Kelty Hearts get their first league points on the road as they beat the Spartans 2-0. It was an own goal for Jamie Dishington in the first half and a goal for Jamie Hislop in the second that made the difference.
The opening goal came 18 minutes in when Jamie Hislop worked his way up the right wing. A precise cross field pass to Callum Hannah gave the left back enough space to swing the ball in from the corner of the box. Spartans midfielder Jamie Dishington jumped to block the ball but he didn’t get enough on it and the ball looped over Paddy Martin in goal and ended in the top right corner of the net.
Kelty’s second goal came straight after half-time. Robbie Cole’s fantastic footwork drove Kelty from their own half to the edge of the 18-yard box. Cole laid the ball off to Cunningham who had space to shoot but he opted to slide the ball into the path of Gordon Walker who was bombing up the pitch from right back. Walker took a touch then fired the ball across the 6-yard box to Jamie Hislop who directed the ball neatly into the far-left corner.
Other notable chances came in the first half when Innes Murray rifled the ball across the face of the goal and over Alasdair Davidson’s head.
Spartan’s best chance came early in the match when Mark Stowe hit a shot directly at Jamie Smith from the edge of the 6-yard box, the two follow up efforts were well blocked by Alasdair Davidson and Alex Ferguson.
Michael Tidser gave credit to his team post-match, saying “they got what they deserved today”. He spoke about concerns people have about Kelty being a soft touch away from home but said “today that was put to bed…it’s something for us to build on”. The manager went on to describe the end of the first half as a bit basketball but was pleased with the way they approached the second half. Tidser described the second goal as fantastic saying it showed “composure, awareness and decision making”. Robbie Cole and Mathew Falconer received particular praise for their performances. Cole’s performance was described as “outstanding…he was causing real problems spinning down the channels.” The manager said “Matty Falconer was different class (with) his energy levels”.
Overall, Kelty Hearts showed a dynamism and a willingness to get forward that has been lacking in the early stages of this season. Hopefully that can carry over into next week when Kelty are on the road again to face Stirling Albion on Saturday at 15:00.
Written: Daniel Toal
Photographer: Kev Marshall