Conor Gethins' 200th Nairn County goal denies battling Keith a much-needed Highland League victory in Station Park stalemate
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Keith may have stretched their no win sequence to 11 games, but last Saturday they figured in a pulsating four goal thriller at Station Park against Nairn County.
A Liam Duncan penalty and an absolute corker from captain James Brownie gave the Maroons a more than deserved share of the spoils.
A performance peppered by grit, determination and character from a predominantly young squad bodes well.
With co-captain Ryan Robertson still sidelined, Keith were also hampered by the absence of recent signings Gavin Elphinstone, and Ethan Smith as well as top scorer Kieran Mooney, but took the game to their hosts right from the off.
With the pace and aerial prowess of Liam Duncan and Matty Tough, making his 50th appearance, causing problems, it was no surprise when veteran Ross Tokely upended Duncan inside the penalty area in the 24th minute. The forward dusted himself down and confidently swept home his fourth goal of the season from the resultant spot kick.
A minute after half time, Tough had the perfect opportunity to increase the lead, but a slight hesitation allowed home goalie Dylan MacLean to block his effort.
Then with 55 minutes gone it was all square when Scott Davidson pounced to rifle home from 12 yards.
Ten minutes later, the battling Maroons regained the lead with a belter from Brownie into the top corner for his third goal of the season.
However, within seven minutes it was all square once again when Dem Yunus was alleged to have handled the ball inside the penalty area and Conor Gethins slotted home his 200th goal for County, although Craig Reid at full stretch, did get two hands to the ball.
Each and every Maroon played their part, Nairn isn’t an easy place to come to these days, but special mention perhaps to James Brownie, who surely covered every blade of grass, and scored a real rip snorter of a goal.
A keenly fought, competitive match, though not a dirty tussle by any means, the referee booked nine players.
Keith team: Reid, Addison, Murray, Yunus, Coull, Yeats, Killoh, Brownie, Tough (Wilson), Ironside (McKeown), Duncan (Hutcheon). Subs unused: Cumming, Robertson, Irvine.
Referee : G Seago
