The 2025/26 season officially kicks off for Kelty Hearts tonight as we make the journey north to take on Brora Rangers.  Starting one matchday later than the rest of Group H, Dudgeon Park is our first venue for the new campaign.

Brora Rangers are Highland League champions, missing out on promotion to the SPFL due to a play-off defeat by East Kilbride.  They kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 home defeat to Premiership Kilmarnock, with goals from Ben Brannan and Djenairo Daniels either side of half-time.

The last time the two sides met was a memorable one for Kelty Hearts fans, on the road to promotion to the SPFL.  The Dudgeon Park fixture was a 2-0 victory for the Maroon Machine after goals from Dylan Easton and Kallum Higginbotham.  Kelty Hearts would go on to win 4-1 at New Central Park in the second leg, with a hat-trick from Nathan Austin before another from Easton.

This fixture kicks off our League Cup campaign and the start of a demanding schedule of four matches in 14 days.  It could also potentially be a competitive debut for our new summer signings.  

Written by: Jamie Szmitz

Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)