Forres Mechanics 1 v Keith 2

“SHAMACK’S” DEADLY DOUBLE DUMPS CAN CANS 

You wouldn’t have given tuppence worth for Keith’s chances at half-time  in this encounter. Trailing by a single goal at Mosset Park, and not at the races at all against high flying Forres. Then enter stage right, substitute Przemyslaw Nawrocki, the Polish goal ace nabbing an expert deadly double in the space of eight minutes to rock the hosts back on their heels, the Maroons ending up worthy winners for their 80th Highland League victory over the Can Cans.

With both first team goalies unavailable Craig Ewen was forced to call up a trialist in the shape of Cameron Jarvie from Cowie Amateurs in Stonehaven, and by the end of the game he had acquitted himself very well indeed. 

Forres have had a flying start to the season, and they set their stall out right away, Jack Grant hitting the bar with an 18 yarder after only 45 seconds. Then, two minutes later a shot flew off the foot of big Niz Abdulkarim, and squirmed just past the post.

The homesters forced a string of corners, but it wasn’t until the 27th minute that they broke the deadlock, a neat head flick from Ben Barron evading Jarvie. Five minutes later the Maroons received another blow when Nathan McKeown limped off to be replaced Nawrocki.

After a rather anaemic visiting display in the first half, the second period didn’t look to be an inviting prospect.  In fact within a  minute Ethan John Cairns was a whisker away from extending the lead. However, out of the blue four minutes later, Nawrocki put the cat amongst the pigeons, whipping home a superb angled effort from the right side of the penalty area.

Another string of corners for Forres bore no fruit, then with 58 minutes on the clock, Keith’s Pole neatly headed home an enticing Kieran Mooney cross for his 4th goal of the season. Further chances  came Keith’s way, with Matty Tough forcing a fine diving save from the Forres goalie, Joey Wilson sprinting his way up the left wing only to fire a weak parting shot into the side net, and a super “Shamack” volley being parried by the goalie.

Forres heads visibly went down at going behind, but the Maroons still had to battle for the remainder of the match for an excellent three points, hoisting themselves up into 12th spot in the table into the bargain.

KEITH – Jarvie, Grant, Emmett, Abdulkarim, Robertson, Killoh, McKeown (Nawrocki 32), Brownie, Mooney (Hutcheon 67), Yunus, Wilson (Tough 82). Subs unused – Gray, Cook.

Referee – Mr D Munro

Saturday 27th August 2022, KO 3pm

Report by Charlie Simpson