Saints back in action
One hundred and eighty nine days after their last match, Oban Saints returned to action last Saturday in a friendly encounter with near neighbours South Lochaber Thistle.
The Glencruitten 2 playing surface was in its usual excellent condition for the 1pm kick-off, however, that was one of the few familiar sights as football adjusted to the new normal.
The Scottish Football Association’s Match Day Protocols restrict the numbers permitted on the touchline to substitutes and a small number of coaching staff. All but the players and match officials are prohibited from entering the playing surface. Only the first aider can enter the ‘red’ playing zone and even then only if suitably attired with mask, apron and gloves. The small number in the ‘amber’ coaching zone must exercise strict social distancing and all players must have their own water and hand sanitiser.
With no changing or showering facilities permitted, all players must arrive and depart in their playing kit.
Perhaps the cruellest and most difficult protocol to enforce at grassroots level is the no spectators rule and the players and management of Oban Saints thank their loyal band of supporters who played their part by denying themselves their football fix and stayed away.
Saints were without Scottish international players Lewis Cameron and Scott Maitland, skipper Dene Cassells, re
David Beaton is congratulated by his teammates after scoring Saints’ third goal and his hat-trick.
covering from an and James Ford unavailable
With referee Jimmy Litster satisfied both sides were fully complying with the guidelines, he got the action under way.
It was the visitors who showed the least amount of ring rust in the opening exchanges.
Veteran Jags striker David Forbes forced Graham Douglas into action in the third minute with the Saints number one producing an excellent save low down to his left and getting quickly back to his feet to push a second effort from Forbes behind for a corner kick.
After 35 lethargic minutes, where the visitors were by far the more impressive, Saints finally came alive and tested Thistle’s goalkeeper Owen Cooke.
Skipper for the day Craig MacEwan won possession on operation, who was the edge of the centre circle and drove forward with Matty Kelly making a supporting run from midfield. MacEwan’s well-weighted pass slipped in the Central Scottish Amateur Football Select man for a delicate chip which Cooke did very well to claw away.
The deadlock was broken in the 40th minute when young Aaron McKay made a driving run up the right wing and found David Beaton on the corner of the 18-yard box for a low shot across the keeper and into the bottom corner.
Jamie Graham and Aaron McKay made way for Paul Carmichael and Cammy Hill for the start of the second half with the big central defender playing a key part in Saints’ second goal seven minutes after the re-start.
Steven MacLeod won the ball well on the edge of the Saints’ 18-yard box and played the ball across to Carmichael on the left. Carmichael’s raking left foot pass sent David Beaton racing up the left wing where his searing pace took him comfortably away from his marker and through on substitute keeper Andrew Brown whom he beat with ease low down to his right to double the home advantage.
Saints’ impressive start to the second half continued and a third goal was added in the 55th minute when David
Beaton bundled the ball over the line from close range to seal his hat-trick after good work from Craig MacEwan.
The visitors pulled a goal back when captain Martin Munro’s pace was too much for Kerr Newbigging and the wide man raced through on goal and slotted the ball under Graham Douglas to give the visitors hope of mounting a comeback.
Home for a brief spell from his work commitments in England, Saints co-manager Donald Campbell declared himself fit enough for a 30 minute run out. Youngster Gavin Forgrieve made way for Campbell with Scott Johnstone also making a 60th minute appearance in favour of Myles McAuley.
After taking the ball wide right, all-time Saints top goal scorer Campbell turned provider and delivered an inch perfect cross onto the forehead of Craig MacEwan who nodded the ball over the stranded Andrew Brown and into the net for Saints’ fourth goal.
In the second minute of added time, the Jags were awarded a free kick. Unfortunately for Saints, Graham Douglas didn’t quite get his angles right and was beaten low to his right by Martin Munro’s sweetly struck 20 yard free-kick which completed his brace and rounded off the scoring with Saints winning 4-2.