After a promising start to the league campaign, attention turns to the SPFL Trust Trophy for Kelty Hearts as we welcome Elgin City.  This is the second time we face the League Two side this campaign as we met in the Premier Sports Cup group stages previously.

The last meeting came earlier this season up at Borough Briggs in July and played out a 1-1 draw.  Elgin were reduced to 10 men in the 30th minute when Dolzanski was sent off for two yellow cards and Scott Williamson put Kelty ahead on the stroke of half time.  However, the hosts found an equaliser through Michael Dangana with 20 minutes remaining and Elgin won the penalty shoot-out for the bonus point.

In the league, Elgin have also had an unbeaten start to the season with two wins and two draws leaving them fourth in the league.  The Borough Briggs side won their opening two games however were held to 1-1 draws both against Stranraer and Forfar most recently.  

Kelty’s best run in this competition came in the 2022/23 season.  With wins against Forfar, Annan and Northern Irish outfit Linfield, the run came to an end in the quarter finals against Queen of the South.  

Michael Tidser previewed the cup tie by telling Kelty Hearts TV “we’ve played Elgin before this season and we know they’re a good side. We’re a slightly different team in terms of new ideas and the boys are adapting to them.  But we can’t underestimate them so we’ll fully prepare for it, I’m hoping there will be a few back from injury.”  

Written by: Jamie Szmitz

Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)