The Valley Spy
(As featured in the Green Final)
Visits Kynoch Park

Vale made the short trip to Keith for the Press and Journal Highland League meeting. The match against their Banffshire rivals featured the two form teams in the league.
The 'Vale have had mixed success over the years at Kynoch Park, Keith. There have been many cup defeats suffered by 'Vale teams over the years most noticeably the Scottish cup-tie in 1996, which rewarded Keith with a 3rd round tie against Rangers. However, 'Vale won the Aberdeenshire Shield against Cove in 1994 at Kynoch Park.
The Valley Spy can also reveal that Nigel Montgomery, the current 'Vale captain and assistant manager made his first appearance at Kynoch Park for Canal Park F.C. (a legendary youth team from Banff in the late 70's/ early 80's) against a Keith F.C. Boys team which included Colin Hendry.
Canal Park very much take the credit for Colin Hendry transition from Keith loon to Braveheart as the tackles he received in those encounters stood him in good stead for the football battlegrounds across the globe. Nigel was unfortunate that he was booked in the Kynoch Park game and also sent off in a later match against Keith Boys. His sending off was very much a miscarriage of justice as the referee confused him with his brother Neil. However, his resulting suspension did provide 'Vale Secretary Stewart McPherson with a rare appearance for Canal Park.
The Valley Spy can neither confirm nor deny that he also played for Canal Park.
The report on the Keith v Deveronvale game itself is found elsewhere On the 'Vale website, however the Valley Spy was in Keith to check out what following Deveronvale is all about.

Pre-Match Refreshments
'Vale supporters travelled by car, bus, train (from Aberdeen) and bike (yes bike) for the match. The supporters club bus had a TV which never worked, a radio which only received BBC Radio 2 (nothing wrong with Radio 2 but it doesn't tell you much about the fitba) and a faulty air conditioning system.
The supporters arrived at Keith 'fair plotting' in need of some liquid refreshment. 'Vale supporters were divided in their choice of establishments.
Some of the older supporters who served King and country went to the local branch of the British Legion, whilst the others went to the welcoming Keith FC Social Club. The Social Club had obviously undergone some minor refurbishment with new plastic windows and stripy wallpaper that is rumoured to be coming back in vogue.
The prices are reasonable but all savings are negated by the requirement to buy raffle tickets, match forecasts etc sold by the Keith committee.
The Social Club overlooks he ground but at five to three the curtains are closed to block off the view to the pitch. I was always of the opinion that this was as a result of some S.F.A directive but I am reliably told that the match puts some punters off their drink.

Valley Spy Rating 3/5

Catering Facilities
Keith has never featured highly in the Highland League Pie Survey. However, the pies at Keith are worth a try and come complete with the choice of red or broon sauce.There are also lollipops and 10p mixes for kids of all ages. The catering facilities are somewhat restricted and are crammed into the corner of the ground resulting in queues for the hungry supporter.

Valley Spy Rating 3/5

Ground Conditions
The Keith groundsman had the pitch in good condition with effective use of a roller that produced a nice stripe effect. Keith has a large playing surface, however unfortunately not all of it is flat. All credit to Keith as much of the worlds' supply of maroon paint has been applied around their ground over the close season. Furthermore, there is ladies WC facilities available for the female supporter.

Valley Spy Rating 3/5

Banter
Keith, despite having an enviable Highland League record, do not enjoy the support their team merits. However, those who do attend do try to encourage their team in their best rural Banffshire twang. There was some good natured banter at the game.

Valley Spy Rating 2/5

The Match
An excellent game spoilt (from the Deveronvale viewpoint) only by Keith winning 2-1.

Valley Spy Rating 4/5

Final Score 15/25