Keith 1 v Huntly 0

TEN IN A ROW FOR THE MAROONS

There must be something in the water down Kynoch Park way just now, for last Saturday’s first win over Huntly in seven years, stretched the remarkable unbeaten league run to 10 games, the Club’s best such run for just over 16 years. The only goal of a scrappy game came from the boot of ex-Christie Parker Gavin Elphinstone with his 10th goal of the season.

The Maroons had one of their Championship Flags at half mast, and there was a minute’s silence prior to kick off in respect of Highland League Legend Johnny Cowie who passed away recently. Cowie made his name as part of Inverness Thistle’s deadly strike force along with Ian Stephen, and played for Keith 1975-77.

Jordan Cooper and Nathan McKeown both had efforts not far away inside the opening half hour, and had penalty claims for a hand ball turned aside six minutes from half-time. The deadlock was broken four minutes after the break when Elphinstone pounced on a short passback from James Connelly, giving goalie Fraser Hobday no chance with a low drive from 12 yards.

Huntly hit back through substitute Angus Grant who missed out in the 57th minute, before Craig Reid got down quickly to hold a low Grant effort just after the hour mark. Robbie Foster then scorned a back post chance ten minutes from the end, whilst Mikey Ironside was thwarted by Hobday at the other end.

With three minutes remaining, the visitors thought they’d equalised following an inswinging corner into a heavily populated six yard box, Ross Still heading into the corner of the net. The jubilation was shortlived though when the referee blew for an infringement on goalie Reid.

The win also cemented Keith’s place in the League table with five games remaining.

KEITH – Reid, Killoh, Lynch, Coull, Robertson, Gill, Elphinstone (Duncan), Brownie, Cooper (Addison), Taylor (Ironside), McKeown (Tough). Subs unused – Yeats, Macleod.

Referee – Mr L Brown

Saturday 30th March 2024, KO 3pm
Report by Charlie Simpson