St Patrick's FPs celebrate fourth league title in a row with stylish win

Outgoing St Patrick’s coach Zander Diamond hailed his side’s togetherness, as they made it four league titles in a row.

Goals from Ryan McColl, skipper Ciaran McElory and a cute Joe May penalty secured the title in style for the Dumbarton side against Castlemilk OBC. With keeper Brian Gallacher even saving a penalty, on a perfect night for the Saints.

It was a final game on the sidelines in green and white for ex-Aberdeen defender Zander, who has taken over at Lowland League Broomhill.

And he paid tribute to the Saints’ squad for writing another successful chapter into the club’s illustrious history.

Zander said: “I am immensely proud of the players. They are a tight group of boys who work hard for their teammates and have shown a real togetherness throughout the season.

“Their efforts this season have been first class and to win three trophies is an excellent return and achievement.

“The league doesn’t lie, we’ve been the best team all season and are deserving winners of the title.

“It was great to reward the manager, Johnny O’Brien, with the league title while he was away sunning himself in the Mediterranean.”

Saints were crowned champions for the fourth consecutive year after a sparkling performance in front of a huge crowd at Dumbarton Common on Tuesday evening.

The home side actually started poorly and could have been behind in the first minute.

The otherwise impeccable Michael Aitken mistimed a through ball from OBC which allowed their striker to lob keeper Gallacher, but May saved his pals’ blushes by covering and heading the ball behind for a corner.

That was a wake up call for the Saints and they gradually worked their way into the game.

Both teams were cancelling each other out and chances were few and far between.

Saints did carve out one very decent chance after 31 minutes when skipper Ciaran McElroy attacked his full back and set up Conor McLaren at the back post, but the chance was lost when he couldn’t get a proper connection with his header.

The miss looked even more crucial when OBC won a penalty six minutes later when May handled a dangerous cross into the box and referee Murphy immediately pointed to the spot.

Saints keeper Gallacher, who must be the best goalkeeper at saving penalties in the amateur game, came up trumps again, diving low to his left to clutch the ball.

This lifted Saints again and within three minutes they were ahead.

Star full-back and Scottish international Ryan McColl drove forward deep into OBC territory, played a neat one two with McGuire and weaved past two tackles before smashing a right foot screamer into the bottom corner of the net.

As the half time whistle went Saints now had one hand on the trophy with only 45 minutes of the season remaining.

OBC knew they had to attack Saints from the start of the second half but Saints were ready for them and some clever midfield play and stout defending meant that Gallacher had few saves to make.

Saints knew that one more goal would finish the game and the season off, and - after a couple of near misses - the all important second goal arrived in the 75th minute.

A slick interchange between McElroy and Molloy resulted in McElroy bearing down on goal and he made no mistake, burying his low shot into the bottom corner to spark off wild celebrations in the Saints crowd.

Saints were now on easy street and they finished off their season like the true champions that they are.

In the 92nd minute the classy McGuire played a through ball to send Havelin clear with only the keeper to beat. He rounded the keeper only to be upended for a stonewall penalty.

It was left to man of the match Joe May to step up and Panenka the OBC keeper to the delight of the Saints fans young and old. It was a very fitting end to a fine season.

Kevin Goodwin speaking for manager Johnny O’Brien who is on a family holiday added: “Everyone at St Pats wishes Zander all the best in his new post.

“He has been inspirational in his time with us and has raised the bar for our club with his coaching and his leadership qualities.

“He will always be welcome back and whilst he will be missed we will move on to the new challenges.”

Saints: B.Gallacher, J.May. R.McColl, D.Brown, M.Aitken, R.Hurst, C.McLaren, N.McGuire, L.Lobban, D.Molloy, C.McElroy. Subs: R.Cannon, B.Carmouche, J.Gray, S.Havelin, R.Holloway, G.McCulloch, M.Symington.