Inverurie Loco Works 1 v Keith 0
SCRAPPY GOAL DERAILS MAROONS
Okay, so Keith came back along the A 96 pointless on Saturday evening, but make no mistake, they had just gone toe to toe with a top-four side twice in the space of four days, and but for the scrappiest of goals deciding the outcome at Harlaw Park, they would have emerged undefeated from both encounters. Inverurie Locos have been going ever so well this season, sitting 4th in the League Table, and only the three teams above them have scored more and conceded less.
Yet again the Maroons emerged with great credit, showing grit and determination after a sapping midweek encounter at Brechin, especially in the latter stages of the second half. For varying reasons, Craig Ewen had no fewer than nine players missing and had the barest of bones on the substitutes bench. Yet, unlike the multi-millionaire “Moaning Minnies” in the Scottish Premier League, and especially the English Premiership, here in the real world of the Highland League we just get on with it!
Anyway, bright sunshine heralded the 46th Highland League meeting between the sides, stretching back to September 2001 and it really was end to end with Keith playing down the Harlaw slope. 19 year old Connor Macleod, making only his 5th senior appearance showed safe handling throughout, pulling off a fine save in the 17th minute, whilst a minute later at the other end a looping Brody Alberts header flew inches past the far post.
The young custodian was called into action several times before skipper Ryan Robertson skied over the bar from 8 yards at the other end. Then, six minutes from half-time Locos fans got the breakthrough they craved. A corner flew into a crowded six yard box from the right side and amidst a melee of bodies, and Macleod hemmed in, Lloyd Robertson managed to scramble the ball over the line. Ach, what a bummer that was!
Playing up the slope in the second half, the Maroons threatened without getting that vital goal. Cammy Wilson weaved his way into the box in the 56th minute only to see his parting shot deflected for a fruitless corner, though Macleod had to look lively at the other end to pull off a fine stop at his left hand post. With ten minutes remaining it was good to see Jake Stewart make an appearance for the first time since being carried off at Rothes last August.
The afternoon was perhaps summed up when manager Ewen was red carded a couple of minutes from the end for comments made, probably due to frustration.
KEITH – Macleod, Lynch, Barron, Craib, R Robertson, Ironside (J Wilson 71), Duncan, McKeown, Ormsby, C Wilson, Alberts (Stewart 80). Subs unused – Milne, Killoh.
Referee – Mr L Brown
Saturday 22nd February 2025, KO 3pm
Report by Charlie Simpson