Date	Saturday, 29 August 1931
Competition	Highland League
Fixture/Score	Ross County 3:1 Keith
Venue	Victoria Park
Referee
Ross County
Manager	John (Jock) Ramage
Starting 11	1: ? Scott, 2: Roddie Munro, 3: Ackie Urquhart, 4: Dick Traill, 5: John Ramage, 6: Roddie Garrow, 7: Fred MacLeod 1, 8: Dave Cowie, 9: Robert MacLeod, 10: ??? Broadford 1, 11: Charlie Cameron 1
Bench
Attendance
Match Report	Report from the Ross-shire Journal. Ross County 3 Keith 1 Ross County fulfilled the expectations looked for after their good performance at Peterhead the previous week by defeating Keith at Dingwall by three goals to one on Saturday. The victory was well-merited, but for the way they held out against Keith when the latter attacked desperately, especially in the first half when Broadfoot had put the County one up with barely five minutes gone. Keith's reply was fierce and prolonged; Scott was in constant action, and had it not been for Ramage's steadying influence and fearless play, they certainly would have been rewarded. Luck also favoured the County, for on one or two occasions Keith forwards had Scott at their mercy, and only bad shooting saved the Ross citadel. This was clearly evident when Rothnie, the Keith left winger, passed to Grant on the five-yard line. The centre hesitated just long enough to allow Urquhart to come up and rob him. Again Grant got through on his own and shot weakly for Scott to clear. These were two outstanding misses. The County also had their goal-mouth lapses, but not to such an extent. Crossing over with a one-goal lead, the County had the advantage of the wind with the sun at their backs. As in the first half, so in the second. County went two up through R. Macleod, who had the ball in the net before most of the spectators knew the game had started. The Keith goalkeeper was at fault here. Over-confident in making a clearance, Macleod nipped in and beat him. Keith have the fighting spirit, and well they displayed it after this reverse. Their big centre-half, Kidd, an Aberdeen Varsity player, forced his forwards on, and with Cowie and Penrose working hard in the inside positions, they again shared the major part of the game and had the Ross County defence spread-eagled. Gradually, however, they wore down, and herculean work by Ramage, both with feet and head, especially head, got the County on the attack. After prolonged pressure, Charlie Cameron shot the best goal of the match to put his side three up. Keith were not yet beaten, and Grant, their centre, who was ever on the alert for a chance, got in between Munro and Urquhart. Scott came out to meet him, but the centre did not wait to be tackled; he shot true and hard into the net. The point was well-deserved. Then Rothnie sent over a splendid ball which was allowed to travel across the goalmouth, nobody being up in time to take it. County forwards once more got into action in an attack that even the backs participated in. The Keith goal ran a charmed life. With backs rattled, Cameron was getting away splendidly and was sending over many likely balls, but to no account. Muldownie in the Keith goal defended splendidly, although at times the defence were lucky to scrape the ball away. Cameron had the chagrin to see two lovely shots of his sail narrowly over the bar. Play here was very interesting, the game running from end to end, and in fiery Keith attacks, Ramage was seen at his best and evoked applause all round by his splendid defensive tactics. The game ended as it had begun, keenly and cleanly contested, there being only two foul kicks in the ninety minutes' play and these were not of the nasty kind. Mr. Haldane was an admirable referee and allowed no license to either side, while meeting the approval of the spectators—indeed a rare thing to do! Each and all of the County eleven pulled their weight. They went into the game with a will and stuck the hot pace throughout. Scott, in goal, was again outstanding. He brought off numerous spectacular saves which, had they passed him, he could not have been held liable for. He has uncanny anticipation while his hands are particularly safe. Munro and Urquhart were steady enough, but Rothnie gave Munro some trouble and could often better him in the tackle. The half-line was highly commendable. Roddie Garrow's inclusion was a huge success. A fearless young player, he showed understanding of his position and, with a little more experience of senior football, will surely blossom out into a first-class player. Ramage was ever ready in coaching and encouraging him on, which young Garrow well responded to. Ramage was the main bulwark upon which perished a fine Keith forward line. Playing a defensive game, Ramage held the renowned Grant in a vice-like grip, while when he did come up, he made his presence felt. As already mentioned, his headwork was superb, and with a terrific kick in either foot, he cleared his lines and brought much-needed relief on various occasions. He also found time to issue encouraging advice and commend any particularly clever play on the part of his ten men. He has won the spectators' favour to a man and henceforth will have their whole-hearted support. Trail's unlimited energy was much in evidence. He had a hot wing in Rothnie and Cowie, but he stuck to them well and never knew when he was beaten. Of the forwards, all did well. Broadfoot played much below his Peterhead form, but on occasion he produced some first-class touches. Strange to a pitch whose bumps and holes require knowing, the ball never seemed to run right for him. Cowie lacked sustaining power. He is a brilliant footballer who plays with his head, and none can beat him in drawing a defence or evading a man when the mood strikes him. Both Macleods acquitted themselves well. The winger is fast and understands his position, while R. Macleod at centre is both fearless and energetic, but too prone to hesitate when in a likely shooting position. More first-time efforts would probably bring him better results. Charlie Cameron is on the high road to strike his old form. He did so in the second half and pleased greatly. Mr. Nolan, the well-known Northern cornet player and Buckie Thistle mascot, entertained the crowd to popular old-time solos before the game and during half-time.