| Date | Saturday, 15 January 1994 |
|---|---|
| Competition | Highland League |
| Fixture/Score | Keith 1:2 Ross County |
| Venue | Kynoch Park |
| Attendance | |
| Referee | Brian Christie |
| Comments | Match Report Report by Ritchie McNab for the Press & Journal. Keith 1 Ross County 2 Talented teenage striker Jim Hamilton could well have played his last game in a Keith jersey in Saturday's Press and Journal Highland League game against Ross County at Kynoch Park. The 17-year-old, the son of Keith boss Jim Hamilton, will become a Dundee player within the next few days after showing his paces at Dens Park last week. Manager Hamilton said yesterday: James suitably impressed both manager Jim Duffy and his assistant, John McCormack, and was offered terms which he has accepted. It only leaves the two clubs to agree on a transfer fee and we are hopeful the deal can be concluded this week." Kynoch Park only just passed a 2pm pitch inspection by referee Brian Christie. Keith, played their first competitive game since December 18, made life very difficult for high-profile Ross County, who had keeper Steve Hutchison to thank for keeping them in the game in the first half with a series of saves highlighted by two fine stops from Martin Allan and Colin Maver. After the break, with Cammy Robertson on for Johnston Bellshaw, County took command and it was no surprise when they took the lead in 52 minutes. A brilliant move involving Robertson, Grant and SOMERVILLE saw the latter weave his way past two defenders before beating Thain with a low shot that entered the net via the inside of both uprights. The Dingwall went close several times before increasing their lead in 66 minutes through Brian GRANT. The County striker was perfectly placed to meet a Billy Ferries ball and he gave Ian Thain no chance with a powerful rising header from close range. Battling Keith came storming back into the game and only great saves by Steve Hutchison from a Colin Maver piledriver and a Jim Hamilton header kept County's lead intact. The Rutherglen-based keeper had to finally admit defeat in 88 minutes when he was left helpless by a stunning volley by MAVER from 12 yards. And Maver could well have earned his side a share of the spoils in injury time when he headed a Wilson cross wide of the post from four yards. With County boss Bobby Wilson watching Alloa beat Gala in the Tennents Scottish Cup, assistant Don Cowie was left in charge and he said: Our keeper, Steve Hutchison, produced some wonderful saves at crucial times, but full credit to Keith, who played some attractive football after being side lined for five weeks." |
| Ross County | |
| Manager | Robert (Bobby) Wilson |
| Starting 11 | 1: Stephen Hutchison, 2: Christopher (Chris) Somerville 1, 3: Craig Reid, 4: Robert (Robbie) Williamson, 5: Johnston Bellshaw, 6: Alexander (Sandy) MacLeod, 7: Keith (Billy) Ferries, 8: Brian Grant 1, 9: Andrew (Andy) MacLeod, 10: Gordon Connelly, 11: Barry Wilson |
| Bench | 0: Cameron Robertson, 0: Gary Ross |