Pictures from Keith's 2-1 victory over Clachnacuddin and reaction from Maroons' goal hero Dem Yunus
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DEM Yunus rewarded Keith manager Craig Ewen attacking ploy with a match-winning double against Clachnacuddin on Saturday.
The 19-year-old has held a central midfield position since joining the Maroons two years ago but his sharp shooting in training caught the eye of boss Ewen.
He was promoted to a number ten role in the side and repaid Ewen’s faith with both goals in the 2-1 success over ten-man Clach.
Yunus was thrilled to net his first double in Highland League football and give something back to a manager he says has helped revitalise his career.
“Craig and I probably have one of the best player-manager relationships,” he said.
“I just think he is a top guy. He’s very good at what he does. Tactically and football-wise he has so much knowledge and I don’t have a bad word about the man.
“It’s ridiculous how much he knows about the Highland League. In his team talks he tells you things and you think ‘ how does he know all this?’ Keith are very lucky to have him.”
Yunus, who came through Dyce Boys Club and had a spell at Cove Rangers before joining Keith in September 2020, was happy to embrace his new strike role.
And he described the feeling of joy after notching the late, late winner to give Keith their first league victory of the campaign.
“Now that I’m playing in a forward position there might be more goals now. I want to get at least ten this season, that’s what I’m hoping for.
“The manager asked me to take on board what I’ve been doing in training and play further forward. We gave it a go in the Wick game and he liked it so we stayed with it.
His first goal arrived shortly after the break when a flick by team-mate Przemyslaw Nawrocki put him through.
“I took it past one boy and drove towards the box and hit it towards the top right. I was pleased to see that one go in.
“The second one was good team play. We built it up down the right and Matty Tough got to the by-line and squared it across the box and I ran from behind the guy and tapped it in.
“I think it was the 90th minute. When it went in I thought ‘Oh my God we’re going to get the win’ and I was over the moon.
“There was a point in the game when the manager made a sub and brought another striker on but he didn’t take me off.
“I felt then there was another goal in me. And it came.
“I hope there’s a lot more goals to come, but the main target is for the team to be better than last season if I’m being honest.
“I feel we’ve got a good group of boys and it maybe just didn’t click at the start of the season.
“We got the draw at Turriff and I’m pleased to get a win on the board.
“Hopefully we can get something out of the game at Banks O’ Dee (this Saturday) as well. I’m feeling quite confident for that one.”
Yunus has played through the pain barrier of a knee injury and feels he is getting stronger and stronger.
