KEITH FC MILLENNIUM CHAMPIONS

Blog by Charlie Simpson

Keith seem to make a habit of winning trophies that have extra special significance. They won the 100th Highland League Championship in 2006-07, and seven years earlier they won the Millennium Championship in super style.

Personally, it was a marvellous occasion for me, as the previous season 1998-99 had ended on a real downer for those of a Maroon persuasion. We lost in the Qualifiyng Cup Final, then the District Shield Final, before going on an 18 game unbeaten run to the Highland League Final, the last game of the season - and we proceeded to lose 1-0 to Forres at Borough Briggs - what a blooming sickener. It was a long, tough summer that!

Anyway, batteries were recharged by all concerned -  committee members, players and supporters - let's win the Millennium Championship and stick it to a few folk! From the point when Dod Simmers scored our first league goal of the season, a marvellous header - in the 3-0 win over Nairn County on 31 July 1999, it was a real rollercoaster of a season and no mistake.

An inauspicious period followed that, boy that's a big word for a boy fae Ordiquhill! - Peterhead gubbed us 5-0 in the Qualfiyng Cup on Saturday 18 September then the following midweek it was a long trek back to Keith with our tails between our legs after a 7-1 humbling at 'Broch. I clearly remember the late Sandy Stables saying to me and Alex Rutherford "Boys this is affa stuff - we are gaun to hae tae pull the finger oot" - or words to that effect!!

We revived a bit after that but then that blooming 'Brochers were to prove to be our scourge again, beating us in the District Shield Final. Our "cup" of sorrow fairly runneth over that season as we lost out in the first rounds of the Aberdeenshire Cup and qualifying section of the League Cup - but then all good things come to those who wait.

A rampaging run of only one league defeat in 16 outings ground out the Mighty Maroons are key title challengers. Derek Nicol was giving it laldy by scoring goals for fun - he ended up the season becoming the only - at that time- player to top the club charts four years on the trot.

The crucial game was probably the midweek clash between Keith and 'Broch - two titans and no mistake - at the Monday night Committee Meeting we thought maybe we could get a crowd of 500+, well folk converged from all over the place and were lining up along Balloch Road. Some exaggeration was made at the time of the extent of the delay, but in truth it was about fifteen minutes as around 1400 + poured in to Kynoch Park.

Martin Allan's troops were in swasbuckling mood - aiming to get ample revenge for two earlier season defeats. Remarkably our heroes raced to 3-0 lead with Dek Nicol, young Keithie Robertson, and Captain Marvellous Darren Still bulging the old onion bag.Half time entertainment was provided by  Brian "Pele" Johnston who had said the week before he would do a streak across the pitch - well he did - all I'm saying about it, it was a gey chilly nicht!!

Anyway, Charlie Duncan being Charlie, had his boys wound up as only he can, and bit by bit they nabbed two goals, but we kept the heid for the super duper win.

Then came the fateful day 1 April 2000, a day of pouring rain, as 369 souls trekked through the Kynoch turnstiles. The game swung back and fore, and despite goals from young Robbo, Paul Presslie and dependable Nic, The Cattachs appeared to have struck a nail in our coffin, after that brilliant winning streak.  Utter dejection for those of us Maroons diehards. So near - and yet so far - Ach, Ach Ach - or words slightly more expressive.

Ah, bit wait a wee minute - it filtered through that the Broch v Lossiemouth game hadn't finished and it was currently all square at Bellslea. Well, jeezo oh - would you believe it - Broch could only nab a single point. That signalled unprecedented scenes  of outright jubilation and unreserved celebration - Keith FC were Millennium Champions!

No fluke - that's for sure with 21 wins from 30 league games - 14 clean sheets - scoring 90 goals in all competitions - 38 games.  Nicol ended up with 24 goals, Stillie - 18 goals - and young Robbo 10 goals - Neil McRitchie, young Dod and Presslie 5 apiece - King Kenny Hendry and Scott Taylor 4 apiece - Peter Stewart, Mugsy and Neil "Zico" McPherson 3 apiece - Kenny McKenzie, Colin maver, Paul Dunn, Gary Taylor and Keith "Shaggy" Watt 1 apiece with 1 O.G.

Nail biting to the end, but great credit to the Lion Hearts who persevered after those early season gubbings.

Blog by Charlie Simpson