to the wall defending from the Oban side, but they managed to hold out for a narrow, but very important three points, although Clyde substitute Jamie Bradley thumped a great shot off the cross bar in the dying seconds of the game.
    Manager Iain Jackson was delighted at the result. He said: 'It was a good game in difficult conditions, so it was great to get all three points as the Darroch is always a difficult place to come and get a result.'

Oban Saints: Douglas, MacCallum (C Campbell), Lopez, Craik, MacLeod, Ford (Millar), R Graham, Gemmell, Gaydardzhiev, MacKay and Rippon. Sub not used: Kowalski

Umbro SAFL Premier Division - Saturday 29th August
Last gasp winner is a sore one for Saints to take
Greenock HSFP 2 v 1 Oban Saints

Allan MacKay

A GOAL in the last minute of this premier division league game by High School striker Gordon Smith denied Saints a share of the points in a cracking game played at Battery Park.
   Conditions were not ideal for good footbal with a strong blustery wind making things very difficult but credit to the players from both teams for making it such an entertaining game.
   Saints were without several key players for this important league game - Bertie Gemmell, Keith Millar, Darin Bryars, Myles McAuley and Donald Campbell were all missing, but they welcomed back Willie Gemmell and Ross Graham after suspension.
   The game started at a cracking pace with both teams knocking the ball about confidently and it was the home side who should have taken the lead in the 12th minute when Connor Dow put Gary Loughran through with a great pass but the wee striker pulled his shot past the post.
   At the other end Craig MacEwan had a good chance, but he couldn't get the ball out of his feet and the ball was cleared.
   Saints played three players up front, but were finding the Greenock defence well marshalled by Chris McAllister a hard nut to crack.
    Both teams created several half chances as the game approached half time, but there was no scoring at the interval.
    The visitors should have taken the lead four minutes after the restart when Ross Maitland sent over a great free kick, right on to the head of Allan MacKay, but the Saints striker headed past the post when it looked easier to score.
   The game was flowing from end to end, but neither keeper was called on to make any significant saves and it looked like the game was going to end in a 0-0 draw, but this was not to be the case as three goals were scored in the last nine minutes.
    Saints took the lead in the 81st minute when young Mattie Rippon, played in Allan MacKay and the Oban striker wasted not time in blasting a right foot shot high into the net past Greenock keeper Colin McKenzie.
   The goal was celebrated in style by Allan and the Saints Under13 team who had travelled over from Clydebank after their 5-1 win to support the seniors.
    However, the lead lasted only four minutes. Willie Gemmell gave away a free kick out wide on the right which was fired into the box. Michael O'Donoghue was first to react and he headed home from close range.
     Greenock pushed more players up front in an effort to get that vital winner and this they got in the last minute of regulation time.  Greenock striker Gordon Smith was standing in the six yard box when a wicked corner was fired in from the right, the ball hit him on the thigh and ended up in the back of the net - lucky, yes - but they all count.
   There was barely time for referee Michael Auld, who had a good game, to restart play and it was a very disappointed Saints squad that trudged off the park at the end of the ninety minutes.
    Manager Iain Jackson was gutted at the result. We were 1-0 up with nine minutes to go and lost two bad goals from set pieces. Football can be a cruel game at times. maybe we didn't deserve to win the game, but we certainly didn't deserve to lose it..

Oban Saints: Douglas, J Graham, Lopez (C Campbell), Craitk, MacLeod, MacCallum, Ford (Gaydardzhiev), W Gemmell, MacKay, Maitland (Rippon) and MacEwan. Sub not used: R Graham

Umbro SAFL Premier Division - Saturday 22nd August
Sparta stung as Saints score five without reply
Oban Saints 5 v 0 Glencastle Sparta

Sean Ford

GLENCASTLE Sparta were the visitors to Glencruitten in this premier division league game, but unfortunately for the Glasgow side they found Saints in top form, carrying on from where they left off against Castlemilk the previous Saturday, this time the Oban lads netted five goals without reply.
   The home side had to make changes from the team who scored four goals gainst Castlemilk, with Keith Millar and Myles McAuley missing out through injury, which meant Craig Campbell came into the squad.
   It took Saints only six minutes to open the scoring when a planned move from a throw-in saw Alex Craik on hand to hammer the ball home from close range after the Sparta defence failed to clear their lines.
   Saints were playing some good football as the half wore on, but the visitors looked dangerous on the break and Saints keeper Graham Douglas was glad to see a Gavin Docherty pile driver go over the bar.
   Glencastle lost the services of a player after 25 minutes when he seemed to catch his studs on the turf and went down in severe pain. He was taken to hospital, but later released and was able to travel back home with his team mates.
   The home side increased their lead on the half hour mark with another planned move when Craig MacEwan made a run to the back post, outjumping the Sparta defence to head the ball home past keeper David Peters.
   Craig should have netted another goal eight minutes later when he went on a mazy run leaving four Glencastle defenders in his wake, but he shot straight at the keeper who saved with his legs. This was a tremendous run from the young striker and if he had showed a bit more composure in front of goals he would surely have scored.
   Credit to Glencastle, they were playing some good football, but were finding the Saints defence, well marshalled by skipper Dante Lopez, in good form.
   The Oban side created another great chance right on the half time whistle, but Steven MacLeod failed to hit the target with a header that sailed over the bar.
   The visitors came out fighting at the start of the second half and had Saints pinned back, with striker Gary Culverhous causing problems with some clever play.
   However, the home side weathered the early pressure and came back into the game and they scored the vital third goal which put the game to bed, when Donald Campbell sent a great ball through to Craig MacEwan who in turn thundered a great shot on target, but it hit the post and ran along the edge of the six yard box where Sean Ford, who was following up, slotted the ball home to make the score 3-0.
   Three minutes later Ross Maitland set up Asen Gaydardzhiev whose shot was well saved by the keeper. The ball came out to Craig MacEwan who headed the ball goalwards and again the Sparta net minder made another great save.
   However, the fourh goal came in the 74th minute when the homesters were awarded a penalty by referee John Campbell, who had a good game. Donald Campbell was sent sprawling in the box by a clumsy tackle which left the referee no option, but to point to the spot. Donald took the kick himself and thumped the ball high into the roof of the net.
   Sean Ford scored his second goal of the game when the Sparta goalkeeper and defence got into a terrible tangle and Sean was on hand to punish their mistake by scoring an acrobatic goal to make the score 5-0.
   The visitors were unlucky not to get a consolation goal when Jason MacLean headed into the side netting and Gary Culverhouse hit the bar as the game drew to a close, but in the end it was Saints who deservedly picked up all three points.
   Manager Iiain Jackson was happy with the result and the way his team played. He said: 'We've been working on set piece moves at training and it was good to see that we scored two goals from things we had been working on. We've scored nine goals in our first two games, but just as important we've kept two clean sheets.'

Oban Saints: Douglas, J Graham (C Campbell), Lopez, Craik, MacLeod, MacCallum (MacKay), Ford, D Campbell, Maitland, Bryars (Asen) and MacEwan

Umbro SAFL Premier Division - Saturday 15th August
Milk fail to deliver as Saints net four in opening league game
Oban Saints 4 v 0 Castlemilk

Asen Gaydardzhiev

NEWLY-PROMOTED Castlemilk were the visitors to Glencruitten in this opening league game of the season, but the newcomers to the Premier Division ended up on the wrong end of a 4-0 scoreline in what was a very good game of football, well handled by referee John McKeown.
   The home side were without Bertie Gemmell, Craig Campbell and Paul Carmichael who were injured along with the suspended Willie Gemmell and Ross Graham, but manager Iain Jackson stilll had a strong squad to choose from.
   Saints started well with both Darin Bryars and Keith missing good scoring chances in the opening few minutes. Donald Campbell then set up Myles McAuley in the 20th minute, but the Saints midfielder will be disappointed that he failed to trouble Castlemilk keeper James McKenna as he shot past the post.
   The home side caught the visitors napping with a short corner on the half hour mark. Ross Maitland's deep cross found Keith Millar at the back post but his header just skimmed the top of the bar.
   At the other end Castlemilk created two good chances in as many minutes, the first was a net-bound shot from Steven Murphy which was cleared off the line by Alex Craik and the second saw the ball bouncing around the Saints penalty area but it was eventually scrambled clear.
   There was no scoring in an entertaining first half, so the teams went in at the half time break with the scoreline blank.
   The home side came out with all guns blazing at the start of the second half and Donald Campbell saw a right foot pile driver flash past the post and two minutes later Castlemilk's John Smith saw a similar effort at the other end do the same.
   Saints introduced substitutes Allan MacKay and Asen Gaydardzhiev as the half wore on and it proved to be a match-winning move by the manager.
   The home side took the lead in the 67th minute with a well taken goal from Allan MacKay who wasted no time in slotting the ball past James McKenna, then Asen increased the lead twelve minutes later when the squeezed the ball home from close range.
   All credit to Castlemilk they never gave up and Saints still had to be on their toes, but the game was killed off as a contest in the 80th minute when Allan MacKay made progress up the right flank before sending over a great cross for Asen to score from six yards.
    To round off a good opening day for Saints Allan MacKay netted his second goal of the game in the 87th minute to make the final score 4-0.
   Manager Iain Jackson was delighted to pick up the three points in what was a cracking game of football. He said: 'I was impressed with Castlemilk, they will be a good addition to the Premier Division, but I thought we were just that wee bit sharper and more clinical. Allan and Asen both took their goals well and overall it was a good team performance.'

Oban Saints: Douglas, J Graham, Lopez, Craik, McAuley, Millar, Ford (MacKay), D Campbell, Ford, Maitland, Bryars (Asen) and MacEwan (MacLeod).  Subs not used: MacCallum, Cassels, Rippon