Keith 2 Formartine United 3: Maroons can take confidence from performance against top side
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A NARROW defeat against one of the Highland League’s top sides can give Keith confidence as they prepare for a difficult run of fixtures.
The Maroons were beaten 3-2 by Formartine United at Kynoch Park on Saturday in the league, and will take on league leaders Buckie Thistle at home in a Highland League Cup quarter final tie this weekend.
Matches against Brora Rangers, Fraserburgh and Banks O’ Dee – as well as a Scottish Cup first round clash with Perthshire junior side Luncarty – complete a tough looking September for Keith.
Assistant manager Chris Craib hopes the performance against Formartine can give the squad confidence heading into the next five games.
He said: “With the effort we put in, a draw would have been justified but we just couldn’t hold out.
“We have been losing games by the odd goal. Last year we took a couple of 6-0s against the big teams but Saturday’s performance looked more promising.
“We have made some good, good signings over the summer and they are settling in well and have lifted the standard.
"We have got a horrendous run of games coming up and we are under no illusions as to what is coming at us, but after Saturday’s performance we have confidence. We gave Formartine a scare.”
Gavin Elphinstone’s 50th minute penalty had Keith ahead, but Formartine equalised seven minutes later through Graeme Rodger.
Jordan Cooper had the Maroons back in front on the hour mark, but Rodger’s second – and 100th overall for the visitors – made it 2-2 before Julian Wade grabbed the winner five minutes from time.
Craib added: “The first half was pretty even. We were well in the game and created a couple of chances.
“In the second half, once we got the goal, we dropped in and sat back. They were launching balls into the box from the throws, there were about 15 throws that were basically like corners, and with the law of averages they were going to get something.”
About Buckie on Saturday, Craib added: “Every time we have played them in the last two and a half seasons it has been tough. But it’s a free hit. We are not expected to be winning so we can go and play with freedom.”
Joey Wilson and Jordan Lynch will return for Keith, while Liam Duncan is nearly back in training.
Craib was pleased to get a “favourable” draw at home to Luncarty in the Scottish Cup first round.
“We will do our homework and look to get a positive result,” he said. “It’s a favourable draw compared to others but they’ll think the same about us.”
