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Starting XI – Fleming, Dempsey, McManus, Sneddon, Craik, Gillan, Maskrey, Lumsden, McCreadie, Spence and Dunn

Pics by Graham Hutchison

Saints Stung Late by Swifts

Match Report: St Andrews Utd 1–2 Jeanfield Swifts
The Clayton Caravan Recreation Ground – Attendance: 160

St Andrews United were narrowly defeated under the lights at The Clayton Caravan Recreation Ground, as Jeanfield Swifts claimed all three points on a chilly autumn evening. Despite a committed and skilful performance from the home side, a brace from Archie Campbell proved decisive in a competitive and entertaining encounter.

Jeanfield began the match on the front foot, moving the ball confidently and forcing Saints to defend deep during the opening minutes. The visitors’ early pressure did not translate into clear chances, however, and once St Andrews United settled into their rhythm, the hosts began to play some slick, incisive football of their own.

Regan Lumsden went close with an early effort before combining neatly with Scott Dunn, whose header was well held by former United goalkeeper Ben Swinton. At the other end, Allan Fleming (sponsored by MPG-ISO) remained alert in the home goal, dealing comfortably with a couple of crosses and long-range attempts.

As the half wore on, Saints began to impose themselves more consistently. A wonderful run from Lumsden down the left created an opportunity for Dunn, while Greig Spence (sponsored by Life Sport Travel) showcased his quality with a driving solo move that carved open the Jeanfield defence. His clever cut-back found Lumsden, whose shot was deflected behind for a corner. Swinton tipped over the resulting delivery, but Jeanfield responded immediately with a swift counter-attack that led to the opening goal.

After Murray Binnie’s initial strike was blocked, Archie Campbell reacted quickest to fire home the rebound from close range, giving the visitors the lead midway through the first half. The goal gave Jeanfield confidence, and they finished the half strongly, with Fleming producing two superb saves to deny Shaun Simpson and Patrick Brown. There was still time for one final Saints opportunity before the break, as Kyle Sneddon’s (sponsored by Dave Stewart) header from a Ryan McManus (sponsored by Bucks Bar) free kick flew narrowly over the bar.

Jeanfield continued to enjoy good spells of possession after the interval, though their efforts on goal were largely from distance. Tony Gillan picked up a yellow card for a mistimed challenge before manager Greg Shields introduced Ross Cunningham (sponsored by Crombie Builders) in place of Dunn — a tactical change that quickly paid off.

Just two minutes later, Lumsden brought the scores level with a terrific 20-yard drive that fizzed low into the corner of the net on the hour mark. The equaliser energised the hosts, who began to dominate proceedings, playing confidently through midfield and creating a series of promising openings.

However, Jeanfield remained a constant threat on the counter, and Fleming had to make a fine save to deny Binnie once more. The decisive moment came in the 75th minute when a cross from the right found its way to Campbell, who poked home his second of the night from close range to restore Jeanfield’s lead.

That goal deflated the home side’s momentum, though Saints continued to fight hard in the closing stages. Sneddon made a crucial block late on, while McManus and Spence were both cautioned as frustration began to show.

With McManus filling in at centre-back due to a lack of defensive options, his presence was missed in midfield, but there were still plenty of positives to take from a spirited display. Despite the result, Saints once again demonstrated their ability to play fluent, attractive football and will look to build on those encouraging signs in the coming fixtures.

Goals: Lumsden (60’)
Bookings: Gillan, McManus, Spence
Attendance: 160

View the image gallery HERE (pics by Graham Hutchison)

Starting XI – Fleming, Murray, Dempsey, Sneddon, Thomson, Craik, Gillan, McManus, Lumsden, Aitken, and Cunningham

A few of the Saints supporters enjoying a HT cup of tea!

Saints Edge Strollers in Shootout

South Region Challenge Cup
Saturday 11th October 2025
Civil Service Strollers 2–2 St Andrews Utd FC
Saints win 4-2 on pens

Christie Gillies Park, Edinburgh

St Andrews United advanced to the next round of the South Challenge Cup after a dramatic 4–2 penalty shootout victory over Civil Service Strollers, following an entertaining 2–2 draw at Christie Gillies Park.

Saints made the trip to Edinburgh full of confidence after Wednesday night’s Fife Cup win over Hill of Beath, with only one change to the starting XI as Craik replaced the injured Lewis Milne. Civil Service Strollers, who play in the Lowland League, were always likely to provide a strong test.

It was a dream start for Saints, who took the lead inside ten minutes. Cunningham’s clever lay-off found Lumsden, who rifled home a terrific finish to make it 0–1. Craik almost doubled the advantage moments later with a sharp effort that flew narrowly wide, before the hosts hit back.

On 11 minutes, a deep cross to the back post was met with a firm header that beat Fleming (sponsored by MPG-ISO) to level the scores. Strollers began to dominate possession, clipping the post and forcing several scrambles inside the United box, but Fleming and his defence held firm to keep things level.

Just before half-time, there was a setback when Murray was forced off injured, replaced by Clapperton, and the sides went in at the break at 1–1.

The second half began brightly, with Craik’s driving run earning a corner from which Thomson (sponsored by The Kinnettles Group) saw his header well saved. Strollers thought they had regained the lead soon after, only to be denied by the offside flag.

The intensity increased as the half went on. The hosts struck the bar on 67 minutes before a neat move down the left through McManus led to a corner at the other end. With 20 minutes remaining, Maskrey replaced Craik—and the change paid off almost immediately.

A sweeping move saw Dempsey link up with Spence (sponsored by Life Sport Travel) whose clever lay-off found Maskrey to slot home a composed finish. Not quite the midweek wonder strike, but a fine goal nonetheless. Strollers responded quickly, equalising with another powerful header five minutes later to make it 2–2.

The closing stages were tense, with the hosts twice going close from distance, but Saints held firm to take the tie to penalties.

With the shootout taking place in front of the goal facing directly into the sun—a decision made by Strollers after winning the toss—it was Saints who showed composure when it mattered most. McManus, Spence, Lumsden, and Dunn all converted confidently, while two Strollers efforts cleared the bar, sealing a 4–2 victory and progression to the next round.

A gritty, disciplined display from the Saints, matching higher-league opposition every step of the way and finishing the job in style.

Final score: Civil Service Strollers 2–2 St Andrews United (Saints win 4–2 on penalties)
Saints scorers: Lumsden (9’), Maskrey (75’)
Penalties scored: McManus, Spence, Lumsden, Dunn
Man of the Match: Lumsden

Starting XI – Fleming, Murray, Dempsey, Sneddon, Thomson, L. Milne, Gillan, McManus, Lumsden, Aitken, and Cunningham

Saints Break Haws Hoodoo

Fife Cup
Wednesday 8th October 2025
Hill of Beath Hawthorn 2–4 St Andrews Utd FC
Keirs Park

St Andrews United travelled to Keirs Park on Wednesday evening to face Hill of Beath Hawthorn in the Fife Cup — Saints produced a superb all-round performance to record a thrilling 4–2 victory and finally break their “Haws hoodoo.”

The match began at a frantic pace, with both sides creating early opportunities in an open and entertaining first half. Hill of Beath struck the bar with a header inside the opening 12 minutes before Saints responded through Lumsden, who fired just over the top. Moments later, goalkeeper Fleming was called into action, making an excellent one-on-one save to keep the score level.

Saints continued to grow into the game, moving the ball well and constructing some neat passing sequences. Ross went close with a difficult chance midway through the half, while the home side twice flashed efforts narrowly wide in quick succession around the 27-minute mark.

Clapperton came on for Milne on 28 minutes — and within a minute, Ross broke down the left and cut the ball back for Lumsden, who steered a composed finish in off the post to claim his first goal for the club and give St Andrews Utd a 0-1 lead.

Saints could easily have doubled their advantage soon after, with Lumsden denied by the goalkeeper and McManus seeing a free kick pushed to safety. Aitken also came close from a tight angle as Saints finished the half in control, leading 0-1 at the interval.

The second half started brightly, with McManus forcing another excellent save from the Haws keeper just two minutes after the restart. As the game became scrappy, Shields turned to his bench on the hour mark, making a triple change — Thomson, Aitken, and Lumsden replaced by Dunn, Maskrey, and Spence.

The substitutions had an instant impact. Just seconds after coming on, Dunn flicked a long ball into the path of Spence, who took a fine first touch, rounded the goalkeeper, and calmly rolled the ball into the net to make it 0-2 to Saints.

Hill of Beath responded quickly, pulling one back through Tosh after a direct ball sent him through one-on-one, and the home side ramped up the pressure as they chased an equaliser. They saw one penalty appeal waved away before being awarded a spot-kick on 75 minutes. Watt stepped up and converted, despite Fleming getting a strong hand to the strike, bringing the score to 2–2.

But this was a night for resilience, belief, and quality from St Andrews United. Deep into stoppage time, substitute Maskrey produced an incredible moment of magic — unleashing a stunning strike in the 91st minute to restore the lead. And, in the dying seconds, the result was sealed when Spence delivered a perfect low cross for Dunn, who arrived to tap home and complete a superb 2–4 victory.

It was a performance full of energy, discipline, and attacking flair. Saints now go marching on into the next round of the Fife Cup!

WIN £10,000.00!

Ryder Cup Sweep - Results!

A big thank you to everyone who entered our Ryder Cup competition. What a thrilling final day at Bethpage! It was especially exciting for those who had Europe down to win the sweep!

Among the entrants who correctly backed Luke Donald’s team to triumph 15–13, none managed to predict both tiebreakers. However, six participants did correctly forecast that Rory McIlroy would secure 3.5 points from his matches. Each of them wins £85: Finlay G, Hope Micallef, Steve Aitken, Cam Esplin, Susan M and Brian Gallagher

In addition, we held a draw for five consolation prizes of £20 each, awarded to: Alistair Carmichael, Jane Barker and Alan Whitelock

Congratulations to all our winners, and thank you again to everyone who took part!

Welcome Rian!

Since arriving at St Andrews United last month, Rian Dempsey has settled in superbly and made an immediate impact on the pitch. Cool, composed, and confident on the ball, he has been rock-solid at the back while also driving the team forward with real intent.

Rian’s performances have been outstanding, and we’re delighted to officially welcome him as part of the St Andrews United squad!

Sponsor Spotlight

We’re proud to shine this month’s Sponsor Spotlight on Life Sport Travel, proud sponsors of Saints player Greig Spence. Experts in creating world-class sporting experiences, they specialise in unforgettable trips for teams, fans, and golfers alike.

From pre-season sunshine camps to elite training facilities, golf getaways, or tennis and padel breaks, Life Sport Travel takes care of every detail—so you can focus on performance and enjoyment. Their ever-growing portfolio of resorts and venues spans Spain, Portugal, and soon Thailand, South Africa, Dubai, and the USA.

Beyond training camps, they also open doors to the world’s greatest sporting events, including the Champions League Final, Wimbledon, Formula 1, and the Ryder Cup. Trusted by professionals and loved by fans, Life Sport Travel makes every trip seamless and memorable.

👉 Discover more at www.sporttravel.life

To view all our latest match images and player of the year awards please CLICK HERE. Thanks to photographer Graham Hutchison for providing the excellent camerawork! 

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