Kelty Hearts 4-0 St Johnstone

The match started and quickly had the makings of a cagey affair with St Johnstone having the majority of the ball early on without creating any real clear cut chances. Disappointment arose midway through the first half for the hosts with their number 2, a trialist, going down with an injury and on came Kelty’s #7 Rylance.

Kelty grew into the game and as the half went on more chances arrived. With 10 minutes remaining in the first half, Kelty won a corner that was subsequently delivered into the six yard box, flicked on by Martin to Halliday with the simple task of tapping the ball into an empty net from 2 yards.

Kelty aimed to press home their advantage before the break but were unable to make the breakthrough with the Saints goalie making a fine save.

One change at the break from the away side as they changed goalie.

The hosts started the second half as they finished the first, applying pressure to the St Johnstone back line who were beginning to struggle, forcing the visitors into many fouls to break down attacks. In the 53rd minute with the pressure still piled on, the ballbroke to Hamilton on the edge of the box and with a clever turn coupled with an excellent finish Kelty doubled their lead.

While Kelty had further control over the game, St Johnstone became increasingly sloppy and fell out of the game. The hosts had created issues with set pieces all night and looked a real threat, then in the 65th minute a beautiful delivery from McCormack was met at the back post with a Halliday volley, doubling his tally for the day.

Kelty quickly made it 4 with Saints back line struggling, Hughes with time to pick his spot from 6 yards out. Four subs for Kelty as off came Hamilton, Hardie, Halliday and Reid to be replaced by Moir, Wilson, McCabe and trialist. Kelty weren’t able to fashion much in the last 20 as St Johnstone also freshened things up, the visitors had the better chances late on with Gay in the Kelty goal making a brilliant double save to keep the clean sheet, with the help of Margetts and Martin, who both had brilliant games on the way to Kelty picking up first points of the season.