Keith manager Craig Ewen says "panic stations" jeopardised Maroons' victory over Deveronvale and looks ahead to "huge" match at Clachnacuddin
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Keith boss Craig Ewen was pleased to defeat Deveronvale on Saturday - but admitted his team almost threw it away.
The Maroons landed a 3-2 home win in the Banffshire derby after leading 3-0 with little over a quarter hour to go.
Two late Vale goals sparked what Ewen described as "panic stations" in his team's ranks and they had to hold on for the three points.
The result took Keith above their opponents in the table, with the manager now looking ahead to Saturday's trip to second-bottom Clach and another opportunity for victory.
"There was definitely a bit of panic at the end," he said. "Goals change games and the momentum swung.
"WE played well in the first half and arguably we could have been further ahead (than 2-0) at half time.
"In the second half we cancelled each other out a bit, but when Matty Tough scored to make it 3-0, it felt like there was about 15 minutes to go.
"We conceded a goal when their boy smashed one in but we thought we would be OK. They put on a bit more pressure and when the second goal went in, it was panic stations a wee bit.
"We managed to hold on for the win which was the most important thing, and it sets us up for a big game on Saturday at Clach."
The Inverness side has failed to win a league game this season but under recently-appointed manager Conor Gethins, they are expected to improve over time.
"They will be going all out for the win, that's for sure. If we could get the result it wpould take us even further away from the relegation places so it's a huge game for both clubs."
