Brora Rangers 6 Keith 1: Maroons no match for ruthless Cattachs at Dudgeon Park

Keith got more than they bargained for when they went first footing in Sutherland on Saturday, as the Maroons were hit for six by title challengers Brora Rangers.

This was Keith’s first outing since December 3, but Brora hadn’t played since the previous week, so ring rustiness wasn’t the reason. If truth be known, Craig Ewan’s men were simply outclassed by a ruthless Dudgeon Park side.

With new loanee Murray Addison from Formartine United on the bench, taken in to replace Connor Grant who returned to Fraserburgh, the Maroons were left gasping from a three-goal salvo in the opening quarter of an hour.

It took the Cattachs three minutes to get on the scoresheet, Andy Macrae cutting in from the right wing to slot a low drive past Kyle Irvine.

Three minutes later Max Ewan raced in from the same position to give Irvine no chance for a second goal.

Then with 14 minutes on the clock, the visiting rearguard was found wanting as Jordan MacRae hammered the ball into the roof of the net off the underside of the bar.

Irvine pulled off a couple of fine saves, and then the Maroons seemed to apply themselves better, only to be stung on the stroke of half-time when Irvine pulled off a fine stop only for the ever alert Jordan MacRae to pounce and nod the loose ball home from close range.

The visitors were battling bravely away in the second half but then they were hit by a deadly double in the space of three minutes. First, with 58 minutes played Colin Williamson rifled home a loose ball and then Dale Gillespie let fly from 18 yards giving Irvine no chance.

The plucky Maroons did have the last say though when they awarded a penalty kick in the last minute. Stewart Hutcheon saw his well taken effort saved by Logan Ross, but followed up quickly to ram the loose ball over the line for his third goal of the season.

Keith don’t have a fixture this Saturday and return to action at home to Forres on Saturday, January 21.

Keith team: Irvine, Coull, Yeats (Addison 64), Thomas, Robertson, Hutcheon, Mooney, Brownie,en Yunus, Killoh (Wilson 81), Duncan (Tough 69). Subs: Ironside, McKeown, Willis.

Referee: Billy Baxter.

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