Striker Kieran is over the Moon-ey after first hat-trick for Keith against Strathspey Thistle
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KEITH’S first hat-trick hero in four years said it was a “great feeling” to hit his maiden treble in maroon.
Kieran Mooney (22) hit three as Keith romped to a 6-1 success against bottom club Strathspey Thistle at Kynoch Park on Saturday.
His first saw him cut in from the left to curl into the top corner for 1-0.
Goals added by Ryan Robertson and Matty Tough gave Keith a 3-0 advantage at half-time.
Mooney then added his second for 4-0, before Strathspey pulled one back a minute later. His hat-trick goal, which crashed in off both posts, sealed the win.
But his contribution wasn't over – with the striker winning a penalty which was slotted away by Stewart Hutcheon for his first goal in four years.
The hat-trick was the first scored by a Keith player since Cammy Keith hit four against Strathspey in 2018.
“The first one I cut inside, my pace helped me along and I relaxed into the finish,” Mooney said of his opener.
“The second one was a reaction volley from the corner and the third was a bit scrappy on the eye, but I’ll take it.
"I turned round celebrating the third and everyone else was still watching wondering if it’d gone in yet – but it went in off the post so I was happy with that.
“It was a great feeling to get three goals but off the back of a 2-0 defeat (against Lossiemouth) it was more about the win.
"I missed a few games at the start of the season so I’m happy with my goal ratio so far.
"I've scored six and I had a target of 15, which is looking quite likely if I keep this run up so hopefully there will be no injuries or anything.”
Mooney added: “I only came up to Aberdeen a few years ago for uni and I didn’t really know much about the Highland League, if I’m being honest.
"But since I’ve come up it has consumed me – maybe it’s been a bit of a distraction from uni, but this season’s been good!”
Keith boss Craig Ewen was impressed by his side’s showing, admitting there was a bit of pressure on them to get the three points after disappointing defeats to Deveronvale and Lossiemouth.
“I’m very pleased with the performance,” he said. “I thought we dominated from the start of the game.
“We scored some good goals and I don’t think 6-1 flattered us. After two disappointing results I’m delighted to bounce back with a comprehensive home win.
“We’ve got to keep moving forward on now. We’re trying to strive for more consistency in our performances.”
On Mooney’s hat trick, he added: “Kieran was a threat all day long with his pace. He was stretching their defence.
“The first goal in particular, I’ll look forward to seeing that back, it was a lovely goal to watch. I’m more pleased because it was a good all-round team performance.”
