Keith 0 v Brora Rangers 5

MAROONS BATTLE BRAVELY AGAINST BRORA

The 122nd Highland League tussle between Keith and Brora Rangers was always going to be a tough ask for the Maroons, and so it proved with the Sutherland Sizzlers from Dudgeon Park hitting a nap hand as they continued their League Title Quest.

Craig Ewen was on the back foot to start with, fielding 19 year old Connor Macleod in between the sticks for only his 6th senior appearance, replacing the injured Craig Reid who’s out for the remainder of the season.  He was also missing co-captain Ryan Robertson, serving the first of a two match ban, with the more than capable Jordan Cooper wearing the Captain’s Armband.

Prior to Kick Off there was a minute silence in respect of Jimmy Dalziel and Don Kichenbrand who had both sadly recently passed away. I recall wee Jimmy playing for Keith with great fondness, signing for the Maroons in the summer of 1972, the former Rothes and Elgin City stalwart eventually moving to Huntly. Don “The Rhino”, was a South African centre forward who had seen great service with Glasgow Rangers and Sunderland. The big guy played twice in 1963 as the Maroons defeated Peterhead and Forres Mechanics, scoring against the Can Cans.

Keith’s injury woes have been well documented this season, and the hoodoo struck again five minutes after Lewis Brown blew his peeper to get the game underway, when Josh Bolton pulled up sharply with a hamstring injury to be replaced by Ronan Craib – stroll on, you just couldn’t write this stuff could you!?

Anyway young Macleod pulled off a couple of fine early saves but was left helpless in the 17th minute when a low Craig Mackenzie shot found the bottom corner. The Maroons tried to get back into the game with Brody Alberts forcing a save from Brora goalie Cammy Mackay. Sadly though, Brora’s experience was a telling factor and eight minutes from the half-time cuppa, Shane Sutherland curled a 12 yarder into the far corner.

“Sid” McKay’s Sizzlers turned the screw after the break, and despite the homesters battling gamely, three more goals gave the Cattachs a nap hand. A Connor Bunce header was bundled over the line by Matthew Wright in the 66th minute, and six minutes later a fierce Alex Cooper 18 yarder bulged the onion bag, before proceedings were wrapped up with 11 minutes remaining thanks to a powerful 20 yard drive by substitute Max Ewan.

Brora are top of the League on goal difference for a reason, they are a slick, quick, experienced combine, and the depleted Maroons deserved great credit for once again battling bravely.

KEITH – Macleod, Lynch(Stewart 46), Buchan(Craib 5), Killoh, Barron, Cooper, C Wilson, McKeown, Alberts, Ormsby, Ironside( Milne 78).  Subs unused – Duncan, Spink, Charlie Gray(gk).

Referee – Mr L Brown

Wednesday 19th March, KO 8pm
Report by Charlie Simpson