Nairn County 2 v Keith 0

10 MAN MAROONS RETURN HOME POINTLESS

For the second successive season Keith ended their midweek trip to Station Park with ten men, returning home pointless into the bargain. Ryan Spink was the culprit on Wednesday night, seeing red for a rash challenge on Angus Dey with only 29 minutes on the clock.

Despite a plucky, game, display by his team-mates for over an hour, they were undone by an unfortunate own goal six minutes from half-time, before Big Ben struck! Ben Barron heading home the clincher midway through the second half.

The Maroons were still missing several key players, sidelined through injury, and 18 year old Brody Alberts, on loan from Formartine Utd, made his debut.

After a fast start by Nairn, Keith worked their way into the game, and a deep corner saw Alberts miss the target with a header in the 28th minute. A minute later there was dejection in the visiting camp when Spink got the unfortunate pleasure of an early bath.

However, a re-arrangement of onfield personnel, saw the Maroons “stand up to their neeps” as it were, competing bravely. It looked as though they would keep it goal-less until half-time but with 39 minutes played a Matthew Wright right wing cross flew into a crowded six yard box, and the ball deflected off a defender into the net.

Craig’s Commandos were belying their man short status and just after the hour mark, a super through ball from Horace Ormsby set Ryan Park in motion, but his low drive was comfortably held by Dylan MacLean.

Nairn dealt the killer blow midway through the second half when an inviting cross from Andrew Greig saw “Big Ben strike”, sending a looping header into the top corner.

Craig Reid then proceeded to show his undoubted class in the last 10-15 minutes as Nairn turned  the screw. The agile custodian denied Barron again, Jamie Williamson, Gary Kerr and wee Greig.

Keith hit back though, and almost earned a consolation with five minutes remaining only for MacLean to deny Liam Duncan who fired a low 12 yarder goalwards. So, that was that as Wee County earned their 66th league win in 185 attempts against the Maroons. Keith sadly, couldn’t add to their 92 wins.

KEITH – Reid, Callum Robertson, Spink, Moroney, Craib, Cooper (Wilson), Ormsby, Brownie, Ironside (Duncan), Park (Tough), Alberts (McKeown). Subs unused – Barron, Milne, Killoh, Smith, Macleod.

Referee – Mr Alex Ross

Wednesday 18th September 2024, KO 8pm
Report by Charlie Simpson