Squandered chances cost Oban Saints two precious league points

Five minutes later the turnaround was complete when Paul Coyle flashed an excellent half-volley from a Kerrin Dow left-wing cross past a static Craig Maitland.

The reverse stung Saints into action with experienced Port Glasgow captain Thomas Wilson having to make an excellent block to deny Rhys Millar before the youngster unfortunately fluffed his lines from two yards out completely missing a David Beaton cross from the right with Scott Maitland beaten to the loose ball by Paul Payne at the expense of a corner-kick which Ryan Barclay headed wide of target.

Also heading wide of target on the stroke of half-time was Connor Moore who did well to reach David Beaton’s cross from the right but glanced his effort beyond Stuart Burns’ right-hand post.
Port Glasgow lost the services of right full-back Paul Payne to a rolled ankle after just two second half minutes with his place being taken by Peter McNeill. 

With Saints looking a better proposition after the interval, David Beaton’s 48th minute diagonal ball was taken skilfully into his stride by Rhys Millar but his cutback from the right on the run found no takers in red.
With 51 minutes on the clock, Saints gaffer Ross Maitland sent on Keiran Griffin to replace Alec McInroy in central midfield before Saints were dealt a major blow when a thigh injury forced the withdrawal of David Beaton.

Beaton’s replacement, Fraser MacFarlane, was on the end of Rhys Millar’s 61st minute cutback from the right but put his effort wide of the front post.

The Port Glasgow defence was having a hard time dealing with Connor Moore’s pace, but Moore let them off the hook by blasting a good opening over the crossbar after 65 minutes.

Moore, however, showed considerably more composure in the 69th minute when he collected the ball from Rhys Millar on the right before cutting inside and arrowing a low left-foot drive from 18 yards past Stuart Burns’ left hand and into the bottom corner.

Just 60 seconds later, Moore had the chance to restore Saints’ lead when Thomas Wilson felled Fraser MacFarlane in the Port Glasgow six-yard box as they both stretched to reach a Rhys Millar cutback from the right. Moore’s desire to burst the net resurfaced, however,  and his thumping effort from the penalty spot cleared the crossbar by some distance.

Moore’s pace took him in behind the Port Glasgow defence again in the 74th minute, but he couldn’t steer the ball wide of keeper Stuart Burns who spread himself well to divert the ball wide for a corner-kick. 

Gavin Forgrieve’s delivery from the right was headed out to the 18-yard line where the lurking Fraser MacFarlane saw his volley charged down.

Saints squandered another excellent chance when Rhys Millar and Connor Moore got in each other’s way trying to reach a Ruaridh Horne through ball allowing Stuart Burns to gather safely at their feet.
The young Saints back three of Shaye Black, Ryan Barclay and Matty Pollock kept the experienced Port Glasgow front line in check throughout the second half keeping goalkeeper Craig Maitland well protected and deserved their slice of good fortune when Kyle McGuigan headed an 85th minute free-kick from the left wide of target.

At the other end, Saints began to run out of steam and were left to rue their missed chances as two league points slipped away.

Ross Maitland’s final change saw Keiron Lopez replace Rhys Millar at right wingback in the 86th minute.
Keiran Griffin fired one last shot inches wide of Stuart Burns’ right-hand post before referee Donald MacCallum, who had a good game, blew for full-time after five added minutes.

Saints continue their Scottish Premier Amateur Football Association Premiership campaign this Saturday, February 15, when they travel to Ochilview to face Stenhousemuir Community.