NEWS FROM THE REC
CUMNOCK OFF AGAIN
Tomorrows game at Cumnock has fell foul of the weather again and been postponed due to a frozen pitch at Townhead Park, we will try again next week.
AYRSHIRE OPPONENTS AGAIN
If United can defeat Cumnock, they will be at home to either Kilbirnie Ladeside or Troon in Round 5 on February 18th
UNITED NET TWO FROM PETERHEAD
St Andrews have completed the loan signings of Peterhead duo Alan Rattray and Paul Watson, both players have signed on loan deals until the end of the season.
SAINTS TROUNCE LOCHORE IN FRIENDLY
United defeated Lochore 9-2 in Saturdays friendly at Cupar Sports Centre, the goals came from Gary Sutherland with a hat trick, Paul Farquharson, Ryan Dignan, Johnny MacRae, Ryan Suttie, Paul Watson and Josh Paterson
FRIENDLY ARRANGED
As a result of the Cumnock postponement, we have been able to arrange a friendly fixture at Cupar Sports Centre against Lochore Welfare k.o 2pm
CUMNOCK GAME OFF
Tommorows Scottish Cup tie in Ayrshire has been postponed due to a combination of rain, snow and ice in the west and has been rescheduled for next week (4th Feb)
SAINTS AND CUMNOCK TO TRY AGAIN
St Andrews United and Cumnock battled out a 1-1 draw at Recreation Park in this afternoons Emirates Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round tie. United took the lead right on half time when Kevin McMullan hit a free kick all of fifty yards and over the keeper in to the corner of the net. The referee took centre stage shortly in to the second half when he ordered a penalty and sent Saints skipper Ricky Patrick off after a collision with a Cumnock player in the box, a bizarre decision that affected the game. The visitors equalised with the penalty but that was the end of the scoring but not the bookings as the official proceeded to book several players from both sides.
The replay takes place next Saturday at Cumnock with a 1.30 kick off
"DELI"CIOUS DEAL FOR SAINTS
St Andrews United are pleased to announce that a sponsorship deal has been agreed with Mitchells Deli and Bistro. The deal involves the displaying of the Mitchell logo on the t shirts worn by the squad during warm up. The players should be wearing their new t shirts this afternoon.
As part of the this afternoons launch Mitchell’s offered supporters of both sides a sample of some of their tasty soup.
BONNYRIGG GAME OFF
Recreation Park has failed a pitch inspection this morning, the match referee deemed that the penalty areas were unplayable due to being frozen solid so this afternoons game has been postponed.
HAWS TAKE POINTS FROM FIFE DERBY
Hill of Beath took all three points from Recreation Park this afternoon in an often ill tempered Fife derby. Stephen Bathgate opened the scoring on 21 minutes when he received the ball in an offside position before sprinting further from the desperate United defence to beat Scott Bennett. Just before half time St Andrews were denied a penalty when the referee waved play on after the ball was blatently moved away by a Hill Of Beath hand. Bathgate doubled his teams tally on 70 whenhe was given the freedom of the penalty area to head home Gemmells free kick.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
The Committee, Staff and Players of St Andrews United would like to wish all supporters a happy and prosperous 2012.
GAME OFF
Todays game at Kelty has been postponed following an inspection by the referee.
CRUCIAL MONTH FOR HARDIES' UNITED
As the season progressed it was never going to get any easier in the Super League but with the latest fixture announcements for January 14th, the next month could prove to be crucial to Saints season. The month starts off on Saturday with the trip to Kelty Hearts, which remember is a 1pm kick off followed by another Fife derby on the 7th when we entertain Hill Of Beath Hawthorn at Recreation Park, the 14th sees Bonnyrigg Rose visit St Andrews, and then its the Scottish Junior Cup tie against Cumnock at The Rec on January 21st.
NEXT FOR SAINTS
St Andrews travel to Central Park, Kelty to take on Kelty Hearts in a ACA Super League clash k.o is 1pm however, obviously weather may be an issue so keep an eye on the website regarding this fixture
FIFE DERBY POSTPONED
A frozen Recreation Park put paid to this afternoons Super League Fife Derby between United and Hill of Beath. With both goal mouths and the tree side frozen hard it was an easy decision for the inpecting Referee to make.
TOUGH DRAW FOR SAINTS
St Andrews have been drawn at home to Ayrshire side Cumnock in the Scottish Junior Cup the tie is scheduled to take place on Saturday 21st January.
FLYER SHOOTS DOWNFIELD OUT
Kevin "Flyer" McMullan's early goal was enough to see United through to the Third Round of the East Of Scotland Cup at Recreation Park this afternoon. In a game spoilt by several interruptions it was settled by McMullans solo effort after 5 minutes. Ryan Suttie saw red for United just before the half hour and then Downfield had two players sent off in a game that started brightly and looked to be an entettaining affair, unfortunately it was not to turn out like that.
ROSE PROVIDE THORN IN UNITED SIDE
With the weather putting pay to most of the games in the region, United visited Prestonfield with a point to prove after last seasons 6-0 cup drubbing at the hands of Linlithgow, alas once again United returned home across the Forth Road Bridge pointless once again.
Rose took an early lead through McLennan and whilst United threatened on occasion it was no surprise when McLennan doubled the advantage on 25 minutes. In an open game both sides forced the opposing goalkeepers in to brilliant saves. Rose made it three on 58 when former Bo'ness man Andy Shirra rifled an effort in to Bennetts top corner. United woke up and were awarded a penalty when Sutherland was sandwiched but unlike last week but in keeping with the goalkeepers performance Hay got down brilliantly to his right to save Fotheringhams spot kick. United remained on top and Fotheringham pulled one back with a deft header from a brilliant Farquharson cross, but unfortunately that was how it finished for Saints.
SAINTS TRAVEL TO LINLITHGOW
St Andrews will next week travel back across the Forth Bridge to take on currently managerless Linlithgow Rose at Prestonfield k.o 1.45pm
UNITED IN ROUND 4
St Andrews United marched in to Round 4 of the Emirates Scottish Junior Cup with a fine 3-1 victory at Recreation Park over Carnoustie, United fell behind to a debateable penalty when Wilson was adjudged to have fouled Perara before Fotheringham equalised again from the spot before half time. Buchan and then Sutherland scored just before the hour to give United the victory they deserved thanks to an excellent team performance from 1 to 11 with everybody putting a shift in on a difficult surface.
POINTLESS TRIP TO BATHGATE
United returned from yesterdays trip to the Lothians once again pointless, although a point is the least they deserved and produced a second half performance that on another day could have delivered all three.
Saints went behind to an early Thistle goal when Gregor Buchanan nodded a header in to the ground and past Bennett. the home side went further in front on 34 minutes when Andreoni was allowed to ghost in unmarked at the back post to rifle a shot in to the roof of the net.
Saints came out for the second half with renewed vigour and pulled one back on 52 minutes from a great MacRae goal, United threw everything at Thistle but couldnt find the killer touch against, at times a wobbling Bathgate defence.
SAINTS GIVEN TOUGH TIE
St Andrews United were given a tough tie at home to fellow Super League side Carnoustie Panmure in Tuesdays Third Round Draw the tie will take place on Saturday November 26th k.o TBC.
Hospitality packages are available for the game and will be announced later today.
Meanwhile, other ties of interest are Lochee Utd v Tayport, Oakley Utd v Arthurlie, Dundee Violet v Ballingry, Camelon v Kelty, Auchinleck v Penicuik and Bonnyrigg v Clydebank.
HADDINGTON HOO DOO HAUNTS WOEFUL SAINTS
It was over 50 years since United had beaten Haddington at Recreation Park, that season United went on to win the Scottish Cup but the run continues as a poor performance from Saints saw them beaten on penalties by the side from the Lothians.
United had taken the lead through Gary Sutherland, but instead of going on to make the next round, Saints let Haddington dominate play more and more. When Bracks netted the equaliser it was the least they deserved. The closing stages saw Brash and the Fotheringham sent off for second bookings from a poor referee, however he official cannot be blamed for the performance.
Uniteds lack of fight continued in the penalty shootout with only Wilson scoring from his sides 4 penalties while the visitors netted 3 .
UNITED FIRE IGNITED BY SUBSTITUTION
Never hs the phrase inspired substitutionbeen more appropriate than yesterday afternoon at Recreation Park, with Saints trailing for a second time, manager Jim Hardie replaced Ryan Dignan and Johnny MacRae with Sam Buchan and Paul Farquharson and the decision turned the game.
United had originally trailed to a Matti King goal before Fotheringham equalised with the last kick off the first half when he turned like a catherine wheel to rocket a left foot shot in to the visitors net. Musselburgh went in front again thanks to a McCaul tap in from a Tansey cross, but it was the whizz bang display from Buchan and Farquharson that won the game for United, the equalier came after a typical barnstorming run from Buchan that was brought to an abrupt end by a trip in the box, Fotheringham converting the penalty. The winner was a gem of a goal as Farquharson brought the ball out of defence he laid it on for the flying Brash he whipped in a peach of a cross to the back post that Patrick buried off the desperate full back.
Another 3 vital points for United against a well organised Musselburgh side.
SAINTS THRASH COUPAR ANGUS IN FRIENDLY
St Andrews Utd travelled to Coupar Angus for a friendly last night (Tuesday) and thrashed their hosts 12-1. Johnny McCrae and Alan Tulleth hit hat-tricks while Ryan Dignan and Ryan McInnes both hit doubles while Sam Buchan and Graeme Gibb completed the scorers. The Coupar Angus goal came from a bullet flying header in to his own net by Kris Brash, the home team includde Josh Paterson on loan from Saints.
MUSSEY VISIT THE REC
Next week sees Musselburgh Athletic visit Recreation Park in the Super League, the fixture is the opposite of the opening day when United were beaten 4-1 . Kick off is 2pm
UNITED EASE PAST STONEYWOOD
St Andrews United eased in to the Third Round of the Emirates Scottish Junior Cup with a 4-0 victory of North Super League side FC Stoneywood. United went in at the break 1 goal to the good thanks to Gary Sutherland, but in the second half increased their lead through an Alan Tulleth chip, a Kevin Fotheringham free kick and a Ryan Suttie tap in.
SAINTS STRENGTHEN DEFENCE
St Andrews United have completed the signing of young central defender Adam Porteous from Abertay University, Adam had been recommended to United and after inviting him to train with the club manager Jim Hardie was happy to offer him a contract. A spokesman for the club said that Adams signing reinforces our close links with the Universities in the area, we have three major seats of learning within a stones throw of Recreation Park and are constantly on the look out for young players who can maybe take the step up to Junior Level.
In addition to Adams signing United are also delighted to announce that Kevin Fotheringham has agreed an extension to his contract to the end of next season, Kevin has been the subject of speculation over the last few weeks and the club has acted to put an end to the speculation.
Speaking to Kevin after todays game " St Andrews United are a club who are making steady progress and one of the best run clubs in the East Region. Despite their location they continue to attract quality players from the Dundee and Fife area. The reason I have extended my contract is that I have a lot of respect for the coaching staff and committee who go about their business in a professional manner and I am delighted to be party to the steady progression"
SAINTS SHARE THE SPOILS WITH MARINERS
Camelon boss Danny Smith was probably the happier manager after the 1-1 draw between his side and St Andrews United at Recreation Park this afternoon. Camelon took the lead through a Cringen header before Ryan Dignan tapped home a rebound after Kevin Fotheringham's free kick came back off the junction of bar and post. United continued to press but passed up a number of opprtunities to take the lead. The visitors caused United occasional second half problems but it is United who go away from this game with the two points thrown away feeling
FORFAR WEST END IN TO ABEYANCE
The decision has been taken this week to place Forfar West End in to abeyance, the Angus side had already failed to complete two fixtures and further assurances needed were not forthcoming. Subsequently, only one team will be relegated from the Super League alongside West End who will restart next season in the North Division.
SAINTS RECEIVE HOME ADVANTAGE
This weeks draws for the next round of both the East Of Scotland and Fife & Lothians Cups have given United home draws. In the EOS Cup, we will be at home to Dundee's Downfield while in the Fife & Lothians Cup we have been given a home tie against Haddington.
CHAMPIONS DEFEAT BATTLING SAINTS
On paper a 3-0 victory to Bo'ness looks to be a comfortable afternoon for the Super League Champions, however, it was far from it as United showed that they can stand toe to toe with their top division partners. The damage was done in the first half with United conceding two soft goals whilst putting the home keeper Christie under pressure several times.
The second half was almost a procession of attempts by United to get back in to the game with one requiring, as a Bo'ness supoorter called it, a save "as good as you will see on any Junior ground ever". Alas as United attacked Bo'ness broke and made it 3-0 definately a flattering scoreline.
The team can hold their heads high after this performance because they never gave up and tonight Bo'ness know they were given a hell of a game by Jim Hardies troops.
HRD HEALTHCARE SUPPORT SAINTS
St Andrews United are happy to announce a sponsorship deal with Dundee based HRD Healthcare, the deal will see players tracksuits and coaching staffs pitchside clothing carrying the company name.
GAP FILLED BY CAMELON
The gap in the fixture list for 22nd October has been filled with a home gme against Camelon Juniors. K.O 2.30pm.
SAINTS AT HOME IN JUNIOR CUP
In this afternoons draw for the Second Round of the Emirates Scottish Junior Cup United have been drawn against North Region Super League side FC Stoneywood from Aberdeen.
The game will take place on Saturday 29th October at Recreation Park.
GOALSCORING LEGEND NETS SUPER LEAGUE HAT TRICK
St Andrews United defeated visitors Bathgate Thistle 4-2 at Recreation park this afternoon thanks to a hat-trick from goal scoring legend Gary Sutherland and an own goal from Gregor Buchanan.
United went 2-0 inside the first 10 minutes and made it three on the stroke of half time, Bathgate pulled a goal back through Lee johnstone from the spot before Sutherland completed his hat-trick with Uniteds 4th. Ryan Johnstone notched Thistles second in injury time.
BATHGATE VISIT THE REC
Bathgate Thistle visit Recreation Park this weekend for an ACA Sports Super League fixture, kick off on Saturday is 2.30pm
DEFEAT FOR UNITED AGAINST PRICKLY ROSE
St Andrews United returned from their latest trip across the Forth after another game affected by the decisions of the officials. United went behind after 19 minutes to a Paliczka goal, however they drew level on 38 when Dignan tapped home. Gibb put United in front on 55 minuteswith a header, however, the lead lasted just three minutes as McCallum equalised for the home side. McLeish put Rose in front after Bennett was penalised for stepping out of his area and then on 79 Gradys header was adjudged to have crossed the line by the near side linesman, the same official to have penalised Bennett. The fifth came on 90 minutes from the spot as Gibb brought down Paliczka and McLeish scored.
SAINTS ON THE ROAD TO BONNYRIGG
Saturday sees United on the road again this time with a trip across the Forth to Bonnyrigg Rose for a Super League fixture, with a lotof clubs involved in Scottish Cup ties it gives both sides to move up the table k.o 2.30pm
UNITED CONTINUE CARNOUSTIE DOMINANCE
St Andrews United continued there recent dominance over Carnoustie on Saturday with a fine 2-0 victory at Recreation Park to record their first victory in the ACA Sports Super League. Sam Buchan scored at the back post after 22 minutes and United continued to dominate the game in which the visitors failed to contribute for large spells of the game. The three points were secured on 62 minutes when Ryan Dignan was the first to react when another Buchan effort came back off the post.
CHAIRMANS REPORT
Although my thanks is given to every member of Committee for their contribution I must give a
special thanks to Ken and Leo who carry out their duties to the highest standard, Mark who
produces our excellent Programme and Web site, Mr & Mrs Lawrie for looking after the match kit, Ian Barrie for the music on match days and finally a special mention to Ian Donaldson who has not enjoyed the best of health lately, however still manages to assist the club, also his advice and experience is appreciated by all the Committee.
Apart from that I will confine my report to the off field activities. At the request of the Social Club the trees around the disused toilet were taken down, as they felt there was a security problem with their presence, also the trees along the bottom lane were also trimmed back at the request of some of our neighbours. The railings around the park have all been painted and I am sure you will agree the park is looking neat and tidy. We have been very fortunate this year as the Links Trust very kindly lent us the machine to verti drain the park, our thanks go to Mr Gordon Moir of the Links Trust also Ian Donaldson Jnr for carrying out this work. Thanks also go to St Michaels Sand and Gravel for donating the sand, also the members of the Committee for their work, spreading this sand over the park.
The funds generated by the Super Six are still the main source of income for the Club Roy, Graham and others work hard selling these tickets, however any assistance with these would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks also goes to John Drysdale for tirelessly working to obtain sponsorship for the club, this is now bearing fruit, shown by the number of boards appearing around the park also the ground breaking sponsorship deal he negotiated with Barnetts of St Andrews.
My thanks also go to the Team Manager Jim Hardie his Coaching Staff and squad for their work hard work and efforts raising the Club to the next level. I still feel there is still more potential yet to be exploited, if anyone feels they can assist the Club either through Committee work or in any way please contact myself or any member of the Committee to discuss.
I would also like to thank the Committee and Staff of the Social Club for their hard work and in
conclusion I again must thank all our supporters who turn up to support the team on a Saturday.
David Cunningham J.P.
Chairman
CLUB AGM
The Football Club AGM will take place at 7pm on Friday 16th September 2011 in the Dressing Room area at Recreation Park, St Andrews.
SAINTS IN SCINTILLATING DRAW
St Andrews Utd recorded their first point of the season in a pulsating 1-1 draw at Hill Of Beath this afternoon. The home side started better and took a deserved lead on 19 minutes when Smith headed home a Bathgate cross but from that point on it was all Saints. Ricky Patrick got a deserved equaliser on 39 minutes after a Fotheringham free kick was headed back in to his path by Sutherland and the skipper picked his spot beyond the outstretched arm of Hall. The second half saw United launch wave after wave of attacks on the Haws goal and a combination of bad luck and great goalkeeping meant that United couldnt quite record their first win of the season. When Haws did break, Scott Bennett was in superb form, inparticular and by no way exagerating he made two world class saves to deny Allum. Right at the end Alan Tulleth looked to have won it for United with as sweet a volley as you are likely to see but Hall managed to turn it over the bar.
UNITED TRAVEL TO HAWS
Tommorow sees United make the shortish journey to Keirs park to take on fellow Fifers Hill of Beath in the ACA Sports Super League, k.o is 2.30pm
SAINTS LOSE IN SEVEN GOAL THRILLER
Once again United took part in the proverbial game of two halves, Sam Buchan put Saints in front only for Lochee to come back with goals from Hay, Alexander, O'Reilly and McGuire to go in 4-1 up at half time. United came out and took the game to United and managed to pull back 2 goals through a Fotheringham penalty and a Greg Kirk O.G, unfortunately as much as United battled for an equaliser it didnt come.
BLUEBELLS AT THE REC TOMMOROW
Tommorow (Sat 3rd) sees Lochee United visit Recreation Park for our second Super League game of the season. The Bluebells went down 2-1 to Linlithgow last week and as United, will be looking to bounce back from a first day defeat. Before the game United will be presented with the Championship Flag for winning last seasons Premier League.
HOME SWEET HOME ON THE 24th SEPTEMBER
Now that the Scottish Cup draw has been made then the next set of fixtures have been announced for 24th September and United will take on Carnoustie at The Rec.
NEW FACE AT THE REC
United have this week completed the signing of local boy Alan Tulleth, Alan has had spells at Raith Rovers and Dundee, he had been expected to head south after a trial in the summer but that didnt work out and his availability came to the attention of the club, Alan has been training with the club for a couple of weeks and was this week offered a contract which he duly signed on Wednesday night. Welcome to The Rec Alan and all the best.
SAINTS GIVEN BYE IN SCOTTISH CUP
The draw for the first round of the Scottish Cup was done at Hampden Park on Tuesday lunchtime. United have been given a bye, the full draw can be seen on the Scottish Cup page on Region News
UNITED LOSE SUPER LEAGUE OPENER
St Andrews United went down 4-1 at Musselburgh in their opening Super League fixture on Saturday in a game that turned on the decision of the referee not to send off home keeper Keiron Renton.
United took the lead through a Paul Farquharson header, Mussey equalised through Tansey, then took the lead through King, Gibb saw red for United before the home side gave the scoreline a flattering look through goals from Russell and a second for King.
SAINTS HIT EIGHT, BUT FAIL TO REACH SEMI'S
It was always going to be difficult for St Andrews to reach the semi final of the ACA Sports League Cup but they couldnt have done anymore this afternoon against Thornton at Recreation Park. A magnificent 8-0 victory was slightly soured by the news at the end of the game that Kirkcaldy had won 3-0 at Bankfoot. United took the lead after 6 minutes when the official awarded a penalty for a foul on Ryan Dignan a decision that looked at best bizarre. Fotheringham stepped up and converted the spot kick. Sutherland made it two when he converted a cross from Dignan ater Brash had set him free and in a carbon copy on 17 minutes Sutherland made it 3-0. Fotheringham then made it 4 on 32 minutes when he headed home a Farquharson corner. The defender completed his hat trick on 50 minutes with a direct free kick after Dignan had been poleaxed by Shanks, who incredibly stayed on the pitch. Sutherland completed his own hat trick on 54 after a brilliant ball from McMullan set Dignan free and he found his strike partner who netted at the second attempt. Mitchell brought Dignan down on the hour but once again remained on the pitch. Dignan converted the penalty himself. McCrae made it 8 on full time when he rifled home after a Dignan effort had come back off the bar.
UNITED UP AGAINST IT TO QUALIFY
Calculators could be out at Recreation Park on Saturday afternoon as United complete their ACA Sports League Cup group games against Thornton Hibs. Wednesday nights results saw Jeanfield top the table with 7 points and Kirkcaldy in second place on 6 points. With Jeanfields superior goal difference it means United have to win by 7 clear goals and hope that Bankfoot can take points off Kirkcaldy. Far fetched ? probably ! , Possible ? You never know. Now where is that calculator.
SWIFTS MAKE QUICK START BUT UNITED PEG THEM BACK
United continued to struggle in their ACA Sports League Cup group as they drew 2-2 with Jeanfield at Riverside Park this afternoon. the home side took the lead after three minutes when John Anderson headed home a corner then on 24 minutes Sandy Ross was at the back post to nod in another corner. United pulled one back on the half hour as Kevin Fotheringham whipped a free kick round the wall and in off the far post. United equalised after 46 minutes when McCrae escaped down the left before firing across keeper Mitchell and in to the far corner. Try as they may United couldnt net a winner due to theimpressive Mitchell and also there own profligacy in front of goal. The group however, is still wide open as Thornton held Bankfoot to a 2-2 draw in a game switched from Memorial Park.
BANKIES SHOCK WOEFUL SAINTS
St Andrews were on the end of a shock 2-1 defeat at Recreation Park against Central League Bankfoot on Saturday afternoon. In one of the worst home performances for a couple of years, United were out-thought, out-fought and out-played for 80 of the 90 minutes. Saints took the lead through a Sam Buchan tap in mid way through the first half but the vistors levelled just before half time then scored early in the second half. United werent helped by the sendings off of Kyle Dammer for descent and Allan Ramsay for two bookings. Elsewhere Jeanfield were beaten 4-0 at Kirkcaldy YM.
BANKFOOT NEXT FOR SAINTS
Tomorrow ( Saturday ) United welcome Bankfoot Athletic to Recreation Park for their second League Cup Group game, the game will also give supporters the chance to see Uniteds new strip complete with new club sponsor Barnetts of St Andrews. Kick Off is 2.30pm and entry is £5 for adults, £2 for concessions and accompanied children are free.
UNITED OFF TO GOOD START
St Andrews United got off to a good start on Wednesday night in their first ACA Sports Premier League clash at Kirkcaldy YM. A Gary Sutherland hat trick helped Saints to a 3-1 victory, YM's goal coming from the penalty spot in the second half.
SAINTS AGREE SPONSORSHIP DEAL WITH BARNETTS OF ST ANDREWS
St Andrews United and Barnetts of St Andrews are delighted to announce their newly agreed partnership, which will see the Barnetts name and the Volkswagen logo proudly displayed on the football team’s new kits for the new season.
Barnetts General Manager, Robert Nee, was keen to find a way of putting part of the company’s marketing budget towards a prominent local community asset, and felt that the football club’s recent success provided the perfect opportunity.
Robert explained: “Barnetts has been impressed with the winning mentality and teamwork shown by St Andrews United in achieving promotion to the Super League. These qualities reflect our own business goals in offering top level professional service to all our customers throughout Fife and Tayside. We hope this will be the start of a long-term and rewarding partnership”
Football club chairman, David Cunningham, commented: “Barnetts of St Andrews is a well-known local company with a prestige brand. We are grateful for their support as we venture into the Super League for the first time, and look forward to working together to raise the profile of both St Andrews United and Barnetts Volkswagen in St Andrews for a long time to come.”
DYCE THROWN BY SLICK SAINTS
St Andrews United completed their pre-season campaign with an emphatic 5-2 victory over North Super League visitors Dyce Juniors at Recreation Park yesterday afternoon. United went in at half time 3-0 in front thanks to goals from Sutherland, Dignan and Josh Paterson, the young strikers first goal for Saints. The second half saw Dyce come back in to it with a couple of goals of their own, but Man Of The Match Sutherland netted a brace of his own to complete his hat-trick.
SCARVES AND BADGES NOW AVAILABLE
We now have Scarves and new badges available celebrating last seasons Premier League Championship. The scarves are pictured below and cost £8 or 2 for £15, and the badges also shown are £3 each, both are available from Mark Johnson on 07825 883608 or Don Burnett, alternatively visit the new club shop opposite the bottom entrance at Recreation Park on matchdays.
UNITED WELCOME DYCE
St Andrews complete their pre-season programme on Saturday afternoon with a friendly fixture against North Super League side Dyce Juniors. Kick Off at Recreation Park is at 2pm
SAINTS GO DOWN TO CUP HOLDERS
St Andrews United went down 2-0 this afternoon at home to Emirates Scottish Cup holders Auchinleck Talbot in the Aaron Lofting Memorial Trophy. Gillies scored twice from badly defended corners in the first half. United battled back but failed to get at least a consolation that some of their second half football deserved.
UNITED OFF TO WINNING START AFTER PENALTY MISS
St Andrews United got their pre-season campaign off to a winning start with a fine 2-1 victory of Highland League Inverurie Locos, this after Kevin Fotheringham missed a penalty inside the first minute and Loco's had taken the lead. The penalty came after Ryan Dignan had been dragged down by the keeper, an offence that would have seen the offender sent off had it been a competitive game. Fotheringham stepped up but fluffed his effort put the ball beyond the right hand post. Locos took the lead shortly after when a move down the left was converted at the back post past a helpless Bennett. United restored parity midway through the half when Dignans persistance paid off after he robbed the defender and goalkeeper before ramming the ball home.
The winner came in the second half when Sutherland, a second half substitute for Brash, converted a move created by Man Of The Match Dignan. United went from strength to strength against a Locos side 3 weeks ahead of United in their pre-season training.
Next week United face a tougher test alltogether when Scottish Junior Cup winners Auchinleck Talbot visit Recreation Park arguably the best Junior side in Scotland, but for now United have got off to a good start long may it continue.
SAINTS SET FOR OPENING FRIENDLY
United embark on their first pre-season friendly tommorow with a trip to Highland League Inverurie Loco's. The Aberdeenshire team are about 3 weeks ahead of United in there preparations and have already played games against Peterhead, Falkirk and Aberdeen. Jim Hardie and his team are under no illusions that Loco's will prove tough opposition especially on there own patch at Harlaw Park. We will be providing Twitter updates to the game which can be seen on the front page of this site.
SEASON TICKET PRICES
St Andrews United are pleased to announce that following promotion to the ACA Sports Super League we have been able to keep season ticket prices at the same price as last season.
Adult Season Ticket £45
Senior Citizen / Student £18
In addition, we would like to offer an add on option, of half time hospitality for an extra £10
Anybody wanting to purchase a season ticket please contact Mark Johnson on 07825 883608 or at mark.johnson1970@hotmail.co.uk
FARKY BACK AT THE REC
United have this week re-signed winger Paul Farquharson, intially released at the end of last season. The club has seen the departure of both Mark McGuigan, Sean Muhsin and avid Evans over the summer and manager Jim Hardie and his staff decided that this left the club light on creative players and subsequently Farquharson was offered a new deal which he was happy to sign,
In addition to Farquharson, Saints have signed goalkeeper Ryan Sloan from Bank Street Amateurs in Dundee, Ryan appeared briefly on the bench for United last season and impressed in training and was this week offered a deal, which he signed.
TRANSPORT TO INVERURIE
There are a very limited number of seats available at £10 on the bus going to Inverurie on July 16th, a list has been put up in the social club and the seats will be on a first come first served basis, it is anticipated there will be no more than 10 seats available this is due to us being unable to use our usual company.
FIFE DERBY ANNOUNCED
Further fixtures for the new season have been announced and amongst those is the first Fife Derby of the season which sees United travel to Hill Of Beath Hawthorn on Saturday 10th September. A week later on September 17th United travel to Perthshire to face Scone in the East Of Scotland Cup.
PRE SEASON GETS UNDERWAY
Pre-season training began this morning (Saturday) for the new squad with a session on the beach at the West Sands after lunch the session will involve more fitness drills
FIXTURES ANNOUNCED
The first set of fixtures have been announced and United will start there League Group games with a trip to Kirkcaldy YM on Wednesday 3rd August. The ACA Sports Superleague campaign gets underway with a trip to Scottish Cup Finalists Musselburgh on Saturday 27th August followed by a home game against Lochee United at Recreation Park on September 3rd. A full list of fixtures is available under the 2011/2012 page and under each cup and league.
LEAGUE CUP GROUP ANNOUNCED
Following Tuesdays AGM it was agreed to change the League Cup groups and for the next two seasons United have been joined by Jeanfield Swifts, Bankfoot, Thornton and Kirkcaldy.
GIBB SIGNS FOR SAINTS
Former Forfar WE central defender Graeme Gibb last night signed for St Andrews. Gibb is an experienced no nonsense defender who will without out doubt strengthen the United back line
UNITED GIVEN TRIP TO PERTHSHIRE
Last night saw the draw for the first round of the East Of Scotland Cup 2011/12 and it paired United with Central League side Scone Thistle, the full draw can be found on the Region news pages.
SAINTS BRING IN TRIO
St Andrews United are pleased to announce the signing of three players as they embark on the 2011/12 Super League campaign. Kevin McMullan is a local lad who has spent his career so far, over the water at Arbroath FC, in addition to Kevin, Saints have also signed Sam Buchan and Johnny McCrae from Glenrothes.
PLAYERS AVAILABLE
Following discussions the following players are yet to sign a contract with the club and are available for transfer, David Evans, Paul Farquharson, Stephen Hegarty, Mark McGuigan and Sean Muhsin, in addition Ross Dorward and Conor Finlay have been released, St Andrews United wants to thank all the players for their contributions towards the clubs progression
CLUB SAINTS
We are hoping to set up a St Andrews United Supporters Club with the ultimate view of running a supporters bus to away fixtures etc. However, lets not run before we can walk, if you are interested in joining a supporters club then please contact Mark Johnson on 07825 883608 or at mark.johnson1970@hotmail.co.uk or Ken Morton on 07793 817646 or at kenmorton@linksfieldra.plus.com
Once we have an idea of numbers then we can progress the idea so please get in touch so please let us know of your interest.
AWARDS SHARED
Last nights Player Of The Year Dance saw the awards shared out between 3 players, Gary Sutherland was the Top Goal Scorer and Supporters Player of The Year, Ryan McInnes eas the recepient of the Committee and Player's Player Of the Year, while the Coaches award went to Allan Ramsay. The Clubman Of the Year went to a well deserved David Lawrie. Following the Awards Ceremony, Ian Donaldson received presentations from Jim Hardie on behalf of the players and coaches and David Cunningham on behalf of the Football Club in recognition of his work behind the scenes.
JUNIOR CUP WINNERS TO VISIT RECREATION PARK
It has today been confirmed that Auchinleck Talbot, winners of the Emirates Scottish Junior Cup on Sunday at Rugby Park, will be visiting Recreation Park for a pre-season friendly. The game will take place on Saturday 23rd July with a 2pm kick off.
PRE-SEASON FIXTURES COMING TOGETHER
With the 2010/11 season complete for United, sights are already set on next seasons Super League campaign and two pre-season games are already in place. Saturday 16th July sees United travel north to take on Highland League side Inverurie Loco Works in a return of the game that United won 2-0 last season and on July 30th, Dyce Juniors of the North Super League are the visitors to Recreation Park. The club hopes to announce details of a game on July 23rd soon.
SUTHERLAND & FOTHERINGHAM SIGN ON
Manager Jim Hardie has worked quickly to secure the signatures of two players that were so influential during last seasons Championship campaign, Gary Sutherland has signed an extension to his deal at Saints, commenting that he wouldn't want to play anywhere else. Kevin Fotheringam is the second player to put pen to paper, Fotheringham initailly signed on loan from Forfar Athletic then signed until the end of the season on transfer deadline day.