Brora Rangers 1 v Keith 1
A BRIDGE TOO FAR? – NAE CHANCE!
The Kessock, Cromarty and Dornoch Bridges were all traversed on Saturday as the Maroons headed to Sutherland to tackle Highland League Leaders Brora Rangers in their own back yard after six weeks without kicking a ball in anger. Would it be a bridge too far for Craig’s Commandos? That’s an emphatic no! - as the 16 players involved showed no signs of ring rustiness, oops, wrong sport perhaps, and such was the display that there was a distinct feeling of disappointment in the visiting camp that all three points weren’t captured, instead of having to share the spoils.
Make no mistake, this was no hanging on by the fingertips performance, but a display full of energy, verve, grit, determination and no little skill throughout, and 42 days without a competitive match didn’t impede the Maroons one iota. After Conor Bird powerfully headed Keith in front, as time wore on it was beginning to look as though a repeat of last season’s win at the same venue was on the cards, until the leveller came with three minutes remaining.
Keith’s starting line-up was a strong combination in all departments and the scene was set with Jordan Cooper becoming a “Ton Up Kid” with his 100th appearance and young Ronan Craib notching his half century – well done guys.
Conditions were dreich, drizzly and windy for the 124th League tussle between the sides, the first ever one at Dudgeon Park seeing the Maroons win 2-0 on 8 February 1964. There was little in it during the first forty five minutes with neither goalie having too much to do. Captain Ryan Spink and his troops weren’t standing on ceremony and Brora, looking to extend their lead at the Table Top, knew they were in a game.
The fear perhaps at half time was that too much energy had been expended and the legs would begin to flag. Well, that fear was quickly dispelled after the half-time cuppa, and it really was no great surprise when the deadlock was broken. The egg timer showed 61 minutes played when Jack Searle, what a fine game he had, whipped a super left wing cross into the penalty area and there was only one head going to get on the end of it – yep, Conor Bird’s cranium propelled the ball into the old ingin bag from 12 yards – Up aff oor seats in the Stand – “Get in there Birdie”!
Far too early to think of a win, and..Brora will now throw the kitchen sink at the Keith defence, we thought. Ah, but despite some slick, quick passing moves, the cutting edge was dulled by Keith’s play and although Craig Reid had a couple of saves, there was also a couple of chances at the other end. Then, with 87 minutes played, those of us of a Maroon persuasion were despondent when Jordan MacRae pounced to rattle home from 10 yards – Ach!
Would The Cattachs then go on to grab a victory they scarcely deserved? Thankfully no, and despite 6½ minutes stoppage time, the Maroons kept battling until the last peep of Referee Rob MacKinnon’s whistle. Believe it or not this was only the 8th draw in the 124 encounters, though Keith were so close to making it a 73rd League win over their hosts. Onwards and upwards Guys!
KEITH – Reid, Barron, Searle, Bird (R Robertson 77), Spink, Gill, Craib (Addison 83), McKeown (Duncan 89), Cooper (C Robertson 83), To, Ormsby (Stephen 83). Subs unused – Paterson, Ironside, Nicol, Smith.
Referee – Mr R MacKinnon
Saturday 31st January 2026, KO 3pm
Report by Charlie Simpson