Hamilton Accies retain D&K Cup

Oban Saints' pre-season tournament sponsored by D&K Lafferty Contractors returned last Saturday after a three-year absence due to Covid.

 

The 27th playing of Oban Saints' flagship event took place at Mossfield Stadium and Oban Lorne Rugby Club where a large crowd of locals and visitors were treated to excellent football in favourable weather conditions.

 

The hosts were joined by tournament regulars Hamilton Academical and St Johnstone with Kilmarnock and Livingston making their debuts.

 

The unfortunate late withdrawal of three-time winners Alloa Athletic necessitated a minor change to the familiar tournament format which saw the teams play each other once, but with the matches lasting 40 minutes instead of the usual 30.

 

Tournament organiser and Oban Saints secretary David Buchanan was delighted to confirm that D&K Lafferty Contractors had agreed to continue its sponsorship of the event. D&K Lafferty are fantastic supporters of local sport and everyone connected with Oban Saints was pleased to see them rewarded with the wide exposure that sponsorship of this prestigious tournament offers.

 

In addition to the generosity of D&K Lafferty, Saints are also grateful to MKM Building Supplies Oban and hospitality sponsor Aulay's Bar for their renewed support for the forthcoming season.

 

As has been the case for many years Saints received a kind donation of match balls from a local business which has once again ticked the 'no publicity' box and wishes to remain anonymous.

 

The tournament was well handled by referees Pat O'Donnell, Jimmy Litster, John Cairney and Tony McCann who oversaw ten excellent matches before reigning champions Hamilton Academical once again emerged victorious to take the trophy back to New Douglas Park for a sixth time.

 

Results: Kick-off 11am, Mossfield, Oban Saints 0 St Johnstone 3; Glencruitten - Livingston 2 Hamilton Academical 0.

 

Kick-off noon - Mossfield - St Johnstone 0 Hamilton Academical 2; Glencruitten - Kilmarnock 0 Oban Saints 0.

 

Kick off 1pm - Mossfield - Hamilton Academical 1 Kilmarnock 0; Glencruitten - St Johnstone 3 Livingston 2.

 

Kick off 2pm - Mossfield - Livingston 3 Kilmarnock 0; Glencruitten - Oban Saints 0  Hamilton Academical 4.

 

Kick off 3pm - Mossfield - Oban Saints 3 Livingston 1; Glencruitten - Kilmarnock 2 St Johnstone 3.

 

Going into the final two fixtures, Hamilton Academical were leaders in the clubhouse on nine points, however, Livingston and St Johnstone knew victory in their respective games would see both equal the Accies' points tally and bring goal difference into play to decide the destination of the trophy.

 

However, Oban Saints' win over Livingston knocked the West Lothian side out of the reckoning and St Johnstone's narrow 3-2 win over Kilmarnock wasn't good enough for them to lift the cup.

 

At the final whistle at Mossfield and Glencruitten, the calculators were out before Hamilton Academical were finally confirmed as winners beating St Johnstone on goal difference.

 

"attachment_979216" "" "300"] Winners Hamilton Academicals.

 

Oban Saints secretary David Buchanan thanked all the teams for supporting the event, groundsman Ian Hay for the superb condition of the pitches and the referees before asking Frances Black, wife of Saints' publicity and media officer Derek Black, to hand over the trophy and mementos to the Hamilton Accies squad.

 

Hamilton's Chris McGinn was voted Player of the Tournament.

 

"attachment_979171" "" "300"] Hamilton's Chris McGinn, who was voted Player of the Tournament.