Turriff Utd 1 v Keith 0
NO FESTIVE CHEER FOR MAROONS
Bah humbug! The only Christmas Spirit dished out for those of us of a Maroon persuasion on Saturday at The Haughs was the Bottle of Whisky I won courtesy of the Boardroom Raffle. Although I hasten to add, our friends at Turra are always most friendly and hospitable.
Now, we at Keith FC always like to recognise landmarks for other Clubs, as a result we presented our hosts with an inscribed Quaich to commemorate their 70th Anniversary.
This was always going to be a close fought match with both sides sitting on the same points mark in the League Table, so it was no real surprise that only one goal separated the sides when referee Liam Duncan blew his peeper to end the game. Sadly, it was a goal for Turra that won the day.
The Maroons were on the back foot before a ball was kicked with Craig Reid, Horace Ormsby and Liam Duncan all missing, and Craig Gill, Jake Stewart, Callum Robertson and Grant Moroney all absent through injury and illness.
Stepping into the fray for what was Keith’s 2700th Highland League match stretching back to August 1924,was emergency loan goalie Rodrigo Vitols from Aberdeen FC, at the tender age of 17 years 311 days, and co-captain Ryan Robertson making his first start of the season after a lengthy spell out injured. In addition, Murray Addison was making his 50th competitive appearance for the Club.
Chances were at a premium in the first half with Brody Alberts firing tamely at Lee Herbert on the quarter hour mark, and Mikey Ironside whipping a shot just over the bar from 10 yards in the 35thminute, whilst at the other end Ryan Spink popped up to clear a Lucas Smith header off the line. Young Vitols showed his class with two excellent stops in the five minutes before the half-time cuppa – denying Mackenzie Taylor twice.
Goal-less at the break, it was always going to be a case of whoever broke the deadlock would have the upper hand – unfortunately that honour fell to the homesters in the 57th minute. A hefty kick out from Herbert saw Taylor cross into the danger area for Reece McKeown to dispatch the ball past the helpless Vitols from 12 yards – Ach!!
Keith’s own McKeown, Nathan, had the perfect chance to level with 69 minutes on the clock when he raced through, only to see his net bound shot cleared by Herbert sticking out his leg.
It just wasn’t to be for Craig’s Commandos, who it has to be said battled bravely, but Lady Luck wasn’t in a smiling mood.
Never mind – onwards and upwards, and I would just like wish, in general, abiddy in the Highland League, and in particular, all Maroons followers, a Happy New Year and all the best for 2025.
KEITH – Vitols, Addison (Brownie 85), Craib, Spink, R Robertson, Cooper, Lynch, McKeown, Alberts, Ironside (J Wilson 76), C Wilson. Subs unused – Barron, Murray, Macleod.
Referee – Mr L Duncan
Saturday 28th December 2024, KO 3pm
Report by Charlie Simpson