D&K Lafferty Cup 2023 Preview

Updated: Jul 9, 2023

The Oban Saints preseason tournament sponsored by D&K Lafferty Contractors returns on Saturday 8th July after a three year absence. The 27th playing of Oban Saints flagship event takes place at Mossfield Stadium and Oban Lorne Rugby Club where once again the enduring popularity of the event is exhibited in the top class participants the tournament continues to attract. Two of this years visitors, Hamilton Academical and St Johnstone are long term supporters of the tournament and they are joined on this occasion by debutants Kilmarnock and Livingston. The unfortunate late withdrawal of three time winners Alloa Athletic has necessitated a minor change to the familiar tournament format which will still see the teams play each other once but with the matches now lasting forty minutes.

Saints are delighted that shirt sponsor D&K Lafferty Contractors have agreed to continue their sponsorship of the club's flagship event. D&K Lafferty are fantastic supporters of local sport and everybody connected with Oban Saints is pleased to see them rewarded with the wide exposure that sponsorship of this prestigious tournament can offer.

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

As has been the case for a long number of years Saints have 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.

Despite the competition being principally designed to aid in the building of preseason fitness it is keenly contested and victory is greeted with as much celebration as any other trophy win. The tournament has been blessed with some excellent weather conditions over the years however a more mixed bag is anticipated this year. Temperatures are likely to be in the low twenties however brisk winds and occasional showers are also likely to feature. Whatever the weather the anticipated large crowd is sure to be entertained to a feast of quality football.

Kick off 11am

Mossfield - Oban Saints v St Johnstone

Glencruitten - Livingston v Hamilton Academical

Kick off 12.00 noon

Mossfield - St Johnstone v Hamilton Academical

Glencruitten - Kilmarnock v Oban Saints

Kick off 1.00pm

Mossfield - Hamilton Academical v Kilmarnock

Glencruitten - St Johnstone v Livingston

Kick off 2.00pm

Mossfield - Livingston v Kilmarnock

Glencruitten - Oban Saints v Hamilton Academical

Kick off 3.00pm

Mossfield - Oban Saints v Livingston

Glencruitten - Kilmarnock v St Johnstone

Cup holders Hamilton Academical will hope to retain the trophy and make it six tournament wins in what will be their seventeenth consecutive appearance at the popular event. Accies have entrusted their latest bid for D&K Lafferty Cup success to last season's league winning Under 18's squad which includes Oban Saints youth product Josh Lane. The D&K Cup Tournament is always a big favourite with the Accies faithful travelling support and hopefully a good number of the tournament regulars will be in attendance where their humorous and vociferous encouragement for their team has become a regular feature of the day's proceedings.

Player of the 2017 tournament Lewis Ferguson receives his trophy from Councillor Jim Lynch

After an enforced late withdrawal in 2019, tournament regulars St Johnstone return for another crack at the D&K Cup. The Perth Saints will once again entrust their attempt to secure an elusive first tournament victory to their under 18's squad under the tutelage of long term management duo Liam Craig and Alec Cleland.

Lewis Cameron nets the only goal of the game in the all Saints 2018 encounter

Tournament new boys Kilmarnock will be represented by their successful under 18's development team with former Glasgow Rangers and Scotland winger Chris Burke at the helm. The Killie squad will feature Saints youth product Zander Craik who has recently signed professional terms with the longest established club currently playing in the Scottish Premiership.

Kilmarnock FC Under 18's Development Team 2022-23

Also making their tournament debut are the Scottish Premiership's youngest club Livingston. The West Lothian Lions will be represented by their B team who will use Saturday's tournament as part of their preparations for their upcoming SPFL Trust Trophy first round fixture against Stirling University at Forthbank Stadium, Stirling.

After a difficult 2022 - 23 Central Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division campaign Saints can look forward with renewed vigour to the inaugural season of the newly formed Scottish Premier Amateur Football Association. The merger of the Central Scottish Amateur Football League and the Scottish Amateur Football League gives the new association a starting membership of twenty nine clubs which includes Saints Argyll rivals Lochgilphead Red Star and Dunoon.

Manager Ross Maitland has bolstered his backroom team of Iain Jackson, Peter MacCallum, David Dunlop and Jamie Graham with the addition of John Horne. As well as assisting with coaching duties John will add his business acumen to the club's fund raising efforts. Meanwhile Mr Oban Saints, David Buchanan, will continue in his administrative role as Secretary, Treasurer and just about everything else.

After struggling for numbers for large parts of last season Gaffer Ross Maitland finds himself in the unusual position of having twenty four players at his disposal for Saturday's pre-season curtain raiser. New signings Daniel Beaton, Oran Bryce, Rhys Millar and Paul Mcfatridge will make their debuts while among the more familiar faces will be former Captain Marc Maccallum who makes a welcome return.

Oban Saints Squad

Daniel Beaton

David Beaton

Oran Bryce

Ross Campbell

Cammy Clark

Graham Douglas

Ben Forbes

James Ford

Gavin Forgrieve

Cammy Hill

Ruaridh Horne