Brora Rangers 6 v Keith 1

MAROONS SCORE FIRST – THEN HIT FOR SIX

This was always going to be a tough ask for Keith, playing in a remarkable 24th Highland League Cup semi-final, tackling firm favourites Brora Rangers at Dudgeon Park, and with three key players absent, the job was made even more difficult. Yet, the guys brought into the starting line-up, in particular young goalkeeper Connor McLeod making his debut at the tender age of 18 years 6 days, didn’t let the side down. Indeed, all those involved gave their all, but were overpowered by a strong, experienced, slick passing Brora side, whose three goals in ten minutes flurry just after half-time, left the Maroons gasping.

The Maroons drew first blood in the 12th minute when co-captain James Brownie spotted Brora goalie Logan Ross of his charge, and he cleverly curled the ball into the roof of the empty net from  20 yards for his 3rd goal of the season.

It was level pegging five minutes later when Jordan MacRae cracked a beauty into the far corner of the net from out wide right. Seven minutes on and Brora took the lead when several challenges were shrugged off and MacRae pounced to whip home from 15 yards.

As the half time break came, Keith were still well in with a shout of making a 13th League Cup Final, but three quick fire goals left them bewildered. Five minutes into the second half as the visiting defence failed to clear it’s lines, Paul Brindle scrambled the ball home from close range. Then, a super slide rule shot from Max Ewan from out wide right fund the net, and it was well and truly tatties ower the side when Ewan simply slammed home for a nap hand.

The scoring was completed with 77 minutes played, James Wallace easily whipping a low shot into the back of the net.

KEITH – McLeod, Addison (Wilson 77), Yeats (Cheyne 61), Coull, Robertson, Morrison, Ironside (Lynch 61), Brownie, Cooper, Taylor (Tough 73), Killoh (Duncan 61). Subs unused – Smith, McKeown.

Referee – Mr G Morrison

Saturday 14th October 2023, KO 3pm

Report by Charlie Simpson