Huntly 1 Keith 1: Przemyslaw Nawrocki's late equaliser lands Keith another Highland League point at Huntly in new Maroons' boss Craig Ewen's first game
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IF truth be known, Saturday's entertaining derby match between Huntly and Keith ended up a fair draw, writes Charlie Simpson.
Home side Huntly held the upper hand in the first half and Keith - with new manager Craig Ewen in charge for the first time - looking the brighter side in the second period.
Read more: New boss speaks about his desire to bring progress to Keith.
In what was Maroons' defender Ryan Robertson’s 100th appearance, sharpshooter Przemyslaw Nawrocki’s late leveller gave his side a share of the spoils.
The 171st league encounter between the sides, saw the Strathbogie men nab the lead after only three minutes, Michael Clark heading home Greg Buchan’s free kick.
The Maroons struggled to get to grips, and Angus Grant clipped the bar, them forced a fine save from Craig Reid.
The best the visitors could offer in the first half was a Tom Andrews 18-yarder which whistled over the bar.
The second half was a different kettle of fish with the Maroons looking far more sprightly.
Michael Ironside should have levelled five minutes into the half, but struck the ball against Huntly custodian Euan Storrier, then failed to convert the loose ball.
However, Huntly hit back and on the hour mark Reid pulled off a grand save to deny Buchan.
The leveller came with nine minutes remaining, substitute Nawrocki pouncing on a clipped pass from Ironside, turning and slamming a low drive into the bottom corner for his third goal of the season.
Two draws against two tough opponents since the Buckie debacle have seen the young Keith combine climb off the foot of the table, and create a different atmosphere amongst the squad.
Another fine team display, with players fighting for each other and again giving their all, giving the new gaffer plenty food for thought.
Huntly: Storrier, Thoirs, Johnstone, Dalling, Clark, Murison, Buchan, Hslop, Goodall (Imbert-Thomas 86), Grant (Matthew 87), Elphinstone (McKeoen 69).
Keith: Reid, Hutcheon, Emmett, Grant, R Robertson, Yunus, Ironside, Andrews, Stewart (McCredie 78), McKeown (Nawrocki 65), Selfridge.
Referee: W Smith
