Keith 1 Inverurie Locos 2: Maroons made to pay for their missed chances at Kynoch Park
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Keith’s aim to build on their victory over Strathspey Thistle hit the skids when their inability to convert chances came back to bite them on the bum.
As a result, a late Nathan Meres strike gave ex-Maroons legend Dean Donaldson his first victory as manager of Inverurie Locos.
A goal-less first half saw Donaldson sent to the stand by referee Scott Donohoe in the 16th minute following a “small discussion” about a free kick and a booking.
It was end-to-end, with Craig Reid diving full length to palm away a 20 yarder three minutes later. Then, with 28 minutes gone, Locos custodian Zack Ellis pulled off two quick fire saves to deny Gavin Elphinstone and James Brownie.
Locos got their noses in front with 62 minutes on the clock, the Keith rearguard being caught napping and Myles Gaffney raced clear to slam past Reid from 15 yards.
The lead only last six minutes though, and the effervescent Elphinstone hared through to convert his fifth goal of the season.
Keith looked the likelier side to score again, and three minutes later the goalie pushed away a Nathan McKeown shot with Connor Killoh quickly nipping in to slot home the loose ball, only for the flag to go up for offside.
Elphinstone was proving to be a constant thorn in the side of Locos, and with 82 minutes played he sprinted up the left wing, and cut inside to Liam Duncan perfectly placed, but the goalie tipped his shot over the bar.
A minute later the same two players were involved, only for the latter to weakly shoot straight at the ‘keeper.
A heavy price was paid for those squandered chances with four minutes remaining, the home defence being caught again and Meres gleefully rifled into the bottom corner.
Not a dirty match by any means the referee ended up flashing eight yellow cards as well as the Donaldson red card.
Keith team: Reid, Addison, Yeats, Coull, Robertson, Killoh (Lynch 79), Elphinstone, Brownie, Cooper, Taylor (Tough 73), McKeown (Duncan 73). Subs: Smith, Cheyne, Morrison, Macleod.
