St Patrick's are promoted

May 22 2009 by Andy Galloway, Lennox Herald (main ed)

ST Patrick’s FP clinched the Central League Division 1A title at the first time of asking last week.

The top Dumbarton amateur side sealed a place in next season’s premier league with a 4-0 win away to local rivals Denny Amateurs – then followed that up with a 5-1 win at Uddingston Anvil on Saturday.

It was their fourth title success in the last five seasons, having moved last summer from the Scottish Amateur League, where they regularly challenged for the premier title.

Manager Tommy Graham said: “To win the league at the first time of asking is a fantastic achievement.

“The lads did really well this season. We’ve played 19 league games and won the last 15 in a row.

“Our aim was to be promoted to the premier league and we’re good enough to face the teams in it, but we’ll be looking to strengthen the squad as we do need to bring in two or three new players.”

Club secretary John Rodgers warned the premier sides in the Central League that St Pat’s will not be cannon fodder in their top division next season.

He said: “The league win is very pleasing and the players have shown a real level of consistency.

“There is more to come from this team. The management have been very pleased with the progress made this year.

“It gives us more experience to face the premier division with next year, along with the West of Scotland and Scottish Cups.

“It’s difficult to say exactly what the aim is for next season. I doubt we’d be fit enough to win the premier division straight away, but it depends how good a run we put together.

“The main aim will be to hold our own and push to finish in the top four or five teams.”

St Pat’s will now face a play-off against Edinburgh side Spartans, who have won Division 1B, to see who will move up as outright champions.

The game will take place at Colville Park in Motherwell at a date still to be announced.