Kelty Hearts will travel to Pittodrie for the first time to take on Premiership Aberdeen.

In the final match of the Premier Sports Cup this season for Kelty Hearts, the Maroon Machine take on Stephen Robinson’s Aberdeen. The Dons top the group having won all three of their games so far.

Former Scotland international Kevin Nisbet has been on fire for Aberdeen so far, scoring five goals in the competition including a hat-trick on Tuesday. Aberdeen had to come from behind to beat Queen of the South but three from Nisbet and a late goal from Brad Lyons clinched all three points.

After a turbulent last couple of years for Aberdeen, including a Scottish Cup win under Jimmy Thelin, new boss Stephen Robinson was given his first summer window to build his squad. Robinson has made 11 signings so far this window with ten departing. Among the incomings are Kilmarnock duo Lewis Mayo and Brad Lyons, as well as Livingston winger Lewis Smith who the Dons paid a six figure fee for.

A number of players have featured for both Kelty and Aberdeen, with a number of successful loanees. Alfie Bavidge, Connor Barron, Kieran Ngwenya and Jack Milne all made a temporary switch to New Central Park with the latter likely to feature.

For Kelty, Thomas O’Ware will be hopeful to add another Premiership scalp in this competition. Two years ago, Kelty defeated Hibernian 1-0 at NCP with a goal from Callum Flatman, meanwhile the following season it was a penalty win over Kilmarnock.

Speaking to Kelty Hearts TV, O’Ware looked forward to the game and said: “It’ll be a good experience. This will be a lot of players’ first time playing in a stadium like this against a team like Aberdeen. We want to compete in the game, you really enjoy those days if you perform to your best.

“We know it’s going to be really difficult but it’s a day we’re really looking forward to, competing against one of the best teams in the country.”

Written by: Jamie Szmitz

Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)