The first competitive home game of the 2024/25 campaign was a memorable one as the Maroon Machine defeated Premiership side Hibernian 1-0.  Callum Flatman’s second half header proved to be the breakthrough Kelty Hearts needed as Hibs’ pressure after the goal proved to be fruitless.  

The goal came in the 58th minute, a short corner taken quickly caught the Hibs defence sleeping.  The experienced midfielder found Luke McCarvel who floated a cross into the box where Flatman bulleted a header into the top corner in front of the travelling Hibs support.  The majority of the chances had come to the visitors, however it was a clever training ground routine that saw the deadlock broken.  

Mid-way through the first half, Kelty had almost taken the lead.  From a set piece just inside the Hibs half, the ball was swung in towards Tam O’Ware and his header looped over the goalkeeper Smith however former loanee Kanayo Megwa scrambled to clear the ball off the line.  

Shortly after, Hibs had a shot cleared off the line as Liam Brown done his job on the far post following a Hibs corner.  This combined with massive blocks from Flatman and O’Ware as well as key saves from Adamson consolidated a massive defensive display.

After some nervy moments in the closing stages, notably Dylan Vente’s close range header striking the post and Rudi Molotnikov having a clear chance at goal from six yards out by missing the target, the final whistle went on a historic day for the club.

Michael Tidser was full of pride for the club and his players after a “historic win.  Hopefully it’s something we can build on and carry it onto the domestic season.”

Written By: Jamie Szmitz

Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)