31/08/2026
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๐ ๐๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ฅ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐๐ ๐-๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐ญ๐จ๐ง ๐
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FC Keighley United continued their 2026/27 season with a 1-1 draw against Sutton, with Sam Murphyโs cool finish ensuring a share of the spoils
Keighley didnt exactly pick up where they left off at Baildon, executing a mid-block throughout, and largely having good control in possession, not outwith being denied two very clear penalties
The visitors lit the blue touch paper, with a lovely finish from the winger, who smashed home after meeting a cross at the back post, leaving Phil Russell with no chance
Losing influential duo Connor McGrann and Kieran Henry to injury, the latter who lasted until half-time, would prove a hinderance, with the change in personnel early proving a tough hand to deal with
However, Keighley werenโt to be denied, and a flowing move resulted in substitute Sam Murphy firing home for his first goal of the season, as he continues his return from injury
A typical run and strike from Leon Smith on the stroke of half-time brought out the best of the Sutton โkeeper who turned it wide for a hosts corner
Despite, admittedly, having better of the second half, the visitors created very little in the way of clear cut chances, and couldnโt find a way past the indomitable Michael Turner, and stand-in keeper, Russell
The first of the penalty shouts was when Lee Harwood, whoโs made a wonderful start to the season, was as hacked down, leaving stud-marks to his shin, the referee, oddly, checked on the welfare of Harwood as a result of the tackle and decided to give a goal kick
As the pressure was piled on late, Harwood went for a header, and was inadvertently caught by the โkeeper, who got nowhere near the ball, and again our appeals were waved away
A big mention to striker Leon Smith, who was awarded MOTM by the opposition, who led the line ahead of the low-block brilliantly
A return to action on Wednesday as we make the trip to Denholme, looking to bounce back with three points
Managers MOTM: Michael Turner
Russell; Cook, Turner, J Smith; Farrugia, McGrann (c), Harwood, Bryceland; Henry, Brigg; L Smith
Subs: Hamid, Rehman, Murphy, Hayes, Wake
The Angel-Locksmiths MOTM award:
Leon Smith - Concorde Electrical Ltd
