Three league points for Saints
Wishaw HSFP Oban Saints 1 2
The far too familiar story of injuries, suspensions, and work and family commitments left the Saints squad stretched to the absolute limit for their important league trip to face Wishaw HSFP last Saturday. The Oban side had to travel with a squad of just 13. Thanks go the Cassells brothers, Dene and Daniel, for stepping in at the last minute to help out, as well as Cammy Clark and youth team player Preston MacIntyre who took their places on the bench.
Saints started the game well and with only five minutes on the clock Gavin Forgrieve fired a 20-yard thunderbolt straight at Sandy Thomson who gathered well.
Five minutes later and this time it was Craig MacEwan who warmed Thomson’s fingers with a fierce free kick again from the edge of the box.
The D & K Lafferty and MKM Building Services-sponsored Oban outfit took the lead with an excellent header from Craig MacEwan from a superbly delivered cross from Kyle Cooper who had raced past his marker on the right flank.
It took the home side till the half hour mark before putting pressure on Oban keeper Daniel Cassells with a free kick from Jordan Welsh which flashed just wide.
Ten minutes into the second half the FPs found themselves falling further behind after good work on the left from Scott Maitland, Craig MacEwan and Kyle Cooper. Kyle could have made it 3-0 five minutes later but shot over the bar.
The home side at last started to string some passes together and looked threatening but the Saints rearguard, well marshalled by the experienced Dene Cassells, were giving nothing away with some brave defending.
Daniel Cassells was brought into action with a magnificent save from Luke Dickson and then a Jordan Welsh free kick was smashed against the bar from 28 yards out. Cassells then made an incredible double save from Sean Lindsay then Garry Fleming.
The home side eventually got back into the game in strange circumstances when the normally reliable Cassells came to punch a corner and only succeeded in somehow punching the ball into his own net.
Garry Fleming then saw a well struck half volley turned round the post for a corner by Cassells.
The home side were pressing hard for an equaliser, but Saints were defending well with Daniel MacCuish and Gavin Forgrieve giving plenty of protection to the back four.
James Ford had an opportunity with 15 minutes to go but sliced his effort wide of the target.
The home side’s Patrick Shelley saw a straight red card for a late challenge on Craig
MacEwan
Saints had a good shout for a penalty when Craig MacEwan was brought down in the box but referee Michael Kerr, who had a good game, waved away the claims.
Despite being down to 10 men the home side continued in search of an equaliser but the Saints back line stayed firm to seal all three points.
Right on the final whistle Wishaw’s Scottish international forward Lee Hadden was knocked out cold when the ball hit him on the side of the head which led to a worrying period for all involved. Lee finally got back to his feet after 10 minutes and was taken to Wishaw University Hospital for observation.
Hopefully he makes a full recovery and everybody at Oban Saints wishes Lee well.
This Saturday Saints take on league leaders Drumchapel in a league match. The game will be held on the 3G pitch at Oban High School with a 2pm kick-off. Referee in charge is Tony McCann.