Rothes 0 v Keith 0

MAROONS IN SPEYSIDE STALEMATE 

This was only the second ever goal-less draw in 155 league tussles between the sides stretching back to 1938, giving Keith back to back clean sheets for the first time this season. Although Maroons custodian Craig Reid pulled off a magnificent penalty save early on, his 7th such save in Keith colours, Craig Ewen’s men dominated the second half, but just couldn’t make the vital breakthrough.

The penalty award came in the 13th minute after Jake Thomson was upended inside the penalty area. Spot kick expert Michael Finnis saw his initial effort brilliantly saved by Reid, and the ‘keeper went one better to superbly parry the loose ball before the danger was cleared. Ten minutes from half-time, the Keith custodian raced out to the edge of the box to thwart Gary Kerr, whilst at the other end, a curling Gavin Elphinstone effort flew inches over the bar.

Keith forced the issue playing down the slope in the second half, and twice in the space of a couple of minutes Jake Stewart squandered two gilt edged chances, before a low Nathan McKeown drive whistled inches past the back post. Then, with 69 minutes played, an enticing left wing Elphinstone cross was excruciatingly missed by the inrushing Cooper and Tough.

In the final minute home goalie Sean McCarthy ensured his side earned a share of the spoils, pulling off a terrific diving save to tip over Mikey Taylor’s net bound blaster.

KEITH – Reid, Buchan, Lynch, Coull, Robertson, Gill, Elphinstone (Killoh), McKeown (Ironside), Stewart (Tough), Taylor, Cooper. Subs unused – Addison, Smith, Macleod.

Referee – Mr H Bruce

Saturday 17th February 2024, KO 8pm

Report by Charlie Simpson