PICTURES: Back-to-back clean sheets for Keith in goal-less Highland League derby draw at Rothes - and teams do it all over again at Kynoch Park this weekend

By Craig Christie

- craig.christie@hnmedia.co.uk

Published: 08:43, 21 February 2024

| Updated: 08:46, 21 February 2024

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Rothes and Keith will face each other on consecutive Saturdays in Highland League action.

Rothes' Matthew McConachie blocks the ball from Keith's Michael Taylor. ..Rothes F.C. (0) v Keith F.C. (0) at Mackessack Park, Rothes, Highland Football League 23/24...Picture: Beth Taylor.

Neither side could break the deadlock at Mackessack Park last Saturday in a rare 0-0 draw between the teams.

Pictures by Beth Taylor below.

Gallery1

Keith's Craig Reid punches the ball clear. ..Rothes F.C. (0) v Keith F.C. (0) at Mackessack Park, Rothes, Highland Football League 23/24...Picture: Beth Taylor.

Rothes' Michael Finnis clears the ball away. ..Rothes F.C. (0) v Keith F.C. (0) at Mackessack Park, Rothes, Highland Football League 23/24...Picture: Beth Taylor.

Rothes and Keith players scramble for the ball. ..Rothes F.C. (0) v Keith F.C. (0) at Mackessack Park, Rothes, Highland Football League 23/24...Picture: Beth Taylor.

Keith's Craig Reid saves Rothes' Aidan Wilson's attempt. ..Rothes F.C. (0) v Keith F.C. (0) at Mackessack Park, Rothes, Highland Football League 23/24...Picture: Beth Taylor.

Keith's Josh Buchan and Rothes' Jake Thomson chase down the ball. ..Rothes F.C. (0) v Keith F.C. (0) at Mackessack Park, Rothes, Highland Football League 23/24...Picture: Beth Taylor.

Keith's Craig Gill and Rothes' Fraser Robertson nearly clash. ..Rothes F.C. (0) v Keith F.C. (0) at Mackessack Park, Rothes, Highland Football League 23/24...Picture: Beth Taylor.

Keith's Michael Taylor makes an attempt for goal. ..Rothes F.C. (0) v Keith F.C. (0) at Mackessack Park, Rothes, Highland Football League 23/24...Picture: Beth Taylor.

They meet again this Saturday at Kynoch Park, where there will surely be some scoring action to give the fans something to cheer.

Speysiders supporters were lifted on Saturday when their side was awarded a penalty after 13 minutes for a foul on Jake Thomson.

Rothes captain Michael Finnis netted a hat-trick of spot kicks against Strathspey Thistle earlier this year and is normally reliable to score from 12 yards.

However, he was up against Keith keeper Craig Reid who has gained a reputation as a penalty saver, having stopped six previous spot kicks while in goal for the Maroons.

Reid won the battle of wits, pulling off a fine save from Finnis.

Keith were playing the first of three Moray derbies in a week.

Before they take on their home rematch against Rothes at the weekend, they play host to Forres Mechanics tonight in another league fixture.

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All Sport Give me perspective Craig Christie