Archived Match Reports

16th September 2006- 11th November 2006

Justice Served

After three matches versus Hill O’Beath already this season Justice was finally served, when Oakley United managed to beat their bitter rivals “The Haws”.
In the two earlier encounters (both ACA League cup matches) Oakley were arguably the better team but just couldn’t get across the winning line. Losing 2-1 away and then drawing 1-1 at Blairwood.

Both teams approached the game in fine form having both qualified for the third round of the Scottish Cup the previous weekend, Hill O’Beath having beaten Sauchie 2-1 and Oakley on the back of thrashing luckless Girvan 8-0.

The early scrimmages were even enough, but in that time it became apparent that Oakley’s left back Lee Morrison was going to be the star of the day. His strong running from defence and link play with Russell Smart would be instrumental in Oakley’s success.

A speculative effort from club Captain Roger DUFFIN opened the scoring on 19 minutes when his shot, looped over the Haws keeper nestling in the back of the net.
Three minutes later it was one apiece when Lee Morrison was adjudged to have fouled Reynolds in the box having found himself on the wrong side of the “Haws” hit man. Haws other striker #9 Beveridge strode up and leveled from the spot.

Scott Lammie almost put the O’s in front after a sublime through ball from Jimmy Lister only to be denied by a last gasp tackle by veteran defender John Mitchell.
With the seconds ticking down, Oakley once again in the run up to Christmas, Gifted another goal. Young stopper Steven Stewart’s clearance up field only managed to find the backside of the onrushing Reynolds who then stroked the ball into the empty net for two-one.

Half Time Oakley United 1 - 2 Hill O’Beath Hawthorn

Oakley came out of the blocks quicker and had three half chances to draw level within ten minutes but on each occasion were unable to convert. It took fifteen minutes for Oakley’s pressure to finally pay dividends when LISTER replied with interest a Haws failed clearance.

Reynolds who was the Haws best player by some margin put the visitors ahead again on 68 minutes when he was left unmarked at a free kick to smash home from 25 yards.

Oakley’s retort was to draw level once again a mere two minutes later. Hill O’Beath’s new signing Ross saw red for his second yellow card for a vicious tackle on Russell Smart and from the resulting free kick a beautifully flighted Newbigging cross was finished off with style by the inform Ryan EWING who slipped his marker Mitchell to side foot home from close range.

There was only going to be one winner, as Oakley continued to press forward, it came four minutes later. Peter Bannatyne controlled the ball deep in his own half before running 65 yards as he outstripped the Haws defence before laying it on a plate for Ryan EWING to score his second of the afternoon and his fourth in two games.

With Oakley in control and winning 4-3, the Haws discipline started to disintegrate with Winarski also seeing red for a late cruncher on John Rushford.

The referee had to work overtime towards the end of the game, firstly in order to keep the red cards down to two as a series of wild tackles from especially John Mitchell and Ally Gray should’ve resulted in them also seeing red. Secondly because from somewhere he found it necessary to play an additional seven minutes of injury time.

Either way, Hill O’Beath finished the game with nine men and Oakley won three valuable points.

Final Score; Oakley United 4 – 3 Hill O’Beath Hawthorn

Duffin 19
Lister 60
Ewing 70, 74

O's too Smart for Girvan

Oakley took their place in the hat for the third round draw after an impressive performance versus West Region outfit Girvan Juniors.

Oakley’s flying left winger Russell Smart was undoubtedly the man of the match after tormenting the Girvan back four, especially their Right back who must’ve wished he’d stayed in bed that day.

It didn’t take Russell long to set his stall for the day, as early as the third minute, he waltzed past two defenders before being taken down in the box, only to have the referee wave away the Oakley claims.

A minute later the elegant Buist strode forward and unleashed a fine effort but unfortunately straight into the waiting arms of the Girvan keeper. A sweeping move from left to right led to Oakley’s opener on seven minutes after Smart cut in from the wing and passed it cross field to Ryan Ewing who superbly played the ball in behind the left back to Peter Bannatyne whose cross was turned in by SMART who nipped in front of the Girvan defence to slip the ball into the back of the net.

Jimmy Lister was unlucky not too have opened his account for the day after two fine headed efforts went close after Smart had again beaten his marker and supplied from the by-line.

It was all Oakley and it was quickly two then three-nil. Firstly EWING created time for himself after he controlled a Lee Morrison cross before firing low into the net, only to be followed by a fine LISTER goal after he collected another Smart cross with his back to goal before spinning and shooting past a helpless Girvan number One.
LISTER got his second and Oakley’s fourth on 38 minutes after Smart had once again turned his marker inside out before delivering a sweet ball into the area for Lister to simply prod the ball home.

Half Time; Oakley United 4 – 0 Girvan Juniors

The second half was only 5 minutes old when a scything tackle ended Smarts participation in the proceedings, and despite the six inch scar down his shin the referee again waved away any penalty claims.

If the departure of Smart gave the Girvan defence any feeling of relieve, it was to be short lived. Only 2 minutes after Smart was replaced by David Murray a poor defensive clearance was returned with interest by big Jimmy LISTER who was making his return to the team after a three game absence. Lister found himself unmarked 35 yards from goal and he chipped the ball over the stranded Girvan stopper into the net for his first hat-trick this season.

With the game effectively won, Player Manager Willie Newbigging and hat-trick hero Lister were replaced with resounding success by Richard Workman and William “Jacko” Baird respectively..

Oakley cruised to six-nil thanks to David MURRAY following in to score from close range after the Girvan keeper could only parry away a Jacko Baird strike after the wee man had shaken free of both the Girvan central defenders.
The home side continued to dominate with Girvan only making the occasional sortie into the Oakley half.

Girvan were living dangerously with both Scott Lammie and Roger Duffin coming close to extending the Oakley lead. Lammie found the side netting when put through one on one with the keeper and captain Duffin rattled his fine strike off the bar.

But it wasn’t long before it was seven. Jacko Baird again became the provider when he was unceremoniously taken down inside the area for a penalty. With the home support shouting for Jacko to take the penalty the ball was instantly picked up by Ryan EWING and dispatched into the Girvan net just as quickly.

Justice however was served on 82mins when Jacko BAIRD got reward for his afternoons endeavor. An excellent through ball to him from Ewing was driven into the bottom corner despite the best efforts of the Girvan defence.

The final few minutes unfortunately were clouded in red mist and detracted from the days overall play when firstly the Girvan center half walked for his second yellow of the afternoon and then their left back was also red carded for blatantly head-butting Oakley midfielder John Rushford as the two teams made their way back for the re-start. The two reds soon became three however as Rushford was also sent packing for retaliating.

Final Score; Oakley United 8 – 0 Girvan Juniors

Smart 7
Ewing 28 , 76(Pen)
Lister 32 , 38 , 53
Murray 63
Baird 82

Oakley Dire in the Mire

After the heroics of the past few weeks, Oakley’s performance against Bonnyrigg Rose can only be described as “Dire”. Admittedly the playing surface was far from ideal, but it was the same for both teams and the Rose handled the conditions far better.

On a pitch that was more reminisce of a ploughed field Oakley’s key players simply did not compete in the style that we have come to expect after excellent performances versus the likes of Linlithgow and Camelon.

Defensively Oakley were at sixes & sevens and seemingly lacked the basic skill of clearing their lines. The Rose front line however was always a threat with their pace and movement especially the always available Shaun Grady.

In attack, Oakley lacked ideas and struggled to create even half chances, however it has to be said that they’re supply was limited.

In midfield, too many passes went astray and all too often to a man in the red & white of Bonnyrigg. It was after one such pass from Scott Lammie that gifted the opener to Grady. A cross field pass towards Lee Morrison was at best wayward and gave the Rose man the opportunity to run straight through one on one on Stewart before finding the back of the net with a low drive.

One nil to the home side against it has to be said the run of play that had earlier seen Jacko Baird find the side netting after being forced wide by the Rose keeper. It was Coyle again that came to the rescue when he saved another Baird effort with his feet.

After some fine inter passing GRADY got his and the Rose’s second on 27 minutes, a minute after he had squandered an easier chance by blasting over when again through one on one.

Oakley tried to reduce the deficit before the break and had a number of half chances, the best of which saw Rose defender Meikle head clear for a corner via his own post.

Half Time; Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic 2 – 0 Oakley United

Bonnyrigg were the better team in the second forty five and had the majority of the play and the chances.

The returning Russell Smart replaced striker Craig Morrison on the hour mark, who had to be stretchered off after receiving a dull one from the keeper’s knee in the small of his back.

It didn’t take the “tanned” winger long to make his mark after his enforced holiday in the Dominican Republic (Best Man duties), forcing Coyle again to make a save after cruising past his marker and latching on to a fine through ball from Chris Francis.

Grady continued to shine and the goal scorer became provider on 82mins when he capitilised on Lee Morrison failing to clear when put under pressure at the right hand corner flag, his cross being taken early by WILLIAMSON and driven past a diving Stewart for the third and last of the day.

Final Score; Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic 3 - 0 Oakley United

Grady 13, 27, Williamson 82.

Oakley show
Super League Potential

With forty-five minutes gone it looked as if Linlithgow were going to inflict another defeat on Oakley United and in the doing so, increase their lead at the top of the Whyte & MacKay Super League East. Having already secured 14 points from their opening seven games, Linlithgow were already clear of the chancing pack, having only lost the once to local rivals Bo’Ness.

Player manager Willie Newbigging was unavailable for selection, as was David Murray, Russell Smart, Jimmy Lister, John Allison, Ross Morrison nor Oakley’s most recent casualty Peter Bannatyne, Due to a mixture of holidays, bans and injuries.

This meant a re-shuffle in the Oakley ranks with Richard Workman coming into central defence, pushing the solid Chris Francis into midfield along side the fit again John Rushford.

Oakley took time to settle, although some would argue they didn’t in that first forty five minutes. Two defensive errors gifted the Rose the score line and the domination over an Oakley squad that could only muster eleven players for the encounter.

Half Time Linlithgow Rose 2 - 0 Oakley United

We are not entirely sure what was said to the players at the break but they were a different outfit in the second half and were a better team by far.

Oakley were back in the game after a superb move was calmly finished off by the in form Scott Lammie after some excellent build up play and an unselfish layoff by last seasons top marksman William “Jacko” Baird.

The home crowd was getting more and more agitated and more hostile towards the Oakley players as they continued to control the game and push for the equaliser.

Scott Lammie and Craig Morrison were targetted and received the brunt of the verbal abuse, which only acted as a spur to drive them and the rest of the team forward. Craig Morrison had the perfect retort however when scored another of his trademark goals after stepping over and curling a shot into the net past a bemused Linlithgow keeper.

Steven Stewart who had earlier replaced the injured Greig Maitland was unable to stop Linlithgow taking the lead once again after the ball squirmed away from Roger Duffin into the path of the oncoming Rose striker who simply passed it into the net.

Oakley for the second game in succession pulled it out of the bag with a late on equaliser when Scott Lammie bravely won a header that should’ve been the keepers by right into the net from a great Lee Morrison cross.

Final Score; Linlithgow Rose 3 - 3 Oakley United
Lammie(2), C Morrison

Ewing Double
Salvages Point

Following last weeks double sending off of Jimmy Lister and David Murray along with Russell Smart unavailable due to “Best Man duties” Willie Newbigging had to make wholesale changes to the team that dominated but somehow lost to last weeks visitors Carnoustie. Newly promoted Camelon arrived at Blairwood Park sitting proudly in second place in the League behind our next opponents Linlithgow Rose. Already this season Camelon have had some excellent performances having recorded wins versus last seasons Scottish Cup runners-up Bathgate (4-0), Bo’Ness (2-1) and Fifes other Super League outfit Hill O’Beath(1-0).

William ”Jacko” Baird came in for the sidelined Jimmy Lister along with Craig Morrison and the impressive Chris Francis who has forged a solid defensive force with Roger Duffin and Scot Buist since his enforced exile due to work commitments.

Both teams seemed up for the task with the game ebbing and flowing from end to end with Buist making some top drawer tackles to keep the game all square versus the team that had sold him to Oakley 18 months earlier. But for the second week in succession it was a defensive error that led to Oakley’s undoing. From a corner as early as the 14th minute, Oakley keeper Maitland couldn’t hold onto the ball and it dropped kindly at the foot of a Camelon striker for him to simply prod the ball in from a yard out.

This didn’t disrupt the Oakley lads and they created a number of half chances, the best of which saw the Camelon keeper tip a Craig Morrison effort just over.
Oakley pulled it level on 36minutes after some fine work by “Jacko” Baird who had beaten two men on the right before unselfishly laying the ball into the path of Ryan EWING who swept it into the bottom corner.

Half Time ; Oakley 1 – 1 Camelon Juniors

Oakley had the better of early scrimmages in the second half with a Craig Morrison volley and a Scott Lammie cracker that went narrowly past. The game which had been played in good spirits to this point took a turn for the worse on 77 minutes when the Camelon Centre Half literally saw red after deliberately stamping on the already poleaxed Jacko Baird.

Oakley pushed forward and only a tremendous diving save, by the Camelon number One low to his right denied Craig Morrison the goal he so richly deserved.

It was that man Morrison again that showed the crowd just what a great player he is when he controlled a Peter Bannatyne pass on his chest before spinning and volleying his effort just wide.

Young Kenny Cameron who had replaced the injured Bannatyne then had an effort go close on 82 minutes before Greig Maitland made amends for his earlier error when he came out to save when faced one on one.

It looked as if the old saying was wrong and “Lightning does strike in the same place twice” when after dominating the game for long periods as they had done against Carnoustie the week previous, Camelon on 87 minutes scored with a breakaway goal.

Oakley United 2 – 2 Camelon Juniors

Oakley Loose Grip
on League Cup

Current holders Oakley lost their grip on the ACA sponsored League Cup trophy after failing to break down a resolute Rosyth Eleven that fought hard for the point they required to progress to the Quarter Final stage. Despite Rosyth’s power puff front line their excellent defensive performance ensured that Oakley had to work hard to create any chances of note.

That being said, Oakley striker Jimmy Lister could’ve and should’ve had a brace to himself within the first ten minutes after Firstly prodding a goalkeeping error into the side netting before blasting a Bannatyne through ball just over when a little composure could have broken the deadlock.

Scot Buist showed excellent technique on ten minutes when he controlled and volleyed a powerful effort in on goal within a crowded box which again had the Rosyth number one on his toes, before another Lister effort and a Duffin header came close for the visitors.

Rosyth weathered the storm and came close to taking the lead themselves on 31 minutes, when after a successi0n of corners led to their #10 weakly poking the ball into the welcoming arms of Greig Maitland who in fairness didn’t have a shot of note to worry about all afternoon.

With Half time looming, Lister glanced another header just wide before some sterling work by Man of the Match Scott Lammie forced a corner right on the whistle.

Half Time; Rosyth 0 – 0 Oakley United

The Second half started with again Oakley on top, and saw Ryan Ewing crudely chopped down within the first minute only to be totally ignored by the Referee, before a brave Scott Lammie header and shot went just over.

The Referee and his Assistant again did Oakley no favours on the hour mark, when a Ryan Ewing shot was adjudged not to have crossed the line after coming through a crowded area and down off the bar. Despite the protests from several Oakley players the goal was not allowed and for the second time this season an opportunity to score was denied by the man in black!

Ryan overcame his disappointment and came close again when he hit a David Murray cross on the volley only to see the ball scrape past the upright, before Captain Roger Duffin had Oakley’s last effort of the afternoon which also went narrowly wide, after an excellent cross from the out of sorts Russell Smart. A disappointing end to Oakley’s League Cup campaign but performances of note from Scott Lammie, Scot Buist and Chris Francis added a positive note to the afternoon and Oakley’s upcoming Super League fixtures.

This Result means that Hill O’Beath and Rosyth from group One will join St Andrews, Scone Thistle, Kinnoull and Ballingry Rovers in the last eight with two further places yet to be decided.

Final Score; Rosyth 0 – 0 Oakley United

The “Luck O’ the Irish”

It might just simply be because we’ve signed Big Richard Workman, as we certainly have the “Luck o’ the Irish” right now.

Two of Oakley’s four goals were as a result of Jimmy Lister & Scott Lammie having charged down two goalkeeper clearances. On both occasions the ball found the back of the net when they could’ve as easily went out for a throw-in or a corner.

In fairness Oakley were the better team on the day and had the majority of the chances, but there was enough evidence to show that Sauchie will be there or there about for the East Region – South promotional slot come the end of the season.

This was Sauchie’s fifth encounter this season with a super league team and sadly their fifth defeat, having lost home & away to both Bo’Ness and eventual group Winners Camelon.

It was a relatively poor first half with few clear cut chances, but Oakley went in one to the good at the break. A Sauchie attack on 39 minutes was chested clear by Scot Buist to Peter Bannatyne who played the ball through the defence to Craig MORRISON to run on, turn his defender and place the ball into the net for his sixteenth of the season.

Peter Bannatyne & Jimmy Lister had both come close on a number of occasions the best of which was when sliding into the box Jimmy was just unable to get a touch to a Craig Morrison cross after some fine work on the wing after only five minutes and when Peter crashed the ball against the bar right on the half time whistle after he had done all the hard work previously.

Half Time ;- Sauchie Juniors 0 - 1 Oakley United

The second half wasn’t 30 seconds old and it was two nil. Sauchie took the kick off and played it back to midfield and then back to their keeper to clear, only for jimmy LISTER to charge down the keeper’s clearance straight into the back of the net.

It wasn’t all Oakley; Sauchie could’ve got themselves back into the game in the following ten minute spell, had their finishing been of a higher standard. Firstly they had an effort come back off the post and then a header put over the bar from close in when it was easier to score.

The contest was effectively over on 68 minutes when Craig MORRISON smashed a free kick past the despairing gloves of the Sauchie keeper high into the Sauchie net, after Scott Lammie was needlessly taken down just left of centre 25 yards from goal.
Scott LAMMIE, who was getting a lot of verbal from the home support due to his no-nonsense style of play, got the last laugh when he and the Sauchie number one both bravely when for a Craig Morrison through ball only to see the ball ricochet agonisingly across the line for four nil.

Sauchie to their credit didn’t stop playing and got their reward on 78 minutes when a well hit shot from the edge of the box went through a ruck of players and past the helpless Greig Maitland.

Oakley had used all three substitutes in the second half in an attempt to close out the game, replacing Craig Morrison Jimmy Lister and Scott Buist with Lee Morrison, Richard Workman and the ever sharp Jacko Baird.

It was Jacko that almost had the last word of the afternoon when he was adjudged to have handled the ball prior to slipping it past the keeper into the net.

Final Score; Sauchie Juniors 1 - 4 Oakley United

Injury Time, again!

The undisputed “Man of the Match” was Hill O’Beath stopper Marc Graham, who made a succession of great saves to earn the away team a shaky point. Shaky it may have been, but a point that will probably be enough to see them qualify for the quarter final stage of the ACA League Cup.

The highlight being a double point blank save from firstly Ryan Ewing and then Jimmy Lister, after some fine wing play by Russell Smart on 48 minutes.

Oakley for the second game in a row were down to the bones in terms of playing staff with John Rushford (back) Willie Newbigging (knee) and Lee Morrison (back) joining the increasing injury list which includes the unfortunate Ross Morrison who broke his ankle falling off a roof.

Good news for the O’s however was the return of Chris Francis in central defence after a long absence due to work commitments. Even the Hill O’Beath faithful must’ve drove home wondering how they escaped with a point. The game was played at a good tempo with both teams breaking well and putting together some attractive passing moves. However, less attractive was the tackling of Beath’s Ally Gray, who after only 12 minutes sent Scott Lammie crashing to the ground for what would not be the last time

Greig Maitland also had an excellent afternoon with a succession of fine saves in the first half as the Haws created a number of clear cut chances.

Peter Bannatyne was playing a more central midfield role and his direct running was causing panic in the haws back four. On the half hour he smacked a 30 yard corker just wide before forcing Graham to firstly divert an effort past for a corner and then to dive to his right to smother another shot down on the line.

Half Time; Oakley United 0 – 0 Hill O’Beath Hawthorn

The double Marc Graham save three minutes into the second half and a Jimmy Lister looping header that went just over a minute later, denied Oakley the perfect start.
Hill O’Beath were down to ten men on the hour mark when their winger deliberately back healed the seemingly targetted Scott Lammie.

Oakley took full advantage with Peter Bannatyne again the driving force. His dart into the heart of the Beath defence forced them to take him down for a penalty, from which Ryan EWING put the keeper the wrong way to open the scoring.

Six minutes later it was 1-1, a dubious refereeing decision firstly gave Beath a penalty and saw the impressive Chris Francis walking after a straight Red. A decision that surprised even the Hill O’Beath players as NONE of them even appealed for a foul … a decision made all the worse considering that the referee allowed a number of wild Ally Gray tackles to go without even a word, tackles that invariably left Scott Lammie crumpled on the deck.

Oakley finished the stronger with efforts from Peter Bannatyne, Craig Morrison and an excellent Roger Duffin volley all failing to hit the back of the net .

Final Score; Oakley United 1 - 1 Hill O’Beath Hawthorn