Keith FC 0 v Fraserburgh 5

MAROONS BUTCHERED BY SEAN! 

Keith are in the midst of a tough run of fixtures just now, and a Sean Butcher second half hat-trick carved them open as league leaders Fraserburgh bounced back from their disappointing draw with Turriff the previous week.

There was a minute’s silence prior to kick off in respect of the late Sandy Shand who passed away earlier in the week. “Shannies” was an Islavale stalwart and also played for Keith from 1963-1966, scoring 8 goals during his time at Kynoch Park. One of the Maroons’ Championship Flags was also flown at half mast.

Hot on the heels of the Brechin game this was always going to be a hard match and so it proved. Indecision between big Niz Abdulkarim and on loan goalie Balint Demus in the 10th minute, saw Lewis Duncan pounce to slam home the opener. 

A rare Dem Yunus error, a slack pass in the 31st minute let Scott Barbour gleefully accept and run in to give Demus no chance. In fairness to young Dem he went on to have a fine game, whilst Demus pulled off a string of fine saves. Keith’s cause wasn’t helped by the absence of key midfielder James Brownie, and then buzzbomb Kieran Mooney was forced to limp off after only 17 minutes.

The second half turned into the Sean Butcher show, with the ‘Broch No: 9 firing home a deadly treble. His first was a cracking 18 yarder into the roof of the net. His second came off a right wing cross, persevering to force the ball over the line from close range. He headed home his third, getting on the end of an inswinging Duncan free kick.

The Maroons stuck manfully to their task, but ‘Broch are top of the league for a reason, and there was little respite.

KEITH – Demus, Thomas, Selfridge, Abdulkarim, Robertson, Yunus, Ironside, Strachan (Hutcheon 70), Nawrocki (Gray 63), F Yeats, Mooney (Tough 17).  Subs unused – Andrews, Irvine.

Referee – Mr J Kennedy

Saturday 5th March, KO 3pm
Report by Charlie Simpson