Jings, crivvens and help ma boab, as Oor Wullie would say!
I was born in Banff, went to Banff Academy for my secondary schooling and still know quite a few folk in and around that area. However, my allegiance is and always has been to Keith FC, and thankfully in my school days of the late sixties/very early seventies ‘Vale hardly ever got the better of us , at home or away.
It was a bit of a blow to say the least then, when the Maroons looked sure fire to end their seven game losing sequence at Princess Royal Park – leading 2-0, playing fairly well, creating chances, and seemingly well in control, in the driving seat you might say, at half-time.
The few seconds leading up to the referee peeping his whistle to signal the end of the first 45 minutes were dramatic to say the least. Fraser Strachan headed us into a deserved two goal lead, then Michael Ralton kicked out after being fouled, earning himself a red card.
Well, instead of being in the driving seat, we fell right out of the car, after the half-time brew.
Instead of being able to contain what was likely to be a rampant ‘Vale lot hellbent on making the one man advantage count, we wilted at the outset and lost two quick fire goals to let the Banffers back onto an even keel.
We went on to lose five goals in that second half, but at least we didn’t fold altogether, we battled gamely on, but being numerically challenged (a man short), proved to be a bridge too far.
One good thing if anything, coming from yet another reversal, was the fact we managed to grab three goals. Our first one in particular was a real mouthwatering free kick from Michael Ewen – Leighton Baines the Everton and England star would have been proud of that one – As well as my Maroon allegiance, I’m also a “True Blue Toffeenose” and have been for around 50 years.
You never really know what is going to happen in a football match, but to be perfectly honest the Ralton sending off changed the complexion of the game, and if Gordon Winton’s warriors can raise their heads again, that elusive three pointer isn’t too far away.