People of a certain vintage remember where they were when President Kennedy was shot in Dallas, Texas in 1963, or when Allan Wells struck Olympic gold in 1980, but where were you on Tuesday 16 August 2011 just after 10.pm? writes Charlie Simpson.

It's maybe not as significant to world affairs as when JFK met his demise, but a host of diehard Keith FC fans, myself included, had the distinct priviledge of watching Keith defeat Inverurie Locos 2-1 after extra-time in the Aberdeenshire Cup. Big deal, you might say, but the scorer of the second goal with just two minutes of that extra period remaining was none other than Club Captain Derek Nicol. Sure, it turned out to be the winner, but it was also a landmark in the long serving player's Keith career, for it marked his 200th competitive goal for the Club, a truly amazing feat.

When the ball nestled in the back of the old onion bag, it sparked off remarkable scenes on the park, with his team-mates piling on top of him, celebrating as if he had scored a World Cup winner, whilst off-field there was frenzied celebration in the visiting dug out, and amongst the visiting fans and officials in the stand and on the terraces. I don't mind admitting there was even a wee tear in my eye, as I felt part of the fact that I had just witnessed the player who has notched more goals for Keith than anybody else EVER, grab a stupendous 200TH GOAL, five years after being converted into a central defender.

Current hot shot striker Cammy Keith may or may not equal, and possibly surpass 37 year old Nicol's mighty record one day. Cammy is an exceptional talent, but in the meantime let's savour the career of a guy currently in his 17th season at Kynoch Park, and holds more records than a "Groovy Vinyls" music record memorabilia store!

Derek was signed by Jim Hamilton and Ian Mackay from junior outfit Culter FC in the summer of 1995, and I'm sure nobody in their wildest dreams would have realised what would transpire in the ensuing years, namely that this strapping young 21 year old would go on to top a pile of over 450 Keith FC goalscorers, since entering the Highland League in 1924.

Nicol made his debut in the 2-1 home win over Wick Academy on 5th August 1995, and the following weekend came the first of his 200 netbulgers, in the 2-1 home win over Huntly in the Highland League Cup. He went on to break records with monotonous regularity - topped the Keith goal charts an unprecedented five seasons in a row, seven times in all, - so far he is the only Keith player to score 100 league goals - scored more District Shield goals than anybody else - 17, - and notched seven hat-tricks.

The striker was converted into a silky defender in 2005, making his feat all the more commendable. Of course, his goals have also gone hand in hand with the team winning North honours, and he was an integral part of the Millennium Championship side, being top scorer with 24 goals, and was at the heart of the 2006-07 title side. Add that silverware to two Highland League Cups, a Qualifying Cup, an Aberdeenshire Cup and no fewer than five Aberdeenshire District Shields.

On a personal level, his goals, his defending, his leadership, his popularity in the dressing room and on the terraces have seen him notch three Supporters Player of the Year awards, four Players Player of the Year awards, and he was also Clubman of the Year in 2009-10, in addition to be being named Highland League Player of the Year in 1998-99.

If this article smacks of forelock tugging, bowing in the presence of royalty or some esteemed notable, I really don't care for the feat of scoring that number of goals should be lauded, when you think of the long list of Keith scoring legends who have all had to bow to Nicol's prowess. Goalscoring machines like Jimmy Cowie senior, Alex Grant, Fred Penrose, Ally Byiers, Sandy Fraser, Charlie Barbour, Raymond O'Hara, Keith Rattray, Ivor Smith, Ally Christie, Kevin Will, John Curran junior, Mike Winton, and Darren Still are all part of Keith's scoring folklore, whilst current talisman Cammy Keith joins that band, but the bold Derek sits at the very top.

Just in case you think I have miscounted his fearsome tally here is a season by season breakdown:
1995-96 - 8, 1996-97 - 23, 1997-98 - 23, 1998-99 - 29, 1999-2000 - 24, 2000-01 - 26, 2001-02 - 13, 2002-03 - 20, 2003-04 - 8, 2004-05 - 16, 2006-07 - 2, 2007-08 - 2 - 2008-09 - 2, 2009-10 - 1, 2010-11 - 1, 2011-12 - 2 = 200 goals - Broken down as follows: 154 league goals, League Cup - 7, Qualifying Cup - 13, District Shield - 17, Aberdeenshire Cup - 7, Scottish Cup - 2.

Adding to his already legendary status is the fact that only Ian Thain has made more appearances than him with the popular ex-goalie having notched up 616 games, compared to Derek's 581 appearances.

Legend is a word that is used too freely nowadays in the world of sport and in particular football, but in the case of Derek Nicol he is most definitely a true Keith FC Legend, and if there was a Club Hall of Fame he would be one of the first to be inducted, 200 GOALS NOT OUT - WHAT A FEAT!

Download PDF Season 2011 - 2012 Brochure

BIRTHDAY boys Keith Football Club have launched a special whisky to commemorate their centenary year.

The Kynoch Park Club have produced 100 bottles of malt all decked out in their trademark maroon colour.

Chairman Sandy Stables is hoping their commemorative tipple, which was distilled on Speyside, will prove to be a hit with players both past and present. "We are very proud of our history at Keith and look forward to prosperous and successful period in the coming years," said Sandy. " We are delighted with the whisky and believe it will prove to be popular with a number of different people and might even catch the eye of a collector."

The bottles have a specially designed label each marked with a specific year (1910 - 2010) and enclosed is a scroll with an interesting fotball related event, in the club's history making them all extremely collectable.

The note attached inside reads:

"This truly unique vatted malt whisky with its own outstanding character contains specially selected single premium malts matured over many years in first class oak casks. The minimum age of all of the whiskies is 10 years old, however, most of the whiskies are substantially older than 10 years"

Orders are now being taken for the whisky priced at £70 per bottle (excluding post and packaging).

You can reserve yours with your choice of year (subject to availability) by contacting either KeithFC email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling (01542) 882629 or alternatively contact Charlie Craig on (01224) 594225 or you can email him This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

An estimated 3000 people descended on Grantown on Spey on Saturday 27 August 2011 the majority of whom were attending the Dunedin Edinburgh Harley Davidson Rally an event which was visiting the town for the 7th consecutive year. The remainder went to Seafield Park for the home match against Keith FC who were making their 3rd visit to the town.

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