NEXT GAMe
VS 
- St Andrews Utd FC vs Hutchison Vale
- Scottish Cup Qualifying
- Saturday 22nd August 2026 | 3:00PM
- Clayton Holiday Park Recreation Ground, St Andrews
- £10 Adults, £5 Concessions, U12 FREE
- Match Sponsor: Inchcape Roofing
HELP BUILD SAINTS FUTURE: BUY A SEAT IN THE NEW ENCLOSURE
LUMSDEN HAT-TRICK SENDS SAINTS INTO NEXT ROUND
South Challenge Cup
St Andrews Utd FC 4-1 Thorn Athletic
St Andrews Utd progressed to the next round of the South Challenge Cup with a convincing 4–1 victory over Thorn Athletic at Clayton Holiday Park, Recreation Ground.
Saints made an excellent start and took the lead after just eight minutes. Lumsden finished confidently to give the home side the perfect opening.
Lumsden almost doubled the advantage in the 25th minute when a superb opportunity presented itself, but his side-footed effort drifted narrowly past the post. It was a chance that looked easier to score than miss, but Saints would not have to wait long for a second.
Just two minutes later, McCreadie found the net to put St Andrews Utd 2–0 ahead and firmly in control of the tie.
The opportunities continued to come. In the 36th minute, Kavanagh found himself through on goal in a one-on-one situation but was unable to convert.
A minute later, however, St Andrews Utd had their third. Lumsden again found himself one-on-one and this time made no mistake, calmly finishing to make it 3–0.
It was a commanding first-half performance, with Saints in complete control as the team headed into the interval with a three-goal advantage.
The opening stages of the second half were more subdued, with neither side creating any significant opportunities. St Andrews Utd remained comfortable at 3–0 and continued to manage the game effectively.
Thorn Athletic gave themselves a lifeline in the 71st minute when they pulled a goal back to make it 3–1.
The goal gave the visitors renewed belief and the closing stages became considerably more competitive. With 15 minutes remaining, St Andrews Utd still had work to do, while Thorn Athletic began to push forward in search of a second.
By the 84th minute, Saints were having to withstand increased pressure and were hanging on somewhat, although Thorn Athletic had yet to produce a truly clear-cut opportunity.
Then, in the 85th minute, came the moment that settled the tie.
Lumsden completed his hat-trick, finding the net for the third time to restore St Andrews Utd’s three-goal advantage at 4–1.
The final whistle followed shortly afterwards, confirming a deserved 4–1 victory and securing St Andrews Utd’s place in the next round of the South Challenge Cup.
A strong first-half display laid the foundations for the victory, while Lumsden’s hat-trick proved decisive. McCreadie’s goal added to an impressive attacking performance as St Andrews Utd ultimately proved too strong for Thorn Athletic.
South Challenge Cup Draw: Saints vs Castlemilk FC at home on the 5th September
SAINTS STORM TO VITAL AWAY VICTORY
East of Scotland Premier Division
Blackburn Utd 2-4 St Andrews Utd FC
St Andrews United made it six points from their opening nine with an entertaining 4–2 victory away to Blackburn United, producing a superb first-half display before having to dig deep to see out the points.
Saints started brightly, with Sawers and Simpson causing Blackburn all sorts of problems. Kavanagh went close early on, forcing a good save before seeing another effort come back off the post.
The pressure finally told after 18 minutes. Sawers created the opening and Lumsden kept his composure to calmly slot home, giving Saints a deserved lead.
Four minutes later, the advantage was doubled. Berry delivered an excellent free-kick from the left, right onto Kavanagh’s head, and the striker powered a superb header beyond the goalkeeper to make it 2–0.
St Andrews continued to dominate and added a third on 32 minutes. Dempsey’s pressure forced a defensive mistake, allowing Lumsden to roll the ball past the goalkeeper for his second of the afternoon.
Simpson then set up Kavanagh, whose effort went narrowly wide, but Saints went into the interval comfortably ahead.
Half-time: Blackburn 0–3 Saints.
The second half proved a much tougher affair. Blackburn came out with greater purpose and eventually pulled one back through their number 9 after Saints had dropped off the pace.
Blackburn were suddenly threatening, with a free header from number 4 somehow missed, while Simpson went close at the other end with an effort into the side netting.
Saints restored their two-goal cushion to make it 4–1, but Blackburn responded on 71 minutes when poor marking at a corner allowed a simple back-post finish.
From there, it became a case of digging in and defending the lead. Simpson produced another excellent run, although Lumsden’s resulting shot went wide, while Blackburn twice missed glorious opportunities from free headers at corners.
Kavanagh had one final chance to add to his tally when he found himself one-on-one late on, but the goalkeeper saved.
The final whistle brought a welcome end to an increasingly nervy second half and confirmed a very important 2–4 away victory for Saints.
A brilliant first-half performance laid the foundations, and although Blackburn made the second half far more difficult than St Andrews would have liked, the team showed the character required to get over the line.
Four goals, three points and six from a possible nine.
SAINTS BROUGHT BACK DOWN TO EARTH
East of Scotland Premier Division
St Andrews United 1-4 Edinburgh University FC
St Andrews United welcomed newly promoted Edinburgh University to the Clayton Holiday Park Recreation Ground on Saturday, looking to build on the opening weekend’s impressive 6–1 victory over Edinburgh South.
However, it proved to be a very different afternoon, as Edinburgh ran out deserved 4–1 winners following a dominant second-half performance.
The opening stages were played at a high tempo on a superb surface, with both sides showing good intent but struggling to create clear-cut chances. Saints did, however, take the lead in the 26th minute when a handball inside the area resulted in a penalty, which Lumsden confidently dispatched to put the home side 1–0 up.
Simpson was a constant threat for Saints, providing quality deliveries into the box, while Edinburgh demonstrated neat, composed football in possession but went into the break trailing.
After half-time, the visitors made a blistering start. Within minutes of the restart, Edinburgh levelled the match with a superb strike from the edge of the box. Saints were then caught cold again shortly after, as poor defensive organisation allowed a simple finish to make it 2–1.
The game then swung decisively in Edinburgh’s favour when Wright was dismissed for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, with the visitors converting the resulting penalty to extend their lead to 3–1.
Things worsened for Saints soon after when Sneddon inadvertently turned a corner into his own net, adding a fourth and compounding a difficult spell for the home side.
Despite a series of substitutions and continued effort, Saints were unable to regain a foothold in the match. Aitken did come close late on, striking the post, but it was not to be.
Ultimately, it was a disappointing afternoon for Saints, who were second best after the interval. Edinburgh’s pace, intensity, and clinical finishing proved decisive, and they were worthy winners on the day.
Attention now turns quickly to Tuesday’s trip to Blackburn United, where Saints will be aiming for an immediate response.
BUY A SEAT! Only 21 left!
St Andrews United FC has always been at the heart of the community, bringing people together through football, friendship, and shared pride. Now, we’re asking our supporters, families, and local businesses to help us write the next chapter in our club’s story. Our goal is to raise funds for two new covered enclosures at The Rec, each providing 50 comfortable rail-seating safety seats. BUY A SEAT from £100. Click below for info
Thank you to everyone who has supported the club so far and bought a seat!
CLUB ANNOUNCEMENT
Club captain Ryan McManus has completed a transfer to Jeanfield Swifts for an undisclosed fee. We’d like to thank Ryan for his outstanding service, dedication and leadership during his time with St Andrews United. His professionalism and commitment have made a huge impact both on and off the pitch, and we wish him every success in the next chapter of his career. All the best, Ryan, you’ll always be welcome back at Clayton Holiday Park, Recreation Ground
Scottish Building Society Announced as New Shirt Sponsor
St Andrews United Football Club is delighted to welcome Scottish Building Society as our new Shirt Sponsor (home and away) ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Founded in 1848, Scottish Building Society is the world’s oldest remaining building society and has a long-standing reputation for supporting communities across Scotland through trusted savings and mortgage services. Their commitment to local values and long-term partnerships makes them a perfect fit for the Saints.
As well as proudly featuring on the club’s new shirts, Scottish Building Society will also sponsor the dugouts at The Rec, further strengthening their presence and support around the ground.
Everyone at St Andrews United is thrilled to have them backing the club, and we look forward to building a strong partnership throughout the season.
SEASON TICKETS AND ADMISSION
Please note that season ticket prices for the 2026/27 season have been set at £120 for Adults and £60 for Concessions, with Under-12s admitted free of charge.
Season ticket holders benefit from excellent value, receiving the equivalent of three home league matches free of charge over the course of the season.
Season tickets can be purchased independently of the spectator enclosure fundraising initiative should you prefer. For further information on season tickets or any of the supporter opportunities available, please contact Eric Gillespie on 07552 632 777
League Table
Last Match
4-1 
- Opponents: Thorn Athletic
- Competition: South Challenge Cup
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