End of an era at Eastgate
Gartcosh United Oban Saints Central Scottish AFL Premier Division 2 1
Oban Saints brought the curtain down on their 2022/23 season with a narrow 2-1 defeat last Saturday on the much revered grass surface at Eastgate, home of Gartcosh United. Saints had the great honour of being the final visitors to one of the top pitches in Scottish amateur football as, sadly, the field just off the M73 motorway is to be developed as the site of the new Gartcosh Primary School. The Cosh will temporarily relocate to Broadwood while a new pitch is constructed in the grounds of Gartcosh Works Social Club which, when completed, will provide a facility the envy of most other teams in the country.
The hosts took the lead ten minutes before the interval capitalising on a misplaced Saints pass in midfield. A ball over the top sent William Sawyers in behind Myles McAuley and the big striker picked out Kyle McLachlan with a cutback for a shot into the bottom corner past Graham Douglas’ right hand.
From the re-start Saints built well on the left wing with Rory Dowd, James Ford and Scott Maitland combining to tee-up Martin Bonar for a left foot shot which the big midfielder dragged across the face of goal and well wide off target.
There was a hint of controversy about the host’s second goal with Saints appealing loudly for a foul throw which referee Robbie Fraser was happy to let go. Cosh skipper Jordan
Murphy didn’t join the debate into his throw and collected the return ball before striding purposefully into the Saints box where he was sent crashing to the turf by Ross Campbell. There was no questioning Mr Fraser’s decision this time and William Sawyers successfully despatched the resulting penalty kick high to Graham Douglas’ right.
Saints manager Ross Maitland withdrew Ross Campbell and Ben Forbes for the start of the second half quickly back on his feet to deny David Beaton on the rebound completing an excellent double save with a flying dive to his right to push Beaton’s effort behind for a corner kick.
Wilson was in the thick of the action again in the 70th minute after a driving James Ford run had been ended unceremoniously by Nick Stewart 32 yards from goal. Ford’s freekick bounced awkwardly in front of Wilson who could only parry to ball into the path of the on-rushing Martin Bonar. picked out David Beaton for a low finish past the hopelessly exposed Stuart Wilson.
Four minutes later Beaton was inches away from snatching an equaliser beating Wilson and Jack Trainer to Ruaridh Horne’s cutback from the right to bundle the ball agonisingly just the wrong side of the post.
Saints competed well as the clock ran down but they couldn’t get the equaliser and eventually lost out by the odd goal in three.
Going into the much-needed close season break the Saints’ players and management would like to express their sincere gratitude to club sponsors D&K Lafferty Contractors, MKM (Oban) Building Supplies and Aulay’s Bar for their continued support. Grateful thanks are also extended to club’s supporters for their loyalty throughout an ultimately disappointing season.