Scottish Cup duty awaits as Kelty Hearts make the short journey to Dunfermline.  The Maroon Machine will hope to cause an upset and knock out the Championship side for a place in the quarter final.

A win for Kelty Hearts would break the record for the furthest the club has been in this historic competition.  The last time the club reached the round of sixteen was in 2022 when after defeating holders St Johnstone they could not continue the run against St Mirren.

Dunfermline caused an upset in the standout tie of the last round.  A dramatic last minute winner caused bedlam at East End Park as the Pars defeated 2016 winners Hibernian. Kelty Hearts progressed after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Cove Rangers at New Central Park.

The sides faced off in a pre-season friendly earlier this season and also were drawn against each other in last season’s challenge cup.  The hosts came from behind to progress that time after Craig Johnston’s opener.

In the league, Dunfermline have had a decent season with a young squad.  Neil Lennon’s side currently sit fourth in the final play-off spot.  

Thomas O’Ware faces a selection headache for this tie.  Sam Fisher cannot play against his parent club meanwhile Dylan Corr and Craig Clay miss out on account of being cup-tied and suspended respectively.

Speaking to Kelty Hearts TV, O’Ware said “it’s going to be a massive game.  It’s a derby and Dunfermline are flying in the Championship.  We’ll need to assess the squad with players being out, we’ll dust ourselves down and try and build a team and structure.”  

Written by: Jamie Szmitz

Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)