Inverurie Locos 2 v Keith 0

MAROONS RUE SOFT GOALS

The lack of the killer touch and the unfortunate loss of two goals combined to send Keith back along the A96 from Inverurie. Despite matching their more vaunted opponents Lady Luck smiled on Locos, winning only their second home league game of the season.

Illness and injury meant that Craig Ewen had to field a back four with an average age of 19 years, but they stuck valiantly to the task.

Chances at both ends abounded with Liam Duncan going closest for the Maroons and Garry Wood seeing a header cleared off the line at the other end. Four minutes from half-time, with Keith possibly edging proceedings Locos goalie Andy Reid pulled off a tremendous save to tip over Connor Killoh’s rasping drive from out wide right.

Eight minutes after the turnaround the home custodian earned his corn again, brilliantly tipping Duncan’s scorcher over the bar. Then, barely two minutes later, the deadlock was broken when Greg Mitchell’s shot took a deflection and landed in the corner of the net.

The points were sealed with 71 minutes played when an uncharacteristic error from Keith goalie Craig Reid, whose handling until then had been perfect, allowed a low Robert Ward shot to squirm through his hands and the ball trickled into the back of the net.

To be honest nobody would have complained too much had the spoils been shared as the Maroons gave a good account of themselves throughout, but without being able to turn their play into goals.

KEITH -  Reid, Killoh, Grant, Thomas, Coull, Yeats, Andrews (Wilson 69), Brownie, Mooney (Tough 73), Yunus, Duncan (Ironside 73). Sub unused – Irvine.

Referee – Mr S Leslie

Saturday 5th November, KO 3pm

Report by Charlie Simpson