Keith 0 Forres Mechanics 2: Maroons out after own goal and penalty

Keith are proud 10 times record holders of the Highland League Cup, but they fell at the first hurdle this season, with visitors Forres advancing comfortably.

After a goalless first half, an unfortunate own goal from Connor Grant and a penalty from Ben Barron put paid to the Maroons’ challenge.

There was little for the fans to enthuse over in a dour first half and the referee blew his half time whistle with no goals looking likely.

The Maroons started the second period in brighter fashion, and Tom Andrews couldn’t quite direct his header off Connor Killoh’s right wing cross on target.

The deadlock was broken in the 56th minute when a lack of communication in the home rearguard saw the unfortunate Connor Grant head the ball into his own net.

With 72 minutes on the clock, Reid kept his side in the hunt, brilliantly tipping Ryan McLeman’s net bound drive over the bar.

Forres’ passage into the next round was secured four minutes later when dangerman Callum Johnston surged into the Keith penalty area only to be brought down by Dem Yunus. Ben Barron stepped up to confidently slot the resultant spot kick into the corner.

Reid pulled off a super flying save to tip Barron’s goalbound header over the bar, but it was to no real avail.

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