Keith 0 v Forres Mechanics 2

MAROONS FALL AT FIRST HURDLE

Keith are proud 10 times record holders of the Highland League Cup, but they fell at the first hurdle of this season’s competition, visitors Forres advancing comfortably. After a goal-less first half, an unfortunate own goal and a penalty put paid to the Maroons’ challenge.

Pre match the homesters received a boost with the news that goalkeeper Craig Reid and defender Kieran Yeats had both extended their contracts. 

There was little for the fans to enthuse over in a dour first half and unsurprisingly, the referee blew his half time whistle with no goals looking likely. The Maroons started the second period in brighter fashion, and Tom Andrews couldn’t quite direct his header off Connor Killoh’s right wing cross on target. 

The deadlock was broken in the 56th minute when a lack of communication in the home rearguard saw the unfortunate Connor Grant head the ball into his own net. With 70 minutes on the clock, Reid kept his side in the hunt, brilliantly tipping Ryan McLeman’s net bound drive over the bar.

Forres’ passage into the next round was secured four minutes later when the ball was lost in midfield and dangerman Callum Johnston surged through into the Keith penalty area only to be brought down by Dem Yunus. Ben Barron duly stepped up to confidently slot the resultant spot kick into the bottom corner of the net.

Reid then pulled off a super flying save to tip Barron’s header which was heading for the top corner over the bar, but with his team mates devoid of goalscoring ideas, it was to no real avail.

KEITH – Reid, Killoh, Grant, Thomas, Coull, Yeats (Wilson 76), Andrews, Brownie, Mooney, Yunus (Ironside 76), Duncan (Tough). Subs unused – Abdulkarim, Hutcheon, Cook.

Referee – Mr D Nicolson

Saturday 12th November, KO 3pm

Report by Charlie Simpson