Strathspey Thistle 0 v Keith 4
CAMMY BRACE DUMPS STRATHSPEY
Cammy Keith celebrated the extension to his contract which will keep him tied up at Kynoch Park until 2022 by leading Keith to a comprehensive away day win at Strathspey. The Maroons' record goalscorer hit the first two goals as Dean Donaldson's men bounced back from their woeful display against Deveronvale a week earlier.
Away fans were also treated to the welcome sight of ex-goalie David Dey in between the sticks in place of the unavailable Greg Simpson, who, until last Saturday was the only ever present in the squad this season.
The Maroons showed their intent straight away with Jamie McAllister setting up the bold Cammy in the 4th minute, the centre forward rapping the ball home from six yards. Nine minutes later he nabbed his 27th goal of the season at the back post.
The eager beaver visitors, having won more away games than home ones, threatened every time they drove forward, and 18 year old Scott Gray was only denied by the woodwork in the 18th minute when his 20 yard thunderbolt crashed back off the bar. it wasn't all one way traffic however, and Dey had to move smartly to deny Martin Duncan, as he did in the opening minutes.
With 36 minutes on the clock eager beaver Craig Macaskill saw his well hit shot blocked by goalie Michael MacCallam. He wasn't to be denied though and four minutes later he weaved to the edge of the box before unleashing a fierce drive into the corner of the net for his 3rd goal of the season. It was all over bar the shouting a minute before the break when a Scott Begg cross found Michael Selfridge unmarked at the back post and he promptly despatched his 7th goal of the season.
Five minutes after the turnaround the Maroons felt they should have been awarded a penalty when young Gray was sent tumbling inside the area, but the referee didn't give it a second look. Then on the hour mark, Cammy Keith was denied his hat-trick thanks to a fine block by MacCallam, with the goaloie also denying Max Berton.
A much improved performance to nab only a fourth clean sheet of the season, with special mention perhaps to skipper Keith, Selfridge, Spink, McAllister and Gray.
KEITH - Dey, Macaskill, Spink, McAllister, Rae, Robertson, Gray (Berton 72), Begg, Keith, Brownie (Porteous 62), Selfridge. Subs unused - Hutcheon, Smith, Donaldson, Stewart.
Referee - Mr B Baxter
Saturday 6th April 2019, KO 3pm
Report by Charlie Simpson