Banks O'Dee 3 v Keith 1

HUNTER HUNTS DOWN THE MAROONS

Hotshot Andy Hunter proved too hot to handle for Keith in their Aberdeenshire Cup tie at Spain Park on Wednesday night. The former Locos and Huntly marksman struck two hammer blows just before, and after half-time, ensuring there wouldn’t be a re-run of the recent closely fought league tussle at Kynoch Park.

The Maroons, despite exiting from the Cup, deserve great credit for making a fist of it, missing no fewer than seven first team squad members through injury and non availability. In addition, several players involved in match night were on the treatment table pre match.

I had the pleasure of having a fine blether with Sandy McNaughton in the Boardroom for a 10-15 minutes before Kick Off. Sandy was a key member of Keith’s management team that spearheaded our marvellous 2006-07 squad, that won the Highland League, Highland League Cup and Aberdeenshire District Shield as well as being beaten Finalists in the last ever Scottish Qualifying Cup (North) competition.

Back to the game, and in the opening stages, Dee’s Max Alexander had three opportunities to break the deadlock, but failed to find the target on each occasion. Craig Reid then pulled off the first of several fine saves in  the 34th minute, diving to tip over Iain Vigurs’ well struck free kick.

Craig Ewen’s men were more than holding their own against a side widely recognised as one of this season’s main title challengers, but with two minutes of the first half remaining that man Hunter gave Reid no chance with a 25 yard volley that whistled into the roof of the net. Yet, right from the re-start Jordan Cooper forced ex-Maroons custodian Kyle Irvine into tipping his net bound shot over the bar.

We had hardly sat down after the half-time cuppa when Hunter struck again, this time curling another 25 yarder well beyond the helpless Reid. As the Spain Parkers sizzled forward Reid came into his own with a string of super saves. He denied Kane Winton, Darryn Kelly and Jason Selbie all in quick succession, showing great agility, reflexes and strong hands.

However, the bold Craig could do little to stop Alexander’s clinical finish after the striker had weaved his way into the box in the 61st minute. With their tails well and truly up, Dee were pouring forward, but Reid excelled again to thwart Mark Gilmour .

The Maroons showed grit and determination though, and with 73 minutes on the clock, under pressure ex-Maroon Luke Emmett turned the ball into his own net. Was a comeback on the cards? Well, a couple of efforts flew inches off target, especially a curling Matty Tough effort flying inches past the post with two minutes remaining.

KEITH – Reid, Barron, Wilson, Smith, Milne (Craib 69), Gill, Callum Robertson (McKeown 69) Brownie, Cooper (Duncan 76), Tough, Ironside. Subs unused – Killoh, Macleod.

Referee – F Mazzoni

Wednesday 21st August 2024, KO 8pm
Report by Charlie Simpson