Oban Saints 0
St Patrick’s FP 4
SPAFA Premier Division
The Saints from Oban entertained the other Saints in the Scottish Premier Amateur Football Association – old foes St Patrick’s FP from Dumbarton in a Premier Division league match at Glencruitten last Saturday.
Despite a spirited performance, the Oban side went down 4-0 to their more experienced opponents who are coached by former Aberdeen central defender Zander Diamond.
Oban Saints manager Ross Maitland was once again struggling to get a full squad together for this important encounter with no fewer than 11 players unavailable for various reasons.
Ross had to go on the bench himself and thanks go to Myles McAuley who stepped in at the last minute to help out, joining Ross on the bench.
Saints lined up with Graham Douglas in goals, a back four of Craig Livingstone, James Coninton, Steven MacLeod and Drew Murray. The three-man midfield consisted of Gavin Forgrieve, Aaron McKay and Daniel Beaton with James Muir, Rory Dowd and James Ford up front. Occupying the sparse bench were gaffer Ross Maitland and Myles McAuley.
The home side started well and should have taken the lead when Aaron McKay had a great chance, but former Dumbarton keeper Stephen Grindlay, now the St Pat’s number one, saved well with his legs.
The visitors went in front after slack play on right midfield allowed the ball to fall kindly for former Saints player Cammy Hill who left the Oban side recently to sign for St Pat’s. And the big striker made no mistake from eight yards.
James Ford made a clever jinking run past his marker before sending in a fierce strike but Stephen Grindlay made a fine save. This was followed by a good effort from Rory Dowd which flew inches past the post.
St Pat’s went further in front in the 16th minute and the Oban side will be disappointed at losing another soft goal, with Lewis Lobban finding the net this time.
Saints kept plugging away and they were giving their more experienced opponents a run for their money with Aaron McKay having another chance, but this time his shot didn’t trouble Stephen Grindlay.
The visitors went three goals in front in the 32nd minute when left back Ryan McColl was given too much space and the defender fired a low shot past the helpless Graham Douglas into the bottom corner of the net. The Saints netminder made a great save just on the half time whistle.
The second half was only four minutes old when a scuffle broke out after Craig Livingstone had been fouled by Cammy Hill. Several players got involved which resulted in Steven MacLeod and Luke Gray being shown the red card by referee Michael Kerr.
The D & K Lafferty and MKM Building Supplies sponsored Saints were taking the game to St Pat’s and if they had been a bit more clinical in front of goal they could have got themselves back into the game with James Ford having a good effort well saved and Aaron McKay twice shooting wide of the target.
The home side lost the services of Drew Murray with a leg knock so Myles McAuley took over in central defence and the ‘old head’ showed his class and experience with a good performance at the back.
Saints lost a second player to a red card when Gavin Forgrieve was given his marching orders for a tackle in the centre circle. It was certainly a foul, but a red card seemed harsh on the Saints’ midfielder.
The nine-man home side battled away and were still creating half decent chances but St Pat’s killed off a spirited second half performance from Saints in the 85th minute when Lewis Lobban fired home his second goal of the game.
The never-say-die attitude of the Oban lads showed even when they were 4-0 down and they should have netted two goals in the final few minutes when James Ford set up Rory Dowd, but his effort flew over the bar from close range and right on the final whistle young James Muir pulled his shot past the post with the keeper stranded on his goal line.
After the game, manager Ross Maitland said: ‘I’m obviously disappointed at the result, but I must give the lads credit after putting in a really good performance against one of the best amateur teams in the country. We matched them in every department apart from the most important one – putting the ball in the back of the net.
‘I’m more concerned about the lack of players who were available for today’s game. You can’t play at this level without a strong squad. We’ve got a tough Scottish Cup tie away to Houston United this Saturday so I hope we get more players back for this important fixture.’