In the first game at New Central Park in the 2024/25 season, Kelty Hearts ran out 2-0 winners over Stenhousemuir.  A very early goal from Scott Allan was a perfect start before Ross Cunningham secured the three points in the 56th minute. 

In the opening minute of the game, there was a lofty ball played into Craig Johnston down the right hand side.  He beat his man and slipped in an enticing ball on the edge of the box which Scott Allan latched onto and hammered home.  It was the experienced midfielder’s first goal for the Maroon Machine.

There were chances for both sides in the first half, Stenhousemuir broke in the 27th and Euan O’Reily’s shot was vitally blocked by Brody Patterson.  Three minutes later Kelty had a chance to double the lead when Callum Flatman met a Michael Tidser corner but the defender’s header went wide of the post.  

The second came for Kelty 11 minutes after the restart.  Scott Williamson darted into the box and pulled back a cross from the by-line to Cunningham.   The forward controlled it well, skipped past a tackle and slotted into the far corner for his second goal in two games.  

Former Kelty ‘keeper Darren Jamieson made two great saves to keep his side in it after the second goal.  Firstly by diving to the top corner to keep out Cunningham’s volley from just inside the box.  Then in the 71st minute, O’Ware’s marauding run through the defence ended with Williamson being slipped in for a one-on-one but Jamieson managed to make the save.  

Speaking to Kelty Hearts TV after the match, Tidser described the performance as “dominant.  Stenhousemuir are a good team and we needed to stand up to the challenge and I thought to a man we did that.  Overall I’m really pleased with the performance and the clean sheet which gives us something to build on.”  

Written by: Jamie Szmitz

Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)