Keith 3 v Lossiemouth 2

MAROONS ADVANCE IN EXTRA TIME

Record winners of the Highland League Cup, ten victories, Keith, got off to a winning start to this season's competition with a gritty extra time win against Lossiemouth.

The Maroons were twice pegged back by the plucky Coasters, but substitute Max Berton struck the vital goal six minutes from the end of the extra time period, to send the Kynoch Parkers into an away day second round tie at either Rothes or Nairn.

The midweek tussle saw the kick off delayed by fifteen minutes due to an accident on the outskirts of Aberdeen causing the referee and the Keith players to be held up.

Dean Donaldson's side, sadly depleted due to injuries and suspensions, had the bulk of scoring chances in the first half, carving out a string of corners.  Lossie goalie Stewart pulled of fine saves to deny Michael Selfridge,  Gregor Macdonald and Cammy Keith, but was helpless two minutes from half-time when young Macdonald whipped a low drive into the far corner.

After the break a Selfridge drive was well held by the the goalie, whilst a Jack Grant rasper was hoofed off the line, However, the Maroons were stung as the hour mark approached, ex Maroon Kris "Baker" Duncan pouncing to slam home from 10 yards.

Black then forced the game into extra time in the final minute of normal play, diving full stretch to deny Cammy Keith again.  Ten minutes into the first period, saw Greg Simpson come to the rescue, sticking out a foot to keep out a Fraser Forbes net bound effort.

Two goals in a minute, one at either end, had the fans on the edge of their seats.  Master Marksman Cammy Keith neatly rifled home his 13th goal of the season, but within a minute Forbes scrambled the ball home amidst a ruck of the players at the other end.

The penalty kick scenario was looming until Berton popped up to coolly slam home the winner from 10 yards. 

Due credit to the Maroons with four teenagers in their starting line up, with their fitness also seeming to be a telling factor as well.

KEITH - Simpson, Scott, Yeats (Bolton 79), Thomson, Smith, Grant, Macaskill (Berton 70), Brownie, Keith, Macdonald, Selfridge.  Sub unused - Dey.

Referee - Mr P McAvinue

Wednesday 20th November 2019, KO 8pm
Report by Charlie Simpson