Keith manager Craig Ewen hails victory over Buckie Thistle
Keith manager Craig Ewen hailed Saturday’s 3-1 win over Buckie Thistle as a “great result for the club” and hopes it can springboard them up the Highland League table.
The Maroons came into the match full of confidence after two league wins in a row, and made it three on the trot in some fashion.
Brody Albert put Keith 1-0 up inside 10 minutes, and Joe McCabe was sent off for Buckie on the half hour mark.
Ryan Park doubled the Keith lead before half-time and Albert’s second made it 3-0 just after the change of ends.
An own goal from Scott Barron reduced the deficit late on, but did little to spoil the home side’s day.
“I watched Buckie play at Huntly and thought we had a decent chance against them if we played well,” Ewen said.
“For the first 50 minutes we were really good. They went down to 10 men, but even with 11 we were on the front foot and creating chances and could have been further ahead.
“Buckie were definitely the better side after half-time and had lots of possession, but it’s a great result for us and the club.
“Regardless of what is going on with Buckie, they are still a top side. We have won our last three league matches, so we have a bit of confidence.
“I’m hoping we can kick on.”
Keith’s weekend was made even better by the arrival of a new forward in Cameron Wilson, who has joined on loan from Aberdeen. He made his debut against Buckie.
Nathan McKeown, who has four goals this campaign, has also signed a new deal until 2026.
Matty Tough will leave the club and is expected to sign for Culter.
Ewen added: “Cammy is a quick attacking player who can play in any of the forward or wide areas. He had an excellent debut and is an exciting player.
“Nathan has played more football than in previous seasons and is maturing as a player. He is getting more minutes and is sitting on four goals.
“Matty is looking for more regular game time and we wish him all the best. He’s been a good servant to the club, has a good attitude and is an excellent and very likeable lad.”
Keith’s victory over Buckie was the first time the Maroons have defeated the defending Highland League champions in a decade - and they will be hoping to take that form into a tough week.
Fraserburgh are the visitors to Kynoch Park on Wednesday in the Aberdeenshire Shield quarter finals - if the game beats the weather - before Keith visit league leaders Brechin City on Saturday.
“They are flying high, but we will go in with optimism and give it our best,” Ewen said.
“We are hopeful that, if we can produce our best performance, we can get points - but away from home at Brechin is a very difficult fixture.
“In this league this year, on their day, anybody can beat anybody.”
