Maroons hit Dee for five in cup
Keith 5 Banks o’ Dee 0
Published:
CLINICAL Keith comfortably claimed a semi-final spot in the Evening Express Aberdeenshire Cup by beating battling Banks o’ Dee.
The Maroons now face holders Buckie Thistle on Tuesday, September 9 for a place in the final.
Victorious boss Martin Allan was satisfied with his side’s showing, although admitted they can do better.
He said: “We played within ourselves at times, but over the piece it was a good performance.
“We are happy to be in the next round and we still have a bit to go, but hopefully we can keep on improving.”
Banks o’ Dee were always going to find it tough going, given they were playing for the second successive night.
The reigning Junior Superleague champions lost at Stonehaven on Tuesday night, and their poor form continued at Kynoch Park.
Keith broke the deadlock on 15 minutes when Sean Keith crossed from the right wing for skipper Darren STILL to power a downward header past Scott Forbes in the Dee goal.
Forbes was once again left exposed seven minutes later, as Michael FYFE coolly clipped a low shot into the net from 12 yards.
But the visiting keeper then made a fantastic stop to keep out a quickly taken free-kick by the ever-alert Still.
Dee had chances late in the first half, the best of which saw a weak Alistair Reid shot easily saved by John Cheyne.
But the away side were made to pay for their profligacy within five minutes of the restart as Keith scored twice in quick succession to seal victory.
First, Craig MORRISON exchanged passes with Martin Wood before curling a shot past Forbes.
Then, inside 60 seconds, Fyfe crossed for STILL to smash in a thumping volley.
Dee thought they should have had a penalty when Gordon Carstairs appeared to be brought down by Cheyne, but referee Alan Frew waived play on.
Substitute Phil McCALL wrapped up the scoring five minutes from time, netting with a low, left-foot1 drive.
