Brechin City 4 v Keith 0

MAROONS STRUGGLE AT BRECHIN

Brechin capitalised on tired Keith legs last Saturday to produce a comfortable four goal win, in what was the Maroons first appearance at Glebe Park since a Scottish Cup replay back in 1999.  

Prior to kick off a minute’s silence was observed in respect of the late Garry Davies, Rothes secretary who sadly passed away last week.

Keith’s young side struggled to make any sort of impact against their hosts, failing to create any clear cut chances, and having chased and harried throughout were punished in the latter stages with two late goals.

The Maroons fell behind after only eight minutes when Kieran Inglis capitalised to slot home from eight yards. Keith’s response was a flashing drive from Rhys Thomas which was deflected for a fruitless corner on the quarter hour mark.

Craig Reid then dived to hold a Murray MacKintosh drive as the Brechin forward raced onto a perfect through ball. Then Scott Henry, on loan from Fraserburgh, pulled off two quick fire block tackles as half-time approached.

A decent first half display, saw quite a bit of energy expended however, and in the latter stages the legs went a bit. Eleven minutes after the turnaround, the score-line was doubled when Rory Currie neatly sidestepped Ryan Robertson before neatly curling a low 15 yarder beyond the diving Reid.

That left the “Hedgemen” well in control, maintaining possession quite comfortably. The introduction of substitute David Cox in the 75th minute well and truly had the young Keith side on the skids. Within three minutes a right wing cross from Jamie Bain saw the sub produce a superb diving header.

A couple of minutes from the end, a big moment for Maroons Under 20’s player Nathan McKeown, when he replaced birthday boy Tom Andrews, who was celebrating his 22nd birthday.

Then with what turned out to be the final touch of the game, Bain whipped in another right wing cross, and eager beaver Cox whipped the ball home from six yards.

Another harsh lesson perhaps, in the learning curve for the Keith youngsters, who certainly have an abundance of skill and talent, but maybe need to harness their energy in more profitable ways.

KEITH – Reid, Grant, Henry, R Robertson, Emmett, Thomas, Yunus, Andrews (McKeown 88), Selfridge, Ironside (Nawrocki 75), Duncan.  Subs unused – Hutcheon, McCredie, Yeats, J Robertson, Irvine.

Referee – Mr G Souter

Saturday 31st July 2021, KO 3pm
Report byCharlie Simpson