Keith 0 Brora Rangers 1: Visitors a 'tough nut to crack' for Maroons
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As expected, Keith found Brora Rangers a tough nut to crack in what was a dress rehearsal for the forthcoming Highland League Cup semi-final between the pair.
But the Maroons battled bravely throughout, and yet another superb goalkeeping display from Craig Reid limited the Cattachs to a 1-0 victory.
The goalie celebrated his contract extension – confirmed on Sunday – with a string of marvellous saves, especially in the first half.
Reid set his stall out in the 11th minute after the ball cannoned back off the woodwork, the goalie brilliantly parrying a shot from the loose ball and reacting quickly seconds later to beat away another goalbound effort.
Seven minutes later he excelled once again, pulling off a tremendous one handed save and followed up instantly to block the loose ball.
A couple of other saves kept the feisty visitors at bay, ensuring that it remained goal-less at half time.
However, we were only three minutes into the second period when what turned out to be the winning goal came along.
A quickfire move ended with Paul Brindle pouncing to round Reid and clip the ball home from six yards.
Instead of folding though, the Maroons hit back, taking the game to Brora but without success in the firing line.
A superb one-handed save from Reid in stoppage time denied Brora once again, then barely a minute later the Maroons were reduced to 10 men when Gavin Elphinstone received a second yellow card.
KEITH – Reid, Addison (Duncan), Yeats (Cheyne), Coull, Robertson, Gill, Elphinstone, Brownie, Cooper (McKeown), Taylor (Wilson), Ironside (Lynch). Subs unused – Killoh, Tough, Smith. MacLeod.
Referee – Mr L Brown.
