Keith 1 Deveronvale 1: Draw 'fair' in weather-afflicted match
KEITH manager Craig Ewen labelled a point apiece as “fair” after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Deveronvale at Kynoch Park.
The Maroons took the lead almost straight from kick-off through Liam Duncan, but Olek Dlugosz equalised for Vale within the first 10 minutes and a wind and rain afflicted match ended with both sides getting a share of the spoils.
Ewen said: “A draw was fair. The pitch cut up really badly with the rain, and the wind was blowing down the pitch.
“We had it with us in the first half and played fairly poorly with it. Vale were better team first half, but second half was the opposite, we were better playing into the wind.
"We should have won it late and had shots cleared off the line, but Vale had chances.
“Both teams would have preferred the three points, but it was one of those games, conditions were difficult and it became a battle.
"The players definitely gave me a better showing second half.”
Ethan Smith, recently signed from Turriff United, made his second Maroons appearance and Ewen was pleased with his efforts in defence.
“Ethan was looking for a change after falling a wee bit out of favour at Turriff,” he said. “He has good pedigree and will improve the more he plays.”
Keith are away to title-chasing Buckie Thistle on Saturday, before heading through to take on champions Fraserburgh.
The Maroons are still aiming to finish as high up the Highland League as possible.
“They are two very difficult games,” Ewen added.
“We’ll have to stick together and try to make it difficult for Buckie, perhaps try to get a goal on the counter.
"They are free hit games for us as we are not expected to get anything. It’s more about performances than results.”
Saturday’s kick-off against Buckie Thistle is at 2pm.
