It was the winners of the North section versus the winners of the East Section at Mosset Park, Forres to determine who would be the best of the rest this season,it was an even contest with both sides very keen to be the king of the Highland League for season 2013-14.
On paper, Keith looked the stronger team however you can't underestimate Clach and without a series of good stops from Aiden MacDonald in the Lilywhites goal, the Maroons could have won this game more than a 3 goal margin. You also have to take into account that all of the Keith players were in action for an ADJFA team on Saturday.
There was 8 players from Culter Boys 17s who slipped up their title bid at the last minute with a 3-3 draw at home to Deveronvale, 5 players for Lewis United Under 16s who recorded a 6-1 win over Huntly as well as Glentanar's Greg Smart who made Culter pay after a 3-0 win at Westdyke and finally Scott Kennington and Fraser Wyness who play for Banchory 16s.
If there was to be any side to grab the 1st goal then it was probably going to be Keith and they had a golden chance to get the breakthrough, a great ball came in from Greig Smith which was met by Aiden Combe however a tame effort from the Culter forward went straight at MacDonald.
Combe was in the thick of action again and had another opportunity to put the Moray side in front after a through ball from Hamish Ritchie found the prolific striker however his effort just went inches wide of the right hand post.
Clach however made them pay and with 7 minutes until the interval, they made the breakthrough, a great ball went sailing 40 yards into the box by James Hogan which was met by Callum Ednie who beautifully guided the ball past David Dey in the Keith goal, the effort finding it's way into the top left hand corner.