Keith 2 v Rothes 3

MAROONS LOSE OUT IN FIVE GOAL THRILLER

Most folk wouldn't have begrudged Keith a share of the spoils in what was a five goal thriller against Rothes, the 150th league encounter between the sides, stretching back to 1938-39.  The pair clashed for the second time in four days, with both tussles being closely fought affairs.

A strong, swirling, bitter wind, made life difficult for both sets of players, but they served up an entertaining match, which ended with the Maroons just losing out.

The opener came after 12 minutes following a fine save from Greg Simpson, the unmarked Allen MacKenzie volleying home from 10 yards. The homesters struggled to create anything in the first half, although Jamie McAllister did force a diving save out of Tommy Dixon-Hodge.

A few choice words in the home dressing room obviously did the trick at half-time, allied to a change in tactics, and the introduction of teenager Scott Gray. Keith looked more dangerous and direct at the start of the second period with Cammy Keith being thwarted by the goalie and young Gray hitting the crossbar with a shot.

It was no surprise when the equaliser came after 62 minutes, Gray ramming the ball home amidst a crowded six yard box. The level pegging lasted only three minutes, when substitute Aidan Wilson, only on the field for three minutes, was given too much space and he rifled a low drive into the bottom corner.

Eight minutes later it was all square once again when the irrepressible Cammy Keith showed his instinct, whipping home his 20th goal of the season. The parity didn't last long, another three minutes, and what ended up being the decisive goal, saw Gregg Main crack home an effort from the edge of the box.

KEITH - Simpson, Thomson, Grant, Spink, Robertson (Gray 46), Brownie (Berton 85), Macaskill, Selfridge, Keith, McAllister, Macdonald.  subs unused - Smith, Olumofe, Yeats, Scott, Dey.

Referee - Mr M Northcroft

Saturday 8th February 2020, KO 3pm
Report by Charlie Simpson