Lossiemouth 2 v Keith 0

SHOT SHY MAROONS LOSE OUT AT LOSSIE

Following a run of four games unbeaten, defeat at Grant Park on Saturday gave the Maroons two successive reverses, losing five goals and scoring none in the process. In what was the 140th league clash between the sides, Keith were slow out of the blocks, and were rather shot shy, in the first half in particular.

Although several players were missing for a variety of reasons, namely suspension, injury and unavailability, and with two trialists in the line-up, it was still a rather lethargic display.

They were on the back foot with 1 minute 32 seconds on the clock, when they failed to clear the ball and home defender Dean Stewart had ample time to simply slam home from six yards. Such was the Maroons’ lack of urgency, it took them until the 33rdminute for a shot at goal, a “Shamack” Nawrocki effort that was fired well wide. They then earned their first corner in a below par first half, four minutes from the break.

A brighter start to the second half brought some hope and Trialist hit the side net, then Tom Andrews ended a fine move by firing just over the bar. However, they suffered a blow to their chances with 63 minutes gone, Ross Morrison nabbing his first Highland |League goal, firing home from 12 yards. Keith felt they had reasonable cause for complaint, as in the lead up there appeared to be a handball, then a shove in the penalty area, both incidents going unpunished.

Ten minutes later, trialist Michael Dangana weaved his way into the penalty area and apeeared to be sent tumbling, but the spot kick appeals fell on deaf ears. Despite a concerted effort in the latter stages, the Maroons failed to breach the Lossie rearguard.

KEITH – Reid, Thomas (McKeown 63), Emmett, Grant, J Robertson (McCredie 55), Hutcheon (Stewart 26), Trialist, Andrews, Dangana, Nawrocki, Selfridge. Subs unused – Gray, Irvine.

Referee – Mr W Smith

Saturday 11th September 2021, KO 3pm
Report by Charlie Simpson