Keith 2 v Clach 1

MAROONS EARN FIRST WIN 

Keith were made to battle every inch of the way in the searing heat of Kynoch Park, to earn their first win of the season against a Clach side that had to play 85 minutes with ten men, following Paul Brindle’s red card after only five minutes. Nobody would have begrudged the Lily Whites a share of the spoils, but a deadly double from Dem Yunus hoisted the Maroons up into 12th spot. Coincidentally, 98 years earlier the homesters gained their first ever Highland League point thanks to a 1-1 draw with the Invernessians.

The visitors were on the back foot after only five minutes when Brindle kicked Michael Ironside in the middle of the park to earn a straight red card, but as so often happens the team reduced to ten men made life difficult for the team with a full complement.

Indeed, Clach had the better chances to break the deadlock and the Maroons had goalie Craig Reid to thank for two fine saves as half time approached, denying Ross Logan and Donald Morrison.

Three minutes after the turnaround Yunus nabbed the  first of his brace in excellent style, sending an unstoppable 16 yarder crashing into the roof of the net.  Instead of pushing on though, the homesters retreated with Clach pushing forward dictating play and it was no real surprise when the visitors levelled in the 73rd minute, substitute Lewis MacKenzie rifling home a low 15 yarder.

The Lilies actually looked the more likely to score again, but Keith weathered the push and with fresh legs in the shape of substitutions they began to make the extra man tell in the latter stages. Sure enough, with five minutes remaining eager beaver Matty Tough raced up the right wing and cut a low cross over to the back post and the ever alert Yunus pounced to sweep home the winner from close range.

This was always going to be a tough encounter, Clach try to press throughout a game, so credit to Craig Ewen’s men for claiming a valuable three points.

KEITH – Reid, Grant, Yeats (Tough 57), Hutcheon, Robertson, Abdulkarim, Killoh, Brownie, Nawrocki (Wilson 67), Yunuis, Ironside (McKeown 82).  Subs unused – Coull, Collin, Irvine.

Referee – Mr K Buchanan

Saturday 13th August 2022, KO 3pm

Report by Charlie Simpson