Keith 0 v Inverurie Loco Works 0

MAROONS BOUNCE BACK WITH SUPER DRAW

What a difference a week can make in football. Seven days earlier a youthful Maroons side were swamped at Buckie, resulting in the management duo of Roddie and Wilson quitting. The Club’s Director of Football, Michael Brown, himself a Keith Legend, took the interim reins, and with the assistance of Dod Simmers and Steven Rattray last Saturday, had the players fighting tooth and nail for a magnificent share of the spoils against Inverurie Locos.

With eight players missing through either injury or suspension, three players from the Under 18s were drafted into the squad and 17 year old Alan McLeod from Newmill came on for the last 20 minutes, and played his part in the marvellous battling display that saw the Maroons move off the foot of the table.

Although a terrific team performance, goalie Craig Reid earned the Match Sponsors Man of the Match Award, ‘The Breakfast Show’ on Original FM, selecting him for a string of fine saves, including a tremendous penalty save.

An end to end first half saw Reid pull off fine saves to deny Still, Michie twice and Shanks in the opening half hour. He then kept out another Shanks effort as half-time approached.

Michael Ironside almost broke the deadlock with Andy Reid denying him, the Locos goalie also thwarting Andy Stewart.

Local lad McLeod then stepped into the fray with 75 minutes gone, replacing Stewart who had worked his socks off up front.

With ten minutes remaining it all seemed to be in vain when Robert Ward was sent tumbling inside the penalty area, but Reid denied goal machine Neil Gauld from the penalty spot, throwing himself to his right to brilliantly palm the ball away.

Given recent displays and outcomes, this was like a breath of fresh air swirling around Kynoch Park, total commitment, supporting each other on the park, and off the park, fans cheering every tackle and pass. Trooping off the pitch at the final whistle with their heads held high, and looking up towards the Stand to acknowledge the backing was a joy to see.

KEITH – Reid, Thomas (Yeats 55), Emmett, Grant, R Robertson, Hutcheon, Ironside, Yunus, Stewart (McLeod 75), McKeown, Selfridge.  Subs unused – Nawrocki, Christie, Scott, Cook.

Referee – Mr J Kennedy

Saturday 14th August, KO 3pm
Report by Charlie Simpson