Keith 3 v Huntly 1

MAROONS DUMP NEIGHBOURS OUT OF CUP

Keith’s first home match since 22 February, saw the Maroons win their first Aberdeenshire Cup tie for nine years in midweek, when they brushed aside the challenge of neighbours Huntly on a cold, frosty night.

The comfortable win also gave new management combine of Andy Roddie and Tommy Wilson their first win, placing the side into a home semi-final clash with Fraserburgh into the bargain.

Skipper, and all-time record scorer, Cammy Keith led the way in his swansong season grabbing a super double with Michael Selfridge also finding the back of the net.

It took the Maroons a mere five minutes to edge in front when Cammy Keith fired a through ball for Selfridge to pounce on and clip home from eight yards.

Visiting custodian Euan Storrier had to be on his toes midway through the half to twice save from Craig Macaskill. Then, whilst well in the ascendancy, Selfridge raced through only to fire his parting shot just over the bar. Pushing forward at every opportunity, Andy Smith tried his luck just before the break, but his rising drive just cleared the bar.

Four minutes after the turnaround the homesters doubled the scoreline when a James Brownie shot hit Logan Johnstone’s arm inside the penalty area. From the resultant award Cammy Keith calmly sent Storrier the wrong way, despite the delaying tactics of Bowden and the goalie.

Although Huntly began to come more into the game, it was the home side that found the back of the net again in the 75th minute, skipper Keith reacting quickly to sweep home a low Macaskill free kick. However, a couple of minutes later the visitors gave themselves a glimmer of hope when substitute Cai Matthew fed Reece McKeown, who drove his shot into the top corner of the net. They might have scored again in the dying minutes but Greg Simpson pulled off a fine save, and then Ryan Robertson produced a super blocked tackle.

Overall, a fine team display with the fans going home happy at finally seeing competitive action and a win into the bargain.

KEITH – Simpson, Young, Smith, Yunus (Stewart 80), Spink, Robertson, Macaskill, Brownie, Keith, Selfridge, Duncan (Watt 64).  Subs unused – Porteous, Gray, Hutcheon, Yeats, Dey.

Referee – Mr S Leslie

Wednesday 2nd December 2020, KO 8pm
Report by Charlie Simpson