Mikey Taylor strike lands Keith first Highland League derby victory over Rothes since 2018

Keith stretched their unbeaten run to four games on Saturday, defeating Rothes for the first time in five-and-a-half years into the bargain.

It was no easy task though, despite facing a depleted Speyside outfit that had ex-Maroon and recently retired Bruce Milne back in the fray.

A goal-less first half saw little for the spectators to enthuse over, but a change of personnel at half-time gave Keith the impetus to take the game to the visitors.

Five minutes into the second half, a Ryan Robertson drive from eight yards crashed back off the bar, then a Craig Gill 20 yarder flew inches over the bar.

The deadlock was broken with 62 minutes played when Mikey Taylor, who had been a constant threat since replacing the injured Gavin Elphinstone at the break, was upended inside the box, and 19-year-old Lewis Coull stepped up to convert the resultant spot kick with great aplomb.

Rothes drew level 15 minutes later when substitute Kenzie Shepherd scored direct from a corner kick.

The Maroons to their credit rolled their sleeves up and dug in, searching for the win, and with eight minutes remaining, dangerman Taylor got the goal his play deserved when he headed home at the back post.

A crucial three points, that not only extended the unbeaten run, but hoisted Craig Ewen’s men up into 14th spot in the league table.

Keith: Reid, Buchan (Killoh), Lynch, Coull, Robertson, Gill, Elphinstone (Taylor), Brownie, Cooper, Stewart (Hanover), Ironside (McKeown). Subs: Addison, Smith, Macleod.

Rothes: McCarthy, MacDonald, Cruickshank, Milne, Johnstone, Proudfoot, Alexander (Shepherd), McConachie, Kerr, Shewan, J Thomson (Paxton). Subs: M Thomson, Christie

Ref: S Randall.

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