Aidan Sopel's stunning goal highlights Fraserburgh's victory over Keith in the Shield.
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In a thrilling encounter at Kynoch Park, Fraserburgh manager Mark Cowie expressed his delight as his team overcame Keith 3-0 in the Morrison Motors Aberdeenshire Shield quarter-final. The match, which had faced multiple postponements, finally took place after a power outage threatened to derail the evening.
Power outage nearly derails the match
The game was initially in jeopardy when a power outage at PM caused the floodlights to flicker, leading to concerns about the match’s viability. Fortunately, a local electrician was able to resolve the issue, allowing the fixture to kick off at PM after discussions between both clubs and referee Robert Mackinnon.
This quick resolution ensured that the fans could witness what turned out to be a memorable night.
Aidan Sopel shines with a spectacular goal
Just three minutes into the match, Aidan Sopel broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion. Receiving a crossfield pass from Greg Buchan, Sopel took a touch to set himself up before unleashing a stunning strike from 30 yards out, finding the top right corner of the net. Cowie praised Sopel’s talent, stating, “It’s one of the best goals I’ve seen.” The early goal set the tone for Fraserburgh, who were determined to secure their place in the semi-finals.
Fraserburgh’s clinical finishing secures victory
Despite the early lead, Fraserburgh faced a resilient Keith side that created several chances. Maroons striker Brody Alberts had a shot cleared off the line, and Jordan Cooper missed a golden opportunity from close range. However, Fraserburgh’s defense held firm, and goalkeeper Joe Barbour made a crucial save to deny Keith an equalizer in the 57th minute.
Fraserburgh quickly capitalized on their chances, with Logan Watt scoring two goals in quick succession. The first came in the 61st minute after a swift counter-attack, followed by a header from a Joshua Hawkins cross just seven minutes later. This clinical finishing proved decisive, as Fraserburgh secured a comfortable 3-0 victory.
Keith’s commendable effort despite defeat
Keith manager Craig Ewen acknowledged the challenges his team faced, particularly the pre-match disruptions. Despite the loss, he commended his players for their commitment and effort, stating, “I don’t think we deserved to lose 3-0.” Ewen noted that his team had moments of brilliance but ultimately fell short against a more clinical Fraserburgh side.
As Fraserburgh prepares for their semi-final clash against Turriff United next Wednesday, the team will look to build on this momentum and continue their pursuit of silverware in the Aberdeenshire Shield.
