Inverurie Loco Works 1 v Keith 2
NIFTY NATE DERAILS LOCOS!
A superb first half double from buzzbomb Nathan McKeown derailed Inverurie Locos on a night that saw the Maroons win their first District Shield tie for four years, and a semi-final tie at Fraserburgh as the prize.
Make no mistake, though wee Nathan, a constant thorn the entire evening, was the goal hero, the entire team, including the substitutes, put on a brave, battling, quick passing display that had the homesters on the back foot at times in the first half.
Playing up the Harlaw slope in that first period, Keith were on their toes right from the first peep of the referee’s whistle. With 10 minutes gone, Jordan Lynch, another standout, whipped in a cross from the right wing, and Nathan had us up aff our seats when he swept the ball home from 10 yards. Yahoo – ya wee beauty Nathan!
It wasn’t one way traffic mind you, and after 25 minutes Craig Reid dived to punch away a curling Callum Duncan free kick. Nine minutes later Nathan bulged the onion bag again when he won the ball and spotting Locos custodian Zack Ellis off his line, curled a corker into the top corner. It’s an instant reaction isn’t it– up aff our seats again giving it laldy!
The wee man was on fire, and as half time approached he let fly again and his effort was blocked, with Horace Ormsby just failing to convert the loose ball.
After the half-time cuppa, as expected, Dean Donaldson’s men took the game to the Maroons, but Craig’s Commandos defended stoutly. Indeed, only the woodwork stopped a Callum Robertson belter at the other end from zinging into the net in the 54th minute. Three minutes later however, Locos were back in the frame when a Lloyd Robertson through ball was latched onto by Ethan Cairns, and he gave Reid no chance from 18 yards.
Locos had the smell of blood in their nostrils, but Reid pulled off several fine saves including a super one handed stop in the 83rd minute. Keith stood their ground though, defending stoutly whilst still trying to get into the danger area at the other end.
The final peep of the referee’s whistle sparked jubilation in the Keith camp, keeping Maroons’ hopes of silverware still alive in a competition they’ve previously won five times. Mind you it’s going to be a tough tussle at Bellslea as ‘Broch are no Shield slouches either. In the meantime – let’s savour a 24th win in 53 District Shield ties stretching back to 1990.
KEITH – Reid, Addison, Craib, Bird (R Robertson 82), Spink, Barron, Ormsby (Paterson 82), McKeown, Cooper (Killoh 75), C Robertson (Whyte 67), Lynch. Subs unused – Angus, Adeniyi, Ega, Smith.
Referee – R McKinnon
Wednesday 12th November 2025, KO 8pm
Report by Charlie Simpson