Kelty Hearts progressed through to the next round of the SPFL Trust Trophy with a victory over League Two side Elgin City.  A first-half brace from Craig Johnston and a goal from Scott Williamson fired the Maroon Machine into a 3-0 lead. Brian Cameron scored a late consolation for the visitors however Kelty will be in the hat for Tuesday’s draw.

The deadlock was broken in the 32nd minute through Craig Johnston. Kelty were awarded a free-kick around 20 yards from goal. Ross Cunningham stepped up to take it and struck the underside of the bar but Johnston was first to respond and head home from close range.  There was some discussion as to whether Cunningham’s strike had crossed the line, but Johnston was there to make sure.

In the 40th minute Kelty doubled their lead and there was no doubt with Johnston’s finish.  A loose ball in the Elgin box bounced around before it fell into the path of Johnston who hammered past the goalkeeper into the top corner.  

The win was sealed for Kelty Hearts in the 58th minute through Scott Williamson.  The forward had a few chances to score earlier in the match but made sure to make this one count.  After a mix-up in the Elgin defence Williamson intercepted a pass between a defender and the goalkeeper and calmly slotted into the empty net.  

Elgin got a goal back in the 84th minute through captain Brian Cameron.  After a corner for the Borough Briggs side, Cameron picked up the ball outside of the box drilled into the corner but it was too little too late for Elgin.  

Speaking to Kelty Hearts TV, Michael Tidser told us “we were worthy of the win over the 90 minutes.  The most important thing is getting through to the next round so I’m really pleased with the win, the only disappointment is losing the goal at the end.” 

Written by: Jamie Szmitz

Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)