1991s - Under 19s Match Reports

ST.Mirren YFC Vs petershill boys club   Sun 02nd May (League)

match Report to follow

Final Score 2 - 0 Saints

Refs MOM Andrew Shek Coaches MOM Daniel Dalton

ST.Mirren YFC Vs Cambuslang bc    Thurs 29th April (League)

match Report to follow

Final Score 2 - 0 Saints

Refs MOM Rab Connelly Coaches MOM Stevie Potter

ST.Mirren YFC Vs Anniesland bc  Sun 25th April (League)

match Report to follow

Final Score 1- 1 

Refs MOM Rab Connelly Coaches MOM Stevie Potter

ST.Mirren YFC Vs Petershill bc   Sun 18th April (League)

match Report to follow

Final Score 3 - 2 Petershill

Refs MOM Mark Tedeschi Coaches MOM Stevie Potter

ST.Mirren YFC Vs Shawlands bc   Sun 11th April (League)

match Report to follow

Final Score 4 - 0 Saints

Refs MOM Johnny Sim Coaches MOM Johnny Sim

ST.Mirren YFC Vs Edinburgh Utd bc   Sun 28th March (Scot Cup Semi Final)

match Report to follow

Final Score 2 - 1 To Edin Utd after AET

Refs MOM Mark Tedeschi Coaches MOM Rab Connelly

ST.Mirren YFC Vs Petershill bc   Sun 21st March (League)

match Report to follow

Final Score 2 - 0 Saints

Refs MOM Mark Tedeschi Coaches MOM Euan Wheeler (Saints Team)

ST.Mirren YFC Vs Mossvale BC   Sun 14th March (Regional Cup)

Regional cup tie played at Seedhill in Paisley, this was Saints first competitive match in four weeks due to poor weather. Saints were hoping to get their league & cup campaign going again and soon were out in front after Mossvale were left for dead down the flank. Saints Euan Wheeler tore down the right wing and delivered a ball to the front post which the keeper fumbled to allow Jay Elder to smash home to put Saints 1 nil up. For the first 15 minutes of the game Saints were in control but decided to gift Mossvale an easy leveller after some slack defending, 1-1. Mossvale then took control of the remainder of the first half. After the break Saints made several changes with the intention of giving the remainder of the squad an outing before their Scot Cup semi final. As the second half wore on Saints just could not get going in the final third of the pitch and this was to cost them dear as Mossvale waltzed through the Saints central defence before slotting home to take the lead.
2 – 1. Saints were still out of sorts with less than 5 minutes remaining before they suddenly sprung into life. Saints played a long ball forward which was met by Kieran Pettigrew who headed past the out rushing Mossvale keeper to get the vital equaliser to take the tie to extra time 2 -2.
After a quick turnaround Saints looked the most likeliest to score and had Mossvale out on their feet for the remainder of extra time. Saints played some cracking attacking football but once again were let down with some of their fringe player’s lack of composure in the final third of the pitch. Saints hit the bar & post as well as squandering several set piece plays before the referee blew for time up. Needless to say, Saints penalty shoot out ended as disastrously as their regulation play as they lost 5 – 4. Over the piece, Mossvale deserved to go through.

Saints would like to wish Mossvale all the best for the remainder of their Regional Cup campaign.

Final Score 2 - 2 AET

Saints Lost 5 - 4 on Penalties

Refs MOM Rab Connelly Coaches MOM Kieran Pettigrew

ST.Mirren YFC Vs KSC United BC   Sun 14th Feb (Scot Cup Quarter Final Replay)

Scottish Cup Quarter Final Replay Played at Seedhill Paisley. Saints were a minute away from sealing a semi final place the week previous after ST.Mirren YFC’s Johnny Sim scored from the penalty spot & Kieran Pettigrew scored from close range, before KSC United equalised with less than a minute of regulation time to take the tie to a replay. Saints were determined to ensure they progressed to the semi final stage and within 10 minutes of kick off, they found themselves 1 nil up after Craig Duncan delivered a perfect ball into the six yard box which Johnny Sim slammed high into the KSC’s goal, 1 – 0 Saints. KSC struggled to get to grips with Saints passing game and it was Saints who made all the forward runs forcing KSC to concede a corner after the Paisley men closed down KSC’s back line. Saints Johnny Sim delivered a low drive into the six yard box from the resultant corner, which was turned into his own net by a KSC player, after being pressured by Saints Captain Martyn Paton, 2 - 0 Saints. Just like the week previous, Saints were two nil up within 15 minutes and for some inexplicable reason let KSC back into the match. The Paisley men were forced into an early substitution after Craig Duncan had to be withdrawn due to a respiratory problem. After the change, Saints seemed to lose the balance they had in the first quarter of the match. KSC were starting to force their physical advantage over Saints and were soon on level terms going into the break after they grabbed two quick goals to make it 2 – 2. After the interval, both teams started the second half knowing that the next goal was going to be crucial if they were to take anything from the tie. Saints upped their game and started to mix it particularly in the central areas of the park. Jay Elder & Kieran Pettigrew were linking well with Saints Captain Martyn Paton whom was outstanding and causing KSC all sorts of problems in the forward areas of the pitch. With less than 15 minutes remaining Saints forced KSC deep into their own 18 yard area after Euan Wheeler caused mayhem with his driving runs down KSC’s right Flank. Form this pressure, Jay Elder picked up the ball 20 yards from goal and smashed an absolute screamer into the top bag of the KSC goal, 3 – 2. ST.Mirren’s Centre half pairing of Mark Tedeschi & Darren Hampson knew that KSC would come back at them and closed down the key areas in front of goal forcing the opposition into long range efforts. Saints adopted a counter attacking attitude to the remainder of the match and could have extended their lead after Kieran Pettigrew broke from midfield and drove through on goal from midfield only to be scythed down from behind. With less than 5 minutes remaining, like the week previous, KSC were getting the benefit of the 50-50 decisions which allowed them to get ball into Saints 18yard area that they could not achieve from open play. Fortunately for Saints, keeper Stevie Potter was in top form and thwarted any attempts by KSC to get an equaliser.
Final score 3 – 2 Saints.

On the balance of play from both games, Saints deserved to go through to the Scottish Cup semi final stage. This young team is punching way above its weight and has had to hold its own against 5 teams from second year under 19’s.

Saints would like to thank all the coaches & Players from KSC United, particularly for the hospitality extended to the team in the first tie.

Final Score 3 - 2 Saints

Refs MOM Martyn Paton Coaches MOM Saints Team (Euan Wheeler)

KSC United BC Vs ST.Mirren YFC   Sun 7th Feb (Scot Cup Quarter Final)

Match Report To Follow

Final Score 2 - 2

Refs MOM Steven Potter Coaches MOM Kieran Pettigrew

Cambuslang bc Vs ST.Mirren YFC   Sun 24th Jan (2nd Round Reg Cup)

Match report to follow

Final Score 6 - 5 Saints

Refs MOM Steven Potter Coaches MOM Kieran Pettigrew

Kingdom Thistle BC Vs ST.Mirren YFC   Sun 13th Dec (5th Round Scot Cup)

5th round Scottish Cup tie played away to Kingdom Thistle at memorial park, Thornton in Fife. Saints hadn’t kicked a ball since their last cup tie two weeks previous due to the poor weather. The Paisley men were unsure what to expect from their opponents as there was very little for the coaches to base their pre match preparations on, other than that kingdom had won their domestic league two seasons running and had got to the semi final of the Scottish cup the previous year. Prior to kick off, Saints lost the toss and were literally given a mountain to climb. The pitch, which was coated in frost, had the steepest incline ever witnessed on a football park and the buddies were given the first half to try and assail it just to get a shot on target. Fair play to Saints, they certainly gave it a go and were soon ripping up & down the flanks driving cross after cross into the box but they just could not get to grips with the delivery to convert them into goals. With less than 15 minutes of the first half remaining, Kingdom got a foothold in the match and were beginning to get at the Saints back line, only to be met by an on form Pairing of Darren Hampson & Mark Tedeschi at centre back. Both players were firm in the tackle and won everything in the air. Kingdom then tried to create an opening via the wide areas but they were closed down by full backs Rab Connelly & Gary Gillies whom were in no mood to give anything away at this juncture. Saints realised that it was best just to contain Kingdom & wait for the second half to press home the advantage of the steep slope that the opposition were benefiting from. Saints replaced centre forward Craig Duncan with Ritchie Thomson just before the half time break as Duncan had gave it his all during opening exchanges and was finding the heavy pitch sapping his strength. After the break Saints tried to press home the advantage and were now defending the slope. The Paisley men began to apply a bit of pressure down the channels and took the game to Kingdom. The opposition flooded the central midfield area to try and stifle Saints but it had little effect as Jay Elder and Kieran Pettigrew started to get the better of the physical exchanges and ensured a steady supply of ball out to the wider areas of the park. Saints left mid, Johnny Sim linked up with Captain Martyn Paton to pressure the kingdom defence into making a hashed clearance, which Euan Wheeler wasted no time in picking up on. Wheeler raced on to the ball and drove straight at goal and lashed a wonder strike past the helpless kingdom keeper, 1 – 0 Saints. The Paisley men sensed that kingdom were rattled and turned the screw still further with some clever driving runs at the kingdom back line. It was from one of those surges that Saints forced a corner. Up popped Jay Elder to bend a clever ball front post which saw the kingdom keeper punch the ball into his own net 2 – 0 Saints. The opposition were clearly stunned and struggled to find their way back into the match. With less than 15 minutes remaining Saints were in control of the game and dominating the key areas of the pitch. Saints Kieran Pettigrew got into a 50-50 situation which saw a kingdom player crash to the ground in agony as he twisted his knee whilst competing to win the ball at the touch line. Saints played the ball out the park to ensure treatment to the injured player. After the restart Saints seemed to lose their way ever so slightly as they could not quite make up their mind whether to press on and kill the game off or sit on the two goal cushion. This allowed Kingdom straight back into the game as they pushed to grab a goal back. Kingdom were beginning to get the benefit of the set piece play which allowed them to play the ball into the 6 yard area which, they were unable to do through open play. Saints Keeper Stevie Potter was called upon on several occasions to come to the Paisley men’s rescue as Kingdom were edging ever closer to pulling a goal back. Saints could have added at least a couple of goals to their tally but for poor decision making in the final third of the park after catching Kingdom on the counter attack. Saints could see the finish line but knew they had some more defending to do before they could secure their place in the quarter finals. Kingdom were not for giving up and made good use of the set piece play they were forcing on the Paisley men. It was form this relentless pressure that Saints failed to shut down a shot at the edge of the box. By the time the Saints keeper saw what was going on in the ruck of players, the ball was bursting the net, 2 -1. From the restart the Paisley men just had to stay calm and play out time and frustrate the Kingdom players and hope that the referee would eventually blow for time up. With at least 54 minutes showing on the coach’s watch, the official eventually blew for time up, much to the relief of the Paisley men.

A hard fought victory on a very poor surface sees the Saints through to the next round of the Scottish Cup.

Well done to both sets of players for trying to play football in a very positive manner.

Saints would also like to wish the injured Kingdom player a speedy recovery.

Saints would like to thank Kindom Thistle for their kind pre & post match hospitality

Final Score 2 - 1 Saints

Refs MOM Darren Hampson Coaches MOM Saints Team

Tranent Juniors BC Vs ST.Mirren YFC   Sat 28th Nov (4th Round Scot Cup)

Played away to Tranent Juniors FC in the Scottish Cup fourth round. The Paisley men had not kicked a ball in over fortnight due to the horrendous weather conditions, so were surprised to learn that their match was given the go ahead. The Saints players & management could not believe their luck when they realised that they would be playing the tie on the juniors pitch at Forersters Park. The pitch was in superb condition which certainly played its part in providing the watching crowd an opportunity to watch a much derided boys club youth footballers, the chance to prove that they can play football on the deck, inspite of what some in the media and message forums would want us to believe. Saints started the sharpest and soon created several goal scoring chances before they eventually took the lead through a superb goal from full back Rab Connelly. Tranent failed to deal with the Saints corner kick which was fed to Connelly on the edge of the area, whom then floated a fine ball towards the Tranent keeper’s top left corner and into the net. 1 – 0 Saints. Tranent were by far the bigger and more physical side but could not compete with Saints drive, passing & movement. The Paisley men continually pressed forward in search of a second goal but were to come unstuck when Tranent floated a hopeful ball into the Saints six yard box, which was turned into their own net by Darren Hampson as he tried to glance it out the park for a corner kick, 1 -1. Tranent took some inspiration from their good fortune as they had not really troubled the Saints back line up until that point. Great credit to Saints, they stuck to their game plan and endeavoured to play passing football, unfortunately they could not add to their tally before going in at half time all square. By the time the second half got underway quite a crowd had gathered to watch the remainder of the game unfold. The Saints players were treated to a few verses of “Paisley Scum” (from the Tranent Bevy choir) just to remind the players, in case they had forgotten, where they had come from. Needless to say the Saints players were lapping up all the attention they were getting from their new found fan base. With the Tranent club officials and the referee on hand the banter remained just that and the players were allowed to get on with the match unhindered.

Saints started the second half with a renewed confidence and played some of the best passing football of their season. Tranent struggled to compete and failed to dominate the centre midfield area from which most of Saints attacks were being launched and Tranents moves were being broken down. Saints Captain Martyn Paton was pivotal in most of the Saints attacks as he was receiving and redistributing the ball out to the channels from which Johnny Sim & Euan Wheeler created several goal scoring chances. The Paisley men’s forward drive eventually paid off after they were awarded a free kick some 5 yards from the Tranent‘s 18 yard box. Saints Captain Martyn Paton drove the ball into the box from which Darren Hampson bulleted home his second header of the match to make up for his OG earlier in the game. 2 – 1 Saints. Tranent tried to rally their players to get back into the match but were finding the Saints back line a tough nut to crack. Full backs Gary Gillies & Rab Connelly linked up well with Centre halves Mark Tedeschi and Darren Hampson to deny Tranent any direct opportunity at goal, thus restricting them to set piece chances for the whole 90 minutes. Special mention has to go to Saints centre mids Richie Thompson & wee Kieran Pettigrew whom worked their socks off in the middle of the park to ensure Tranent did not get into any rhythm from which to gain a foothold back into the match. It was from the Saints central midfield area that the final blow was administered to Tranent as they threaded a lovely angled ball out to Euan Wheeler. The ball was then played to the Buddies forwards who in turn played in Johnny Sim from the wide left area, whom blasted his shot past the out rushing keeper, 3 – 1 Saints. With less than seven minutes remaining Tranent tried to work their way back into the game, but it was too little too late. The Paisley men deservedly earned themselves a fifth round tie and a round of applause from the watching crowd including the Tranent Bevy Choir.

ST.Mirren YFC would like to thank Tranent junior FC, the players & coaching staff for their kind hospitality and the tremendous playing surface which enabled this fourth round scottish cup tie to produce some entertaining, competitive & sporting football.

Final Score 3 - 1 Saints

Refs MOM Rab Connelly Coaches MOM Saints Team

Hillwood bc Vs ST.Mirren YFC   Sun 8th Nov (League)

Match Report To Follow

Final Score 1 - 1

Refs MOM Stevie Potter Coaches MOM Stevie Potter

ST.Mirren YFC Vs Erskine YFC  Sun 1st Nov (3rd Round Scot Cup)

Scottish Cup 3rd round played at Toryglen. The Saints squad has taken a hammering with injuries in the last few weeks, so much so, that they just managed a starting eleven going into the kick off. The Paisley men knew that any injuries sustained during the 90mins could be just as devastating as having a man red carded. So with that in mind, they had to play a cat and mouse game if they were to get anything from this tie. The buddies had the better of the early exchanges when Micky McMenemie was put through only to lose his composure and blasted way of target. A short while later Saints Euan Wheeler scored from a brilliantly worked piece of build up play which left him driving in on goal to blast past the helpless Erskine keeper to make it 1 – 0 Saints. Within ten minutes Erskine had levelled things after former Saint Gareth John struck a sweet shot which left Keeper Stevie Potter with no chance, 1 – 1. Straight after the restart both teams were vying to dominate the match with the Paisley men creating the better of the chances. Saints Euan Wheeler found himself with a great goal scoring chance only to be brought down before he could release his shot. Cries for a penalty were waved away and Erskine breathed a sigh of relief, but only for a short while, as the Buddies were denied another opportunity to take the lead. Saints Kieran Pettigrew burst through from midfield to close down the Erskine centre half who was dithering on the ball. The Erskine keeper came to help him out, but in doing so, he handled outside his box. As Pettigrew took the ball round him and was about to play the ball into the net, the referee blew for an infringement. The Saints players were seething as they felt the referee should have allowed the advantage. After all that attacking effort the Paisley men went in at half time with the score line level and the feeling that it was not going to be their day. Within ten minutes of the restart, Saints had to switch Sim for McMenemie up front to try and create an opening. Erskine benefited from the re shuffle as Saints dithered, and allowed the Erskine player to cruise straight down their Left side un opposed and straight through on goal.
2 – 1 Erskine. Saints knew they had a game on their hands and set about getting back on level terms straight from the restart. The switch of Johnny Sim up front was beginning to pay off as he was holding the ball up and began to bring others into the match. It was from his link up play that put Saints Ritche Thompson through on goal as he wasted no time in blasting his shot past the Erskine Goalie, 2 – 2. As the ball hit the net one or two of the Erskine players fell to their knees as if to suggest they knew what was coming next. The Paisley men suddenly found their second wind and were forcing play deep into Erskine’s 18 yard area. Saints Full Backs Rab Connelly & Gary Gillies started to overlap and get involved in the attacking play which began to pose problems for Erskine, especially when it came to marking and picking up. All the while the two Saints centre Halves, Mark Tedeschi & Craig Duncan held their ground and stifled any Erskine counter attacks. With less than ten minutes remaining, Saints earned themselves a corner. Saints Johnny Sim drove the ball into the box which broke to Craig Duncan who then smashed it low into the Erskine net, 3 – 2 Saints. Erskine looked broken after the restart and it was Saints who kept the pressure on and looked the most likeliest to score again. Saints used both wings to take the ball into Erskine’s back line and frustrate their opponents. Saints Captain Martyn Paton almost got on the score sheet when he was fed in and struck what looked like a goal bound drive only to be denied by a fine save from the Erskine keeper. Once again Saints did enough to squeeze out a result to take them through to round four of the Scottish cup. Final score 3 – 2 ST.Mirren YFC

This match had everything except red cards. Both teams had to contend with horrendous weather conditions. At least the players put on a good footballing display, which I am sure would have pleased the watching crowd. All of the goals scored were top class. Saints would like to Wish Erskine all the best for the remainder of their league campaign in the P&D League.

Final Score 3 - 2 Saints

Refs MOM Johnny Sim Coaches MOM Saints Team

ST.Mirren YFC Vs Clyde thistle BC   Sun 25th October (League)

This was the second fixture of back to back ties against Clyde thistle played at Toryglen. Saints needed a win to extend their lead over Clyde with a view to catching Giffnock, whom had opened up a five point gap at the top of the league. The Paisley men started in a very positive manner and unlike the week previous, they had a much sharper Clyde team to contend with. Needless to say, it was Saints that were sharper in attack as they had the thistle defence on the back foot every time they pressed for goal. With about 15 minutes gone, Saints won a corner which was played into the Clyde penalty box. Up popped Johnny Sim, who took control of a pass to feet, turned and drove a low shot past the Clyde keepers right side, 1 – 0 Saints. Thistle were stunned into action and soon started to up their game but they never really bothered Saints backline or tested keeper Stevie Potter for the remainder of the first half. After the interval the buddy’s game plan was to frustrate and counter attack Clyde. For the early part of the second half, Thistle retained the ball well without penetrating, which was to cause them to become unstuck. On the other hand, every time Saints broke forward Clyde really struggled to cope. It was from one of those surges that Saints earned a corner and scored from, after Captain Martyn Paton headed to the back post over the top of the helpless Clyde keeper 2 – 0 Saints. As instructed, Saints started to spoil the game and frustrate the Clyde attacks, which were becoming more frequent as the game entered into the final 20 minutes. The Paisley men really had to dig deep into their reserve energy levels to find the extra legs to shut down Clyde’s passing and movement. Saints Backline were beginning to get involved more and more as Clyde launched what was to be their last and best opportunity to pull a goal back but Saints centre back Mark Tedeschi , managed to get himself in the way of a goal bound shot which cannoned off him and away to safety. Saints could sense Clyde’s desperation and pressed forward to exploit the gaps being left in the rear areas of Thistles defence. The buddies full back, Rab Connelly & left mid, Johnny Sim combined well to rip gaps all the way down Clyde’s Right flank with their surging runs which caused all sorts of confusion on and off the park. With less than 10 mins remaining The Paisley men inflicted the final decisive blow to Clyde when Micky McMenemie & Richie Thompson teamed up to feed in Kieran Pettigrew who slammed home Saints third and final goal of the match to leave Clyde totally deflated.

Final Score 3 - 0 Saints

Clyde will feel they should have taken more from this match considering the possession they had but it is what you do with it that counts and saints did it in the right areas. Both teams were a joy to watch and were an absolute credit to their coaches. The football was of a high standard and the discipline was spot on.

As far as Saints were concerned it was a very mature perfomance with a clean sheet thrown in to the bargain
well done boys....

Refs MOM Coaches MOM Saints Team

Clyde thistle BC Vs ST.Mirren YFC   Sun 18th October (League)

This was the first of back to back ties played against Clyde thistle at Tory Glen. Both teams were competing for second place in the league and were hoping to claw some ground back on league leaders Giffnock. Saints set the tone for the first half with some of the best football they’ve played all season. The Paisley men were forcing play into Clyde’s 18yard area via both wings and how they never capitalised more is anyone’s guess. A combination of poor finishing and great goal keeping kept the score at 2 – 0 going into the break, after Johnny Sim & Jamie Robertson both scored for Saints. Prior to the half time interval the buddies Euan Wheeler & Kieran Pettigrew had to be withdrawn from play after sustaining leg injuries. Hopefully both players will be fighting fit ready for the return match next Sunday. After the restart, Saints continued where they left off, when Richie Thompson extended Saints lead after he headed home from a corner after being left unmarked in the six yard box. 3 – 0. With about 15 minutes remaining Saints suffered a third injury blow when Captain Martyn Paton had to be withdrawn from the action. With all the shuffling around of players, the buddies lost their momentum and Clyde managed to gain a foothold in the match. Not long after, Clyde had the ball in the net after a mix up at the back. 3 – 1. It was the Saint’s back lines turn to safe guard the result, and to a man they never put a foot wrong. Clyde sensed that if they could score another then the Saints would crumble and maybe they could salvage a draw or even a win. To be fair to Saints, they were not for capitulating. Saints MOM, Graeme Crawford was contesting every kick and every decision being awarded against his team. So much so, that he was in danger of getting booked or even sent off, such was his desire to ensure the result remained in the bag. Clyde were now pressing and testing Saints resolve but just could not find away past a very stubborn Saints team,

final score 3-1 Saints.

Result aside, this was probably the best football display witnessed this season with both teams playing attractive passing football with a little bit of dig thrown into the mix. Both teams have it all to do again next Sunday. Fingers crossed Saints will come out on top.

Saints have to work on their finishing and learn when to close matches down. That a side, The job is only half done. And that I’m sure, is what Clyde will be telling their players also.

Final Score 3 - 1 Saints

Refs MOM Graeme Crawford Coaches MOM Graeme Crawford

Torrance BC Vs ST.Mirren YFC  Sun 11th October  (League)

Played at Torrance Park. This was Saints second and last league meeting against Torrance bc. The Paisley team made hard work of this match and never really got going during the whole ninety minutes. It was Torrance who opened the scoring after some sloppy play from Saints allowed the Torrence player to create an opening which he dispatched past the Saints keeper after the ball took a wicked deflection from a mound just in front of goal.
1-0 Torrance. Saints had to try and impose themselves on their much bigger street wise opponents if they were to take anything from this match. To the player’s credit, that’s exactly what they did for the remainder of the first half. After the halftime break, Saints got in & about Torrance and created several openings which saw Saints not only take the lead but extend it to 3 - 1. Saints Captain Martyn Paton along with Johnny Sim & Richie Thompson took their chances superbly which left Torrance with no option but to go long and get physical. Uncharacteristically, Saints adapted their play to match that of Torrance and the game soon turned into a battle of wills. Torrance managed to pull a goal back near the end of the match to make it 3- 2. But it was too little too late as Saints closed the game down. There were several off the ball incidents which were intended to intimidate the Saints players, all of which took place behind the ref's back. Fortunately, Saints are a disciplined bunch on the park and did not rise to the bait.

From Saints point of view, this game just never really got going. It must have been murder for any neutral spectators to have witnessed. Both teams put in a shift even though it may not have seemed like it at times.
Saints were relieved to walk away with the three points knowing that Torrance will cause a few upsets to other unsuspecting teams along the way, especially if they judge Torrance on their current league position.

Final Score 3 - 2 Saints

Refs MOM   Martyn Paton Coaches MOM   Kieran Pettigrew

Shawlands BC Vs ST.Mirren YFC  Sun 4th October  (League)

Played away to Shawlands at nethergraigs near Cardonald. This was Saints first meeting against Shawland’s. Both teams were competing against the Old Firm Match for players. Luckily Saints managed a full turn out for what was to be an eventful match. Saints Started the strongest and had the depleted Shawlands team on the back foot from the off. Shawlands keeper made several brilliant saves before eventually succumbing to the relentless onslaught. Saint’s Euan Wheeler & Graeme Crawford both netted twice whilst Craig Duncan opened his scoring account with a fine effort & Saints Captain Martyn Paton blasted home to put the game beyond doubt. The first half team performance was outstanding and was played exactly as was requested from the players prior to kick off. Saints made several changes in the second half and like the week previous the tempo of the game slipped and Shawlands managed to get a goal from a poorly defended corner. Overall, the defence, midfield & attack all combined magnificently to produce a terrific team performance worthy of the tree points. Shawlands no doubt, will be a far stronger challenge for Saints come the return match later on in the season.

Despite the one sided score line, both teams played the match in a very positive manner which gave the watching crowd something to applaud.

Final Score 6 - 1 Saints

Refs MOM  Graeme Crawford  Coaches MOM  Euan Wheeler

ST.Mirren YFC Vs Oban saints BC  Sun 20th September  (2nd Rd Scot Cup)

Home tie 2nd round Scottish Cup, played at Jennyswell Paisley. Saints started the match in a very positive manner forcing the play into Obans final third of the pitch. As is usual with Saints, they could have been several goals up before they eventually took the lead through Captain Martyn Paton, whose headed goal was a result of a cleverly worked corner kick between Johnny Sim & Graeme Crawford, 1 – 0. Saints were expected to turn the screw but it was Oban who scored next after they were awarded a soft free kick on the edge of Saints 18yd box, 1 – 1. That should have been the cue for Saints to get their finger out & get involved in the match but for some reason they became the stars in their own horror movie. Saints started to make silly mistakes which only encouraged Oban to believe they could take the tie. Poor decision making in the wrong areas caused Saints to ship two goals either side of half time, 3–1. To be fair, Oban were worthy of their two goal lead and for the next 10 – 15 minutes Saints had to work very hard to re-impose themselves back in the match. A quick shuffle of the pack produced the impetus to get back in to the game. Saints eventually applied some training ground moves which saw Saints Kieran Pettigrew breaching Oban’s back line before he was crudely taken out of play. Penalty to Saints. Oban were lucky to still have 11 players on the pitch at this juncture as they were getting the benefit of some cynical tackles, particularly on Euan Wheeler out on the right wing for most of the match. Saints Gary Gillies had the un-envious task of converting from the spot. Cool as you like, he slotted past the Oban keeper as though he was sealing a 10 nil win instead of cutting a 3 – 1 deficit. Saints sensed that Oban were there for the taking and forced the game into their half for the remainder of the 90 minutes. Oban kept up the dodgy tackles which saw Saints Captain Martyn Paton administer one of his own along with a few choice words to his opponents. Paton was correctly booked by the referee for his troubles and subbed immediately after to help calm the situation. With the clock ticking down and Saints staring an early cup exit they continued to push for the equaliser to take the game to extra time. Their determination eventually paid off when Gary Gillies was fed in at the edge of Oban’s 18 yard box and struck the sweetest shot which gave the Oban keeper no chance, 3 – 3. Prior to, and after Saints equaliser, two of the Oban line up started to vent their frustration through some needless tackles on Saints forward players and some choice comments directed at the referee, saw them despatched from the field of play. Saints continued disciplined approach ensured that the 30 minutes of extra time saw them Score a further twice through Saints Johnny Sim, after Euan Wheeler turned provider on both occasions to feed Sim in, whom netted from close range, 5 – 3. Saints now progress through to the 3rd of the Scottish Cup.

Big Jim from Oban will rightly be annoyed with his players after their loose tongues and crudely timed tackles contributed to their downfall. A good competitive game none the less, which gave the home support a nervy 90mins. Best of luck to Oban & Jim for the remainder of their season in the P & D league.

As for Saints, Teams will occasionally make mistakes during matches but it is how they react after making them that they should be judged. So based on the previous 120 mins, Saints should be pleased with their efforts. The rest can be sorted out at training,,, Well done lads

Final Score 5 - 3 Saints

Coaches MOM Gary Gillies   Refs MOM Mark Mark Tedeschi

ST.Mirren YFC Vs Torrance BC  Sun 13th September  (League)

Home game played at Jennyswell Paisley. Saints had to overturn last weeks disappointing early season defeat and provide a positive result to get their campaign back on track against Torrance BC. The opposition team was almost twice the height of the Saints players and seemed up for the game. Saints took the game straight to Torrance and appeared to have them penned in their own half for the first 10 - 15 minutes. Torrance managed to clear their lines and gained a cheap corner as Saints were caught off guard. Saints failed to deal with the set piece play and found themselves 1 - 0 nil down. Something seemed to click and Saints fought their way back into the match as the mid field and attack combined to grab the equalizer through Johnny Sim, who ghosted in from the left wing to slip the ball into the Torrance goal, 1 - 1 (text book build up & finish) Saints continued to use the Channels and were rewarded with a second goal soon after, when Euan Wheeler netted to take the lead 2 - 1. Although Saints play was scrappy at times, they still created further chances. Saints new centre mid, Richie Thompson created several chances and made some probing runs before creating the third after he drove deep into the Torrance half and unleashed a thunderous shot ,which cannoned off the bar and fell kindly to Trialist Julian Frempong who made no mistake and side footed into the net. 3 - 1 Saints.

After the break, Saints made some changes, but once again they got bogged down. A combination of players not playing to the pattern of play or playing to the coach’s instructions caused a temporary lapse in team cohesion which encouraged Torrance to get a foothold back in the match. Saints had no option but to reinstate the players subbed to get the game back on track and they duly delivered. Within five minutes of retaking the field, Saints Euan Wheeler grabbed his second of the match after bombing down the right flank and slotted home past the out rushing Torrance keeper 4 - 1. (Great finish). Soon after, new Boy Ryan Clyde grabbed his first for the club after driving into the six yard box to blast a loose ball into the net. 5 - 1 Saints.

The score line flattered Saints but they dug in against a physical Torrance side that made Saints work for their victory. Well done both teams for a playing within the spirit of the game.

Some great individual performances from Saints but let’s get the team spirit and pattern of play back for next week’s visit of Oban Saints for the 2nd round of Scottish Cup.

Final Score 5 - 1 Saints

Coaches MOM  Gary Gillies   Refs MOM  Martyn Paton

Please Note:  Parents / Players

This team wants to compete at the top end of the table and the players train & play to achieve this. Training sessions combined with competitive games help to attain the levels we as a team crave. The Team has to evolve to attain this. Players are given every encouragement to attain this level. If players can't aspire to meet those aims & objectives then they may have to go somewhere that matches their ambitions. The players are of an age now whereby they make that decision in consultation with the coach, and not the parent.

If Sunday’s antics are repeated then the coaching staff will have no choice but to remove the player from the field of play and from the team. We will not allow petty jealousy from players, molly cuddling & sideline snipping parents derail this teams efforts. Remember, the coaches are volunteers and have the Team & all its players’ best interests at heart not just your sons.

Thank you for your continued support

ST.Mirren YFC Vs Giffnock Utd BC  Sun 6th September  (League)

Played at Battery Park Greenock, This was Saints first meeting against Giffnock BC whom are many people’s favourite to be eventual league winners. Saints started this match in a very positive manner and competed against their older rivals with dogged determination. The first half had everything but goals. Both teams played this match as though it was a title decider. Saints had the better chances in the first half but just could not get the ball into the net to capitalize on their possession and forward thinking play that it deserved. Saints Had a very good shout for a penalty denied after the ref decided to opt for the half time whistle instead of the penalty spot after a Giffnock player blocked a goal bound shot from hitting the net with his arm. The Saints players were slightly miffed by the decision but accepted the Ref’s explanation at half time. The second half started as briskly as the first with Giffnock coming more into the game. Every ball was competed for, which made this match an exciting spectacle for the neutral observer. Every area of this Saints team was tested to its limit with Giffnock asking more and more of its resolve. Saints made a couple of changes but unfortunately for them it did nothing to enhance the team’s performance. Giffnock were beginning to make their experience count with several cynical challenges which went unpunished. Saints captain Martyn Paton was upended when Giffnocks Centre half swiped him off his feet from behind just after he released his team mate with a defence splitting pass. Unfortunately for Saints, the ref pulled play back spurning what would have been as good a goal scoring situation you’re ever likely to get. From here on in, Giffnock were never going to lose this match given all the breaks they were getting. If Saints forward play was having no joy Then Giffnocks front line were getting it equally tough from Saints Back Five, with an inspired Keeper, Stevie Potter whom made some fine finger tip saves to thwart the Giffnock attack. With less than 15 minutes to play, there was nothing at all to separate these teams, that was until Giffnock were awarded a throw in which had in fact had been handballed out of play by a Giffnock player. Saints were slow to realise that the throw in had went against them and Giffnock wasted no time in getting the ball back into play. From there on in it went horribly wrong for Saints, as Giffnock struck the ball towards goal. The Saints keeper saw the ball late through a ruck of players and could only push the ball onto the post which then rebounded off him & into the net. 1 – 0 Giffnock. Saints tried to claw a result from the match but it just wasn’t their day. On another day maybe Saints could have looked to the bench for a winner but nobody was up to the task.

Despite the lack of goals, this was the best performance Saints have produced for a few seasons and yet it yielded nothing. Hopefully Saints can pick up a few points against Torrance BC next Sunday.

If Saints want results from games like this, then every person in the squad has to stand up & be counted.

Final Score 1 - 0 Giffnock

Coaches MOM  Stevie Potter  Refs MOM  Graeme Crawford

Celtic BC Vs ST.Mirren YFC  Sun 30th August  (League)

Saints first away match of the season against Celtic BC played at Nethercraigs. Saints did not know what to expect from this match as this was the first time they were pitted against the 1991 side which had competed in the under 19's the previous season. Saints shuffled things around slightly with a view to getting a settled 11 before the departures of key players. With only one change to the Saints line up, Darren Hampson replaced the suspended Andrew Shek in the back four. Saints needed to atone for their poor start the week previous which ultimately cost them all three points. Straight from the off, Saints went for the jugular and were snapping at the Celts to gain possession and take the play to the opposition goal mouth. Although Saints were smaller in stature, thay made up for this with cunning and guile and soon had Celts on the back foot. The football on display was pleasing on the eye as both teams moved the ball around the pitch. Eventually, Saints took total control of the first half which saw Saint's Captain Martyn Paton bag a hatrick as well as new boy Richie Thompson score his first goal for the club 4 - 0.

Saints back four were solid throughout the match & rarely gave Celtic any encouragement in front of goal. This was beginning to frustrate the Celtic players as they tried desperately to get back into the game.
After the break, Saints changed things around due to some niggling injuries to one or two players which saw the return of Jay Elder to his usual midfield role. The former Saints captain will take his final bow next week as he embarks on a career with the army. Jay has been a pivotal player & Captain for Saints over the years and will be sadly missed. Another wee jem of a player whom has been sadly over looked by the Pro Youth System in favour of some lanky bean pole, Ahh Scotlands shame.

Saints continued where they left off and snuffed out the game, much to the annoyance of the Celtic keeper, whom had a pop at Johnny Sim when they got tangled up going for the ball after it went out of play. The Celtic keeper was shown red after he then got involved with Saints Craig Anderson whom was trying to calm the situation down. With less than 4 minutes to go, Micky McMenemie got himself on the score sheet after he rounded the replacement keeper and bundled the ball home to make the final score 5 - 0 Saints. The final score flattered Saints slightly as they were made to work harder in the second half for their result.
Another decent game with both teams playing football on the ground with some tasty challenges thrown in for good measure. Well done both teams.

Final Score   5 - 0 Saints

Coaches MOM  Martyn Paton  Refs MOM  Darren Hampson

ST.Mirren YFC Vs Hillwood BC    Sun 23rd August  (League)

Played at lady Octavia Sports Centre Greenock. This was Saints first home game of the new season against Hillwood BC. Saints as usual, started of very poorly and found themselves 2 goals down before they even got out of first gear. (Hopefully Saints won't lose two softer goals all season or they will be in big trouble). Hillwood were very vocal and driven during the opening spell and at one stage, must have thought they were going turn Saints well and truly over. Eventually the back line got their act together & Saints midfield started to take control of the match, forcing some clever runs down the flanks. Saints Euan Wheeler latched onto a clever diagonal ball from midfield which he thundered into the roof of the Hillwood net from an almost impossible angle to make it 2 - 1 what a finish.

After the break, Saints shuffled the pack and re-instated some of the old guard back into the lineup. From there on in, there was only one team in the match. Saints took the game by the scruff of the neck and forced Hillwood back into their own half for large periods of the second half. Saints sidelines were left bemused by the lack of luck the players were having in front of goal. Hillwood made several goal line clearences and even the wood work was rattled a few times during Saints search of an equalizer. As the game was drawing to a close, Saints continued to pile on the pressure and somehow managed to get an injury time corner. Saints smallest player, Micky McMenemie managed to get onto the end of a loose ball in the six yard box and slipped it past the helpless keeper to earn Saints a draw.

Given all the effort that both teams had put into the match a draw was a fair result. This game was played at a good tempo with both teams playing some decent football on the deck. Both sets of players should be pleased with their efforts on the day for providing a passing entertaining game. Well done.

Final Score   2 - 2

Coaches MOM   Gary Gillies  Refs MOM  Mark Tedeschi