Saints back in action

AFTER a well- earned break, Oban Saints players will get back to serious pre-season training over the next few weeks.

After a reasonable showing in the D& K Cup tournament where they finished third behind winners Hamilton Accies and Dundee United, the Oban lads will want to pick up the pace of things before the season starts on August 12.

The first 90-minute match of the pre-season will see Saints take on Vale of Leven Juniors at Glencruitten rugby pitch this Saturday, kicking off at 2pm. Referee is John Stobo.

The Central League junior outfit have already played two friendlies, drawing 1-1 with West Calder United and beating Saints’ old friends Thorn Athletic 3-2 so this should be a tough test for the Oban side.

The following Saturday South Lochaber Thistle will be the visitors to Glencruitten, kick- off 2pm. Referee John Scott.

On Wednesday August 2 Lochgilphead Red Star are the opposition at Glencruitten, with a 6.30pm kick- off. Referee Jimmy Litster.

To finish off the pre-season, Saints will take part in the Argyll and Bute Cup tournament to be held in Lochgilphead on Saturday August 5.

Saints have been drawn in a tough group alongside Rothesay Brandane, Dunoon and Neilston.

Although failing to pick up any silverware last season, it was still a great effort by the players, reaching the semi-finals of the Scottish Amateur Cup for the second time in two years, losing out in a penalty shoot- out in the final of the Jimmy Marshall Cup and finishing second in a very competitive SAFL Premier Division.

Manager Alex Craik is still looking to strengthen his squad and is asking any new players to turn up to any training session on a Wednesday evening at 6.30pm at the rugby club.