Keith 2:1 Deveronvale

Date:- 18/08/01
Vale faced a stern test as they visited Kynock Park in the first of a double header against a Keith side full of new singings.
One in particular caught the eye of the valley faithful in the shape of Jamie Watt's strike partner last season, Graeme Cadger.
As the game got under way More and Kinghorn combined down the right flank but Thain cut out the final cross. It didn't take the visitors long however to get back on the goal trail as Frannie More opened the scoring after only 3 minutes.
McKenzie did well to win the ball and his well-hit shot could only be parried into More's path by the outstretched hand of Thain. The wide man who had only passed a late fitness test before the kick-off made no mistake from 4 yards.
More should have doubled Vale's advantage a few minutes later when set through on goal by McKenzie but this time his effort went wide of the upright. Speirs did well to block with his legs as the home side looked to get back into the match. At the other end McKenzie came within inches of stretching Vale's advantage as his effort was deflected for a corner.
Smith equalised for Keith against the run of play heading home from close range off a deep Fraser cross. Speirs had to look lively a few moments later but held well from another Smith header.
Smith scored a second from the edge of the box after creating the space for himself, despite the efforts of the Vale defence to close him down. Watt had a half-chance to get Vale back on level terms but his shot was blocked. Chisholm had to be replaced after he fell awkwardly under a heavy challenge.

Urquhart's pile driver was deflected for a corner and minutes later More's through ball almost found Watt as the visitors grabbed the initiative.
Thompson, who had replaced the injured Speirs at the interval saved bravely at Still's feet to keep the Vale in the game.
Watt's 20 yarder was way over the top, summing up the striker's day. Thain did well to save McKenzie's low drive after a terrific solo run from the forward.
Time was running out for the Vale and McKenzie's free kick looked to be their last chance but his curling shot clipped the top of the wall and fell into Thain's arms. Watt then had a diving header go the wrong side of the post as Vale piled on the pressure.
The last chance fell to the hard working "Dippy" Dolan but unfortunately his close range scissors kick crashed off the crossbar.