Keith 0 v Turriff Utd 1
MAROONS RUE MISSED CHANCES
Keith’s lack of bite came back to bite them in the bum when Turriff scratched a seven year itch by winning at Kynoch Park for the first time since 2017. A goal three minutes from the end sealed Keith’s fate, as they failed to make their first half superiority count. The biggest groan amongst the Kynoch Park faithful came when the Maroons squandered a penalty opportunity, Liam Duncan’s tame spot kick being comfortably saved by Turra custodian Lee Herbert.
Yet, there was a great atmosphere around the Stadium pre-match with a healthy number of people in the Sponsors Lounge. One group, a handful of men from the Manchester area, were celebrating one of their number’s recent 60th birthday, and “young” Paul had the honour of being Keith’s Match Mascot, making his day!
Still missing key personnel due to injury, Craig Ewen was glad to welcome co-skipper James Brownie back from annual leave, albeit having to forego his normal midfield role, to slot into the heart of the defence.
Anyway, the game set off at a whirlwind pace with a string of corners at both ends in the early stages. As the Maroons began to gain the upper hand Mikey Taylor saw his neat header well held by Herbert. Then the young goalie pulled off a fine reflex save on the quarter hour mark.
In the ascendancy, the homesters were awarded a spot kick with 28 minutes gone when Horace Ormsby was sent tumbling inside the penalty area, only for Duncan to scorn the chance to give his side the lead. Sadly, four minutes from the half-time cuppa Taylor somehow headed over the bar right in front of goals some 6 yards out.
As much as Keith were in control in the first half, apart from the first 10 minutes or so of the second period Turra began to show more menace, although as the eggtimer began to run down, it was looking more and more likely to end goal-less. Then with my trusty sundial showing 87 minutes played the Maroons made a hash of trying to clear a corner kick and Ewen Clark pounced to gleefully slam the loose ball into the empty net. That was it! - Tatties ower the side time for those of us of a Maroon persuasion.
The annoying thing was, that Keith played ever so well in the first half, but when you’re on top you need to convert your chances – if you don’t, then you are likely to be made to pay – and that is exactly what happened.
KEITH – Reid, Callum Robertson, Wilson, Brownie, Craib, Gill, Ormsby, McKeown (Tough 82), Cooper, Taylor, Duncan (Ironside 67). Subs unused – Killoh, Smith, Milne, Barron, Moroney, Macleod.
Referee – Mr S Leslie
Saturday 17th August 2024, KO 3pm
Report by Charlie Simpson