The Maroon Machine makes the journey north to take on Arbroath under the lights.  

Arbroath currently sit third in the table but are playing their game in hand, a win would see the Red Lichties return top.  Kelty Hearts have been in poor form since the turn of the year but have two games in hand on fourth and fifth place.  

Despite Arbroath’s higher position, Kelty Hearts have enjoyed this fixture so far this campaign.  A memorable 3-0 win at Gayfield in August has been one of the highlights of the season, closely followed by an entertaining 3-2 home win against Arbroath at New Central Park.

Kelty Hearts are desperate to get back to winning ways after a run of six without a win, three of the most recent being defeats.  Arbroath, however, have been in high-flying form which has been thwarted after a 2-0 loss to Stenhousemuir on Saturday.

Colin Hamilton and David Gold bolstered their side in January with the signing of Sam Stanton on loan.  A midfield including him and Fraser Taylor, have seen the Angus side climb up the table after a slow start.  Taylor, on loan from St Mirren, is the most creative player in the league with 10 assists in 17 matches.  

The Maroon Machine are coming off the back of a narrow defeat to Inverness on Saturday.  Kelty Hearts enjoyed dominant spells throughout the match and played better than previous weeks, before Alfie Bavidge’s winner.  

Written by: Jamie Szmitz

Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)