Keith boss warns of 'big gulf' after 6-0 scorelines in Highland League
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Keith manager Craig Ewen fears the gap between the Highland League’s top six and the rest is growing after his team’s latest heavy loss.
Beaten 6-1 by title contenders Brora Rangers in their first game this year, the Maroons conceded six for a second game running when they went down 6-0 to Formartine United at North Lodge Park on Saturday.
Ewen admitted he had fears prior to kick-off when he saw the sheer physique of United’s line-up compared with his own young starting eleven.
Formartine scored four times in the first half to put the game beyond Keith's reach.
“I was a bit concerned physicality-wise that their starting team looked very athletic and powerful and we maybe weren’t going to have that about us on the day," Ewen said.
“They were just too strong for us all over the pitch.”
Keith weren’t the only team on the receiving end of a 6-0 result on Saturday as Wick Academy, Strathspey Thistle and Deveronvale lost by the same score.
“When the top six teams are at it in a game, and the other teams aren’t, there is a big gulf," Ewen said.
“We have had a couple of good performances where we have taken points against the top six this year, but that is when we have been right at it as well.
“You look at the scorelines on Saturday when there were four six-nils. Banks O’ Dee were 6-0 up on Wick at half time. Even Locos were beaten 4-0 at home.
“Trying to bridge that gap isn’t easy. The only way we can do that is by signing a better quality of player.
"That's the most difficult aspect. We are looking to improve but that doesn’t happen overnight.”
Formartine's scorers were Mark Gallagher, Matthew McLean, Paul Campbell, Aidan Combe, Scott Lisle and Cole Anderson.
Deveronvale were hit for six at home to high-flying Brora, who were five up inside 34 minutes.
Jordan MacRae netted a hat-trick by 25 minutes and Martin Maclean, Max Ewan and Gregor MacDonald also scored for the Cattachs in Banff.
Brechin City edged into top spot ahead of Buckie Thistle who were held 1-1 at Huntly. Kieran Inglis, Marc Scott (2), Anthony McDonald, Grady McGrath and Botti Biabi were Brechin's scorers in a 6-0 victory over bottom side Strathspey Thistle.
Nairn County's good form continued as first-half goals by Conor Gethins and Ciaran Young secured a 2-0 success against Lossiemouth.
New Inverurie Locos boss Andy Low saw his men lose 4-0 at home to champions Fraserburgh. Bryan Hay (2), Ryan Sargent and Scott Barbour did the damage for Broch.
Turriff United came from behind to win 2-1 at Forres, while Rothes debutant Liam Shewan scored a spectacular winner in a 3-2 victory at home to Clachnacuddin.
Highland League results: Banks O' Dee 6, Wick Academy 0; Brechin City 6, Strathspey Thistle 0; Deveronvale 0, Brora Rangers 6; Formartine United 6, Keith 0; Forres Mechanics 1, Turriff United 2; Huntly 1, Buckie Thistle 1; Inverurie Locos 0, Fraserburgh 4; Nairn County 2, Lossiemouth 0; Rothes 3, Clachnacuddin 2.
Highland League fixtures for Saturday, February 4: Banks O' Dee v Rothes; Buckie Thistle v Brora Rangers; Clachnacuddin v Forres Mechanics; Fraserburgh v Huntly; Keith v Deveronvale; Lossiemouth v Inverurie Locos; Strathspey Thistle v Nairn County; Turriff United v Formartine United; Wick Academy; Brechin City (2pm).
