The Maroon Machine make the journey to Cumbernauld to take on Hamilton Academical at Broadwood Stadium.  It is seventh versus ninth in League One as Kelty look to add distance between them and the bottom spot.

Our opponents have had a chaotic season off the pitch, resulting in a six point deduction.  On the pitch, they looked to be threatening a title race before the deduction and a drop off in form.

Last time out, Hamilton were defeated by Cove Rangers at the Balmoral Stadium, which was only their second win of the campaign.  However, Kelty Hearts will have to keep the league’s top scorer Oli Shaw quiet.  The former Hibs and Barnsley striker has scored 10 in 14 in the league.

Kelty Hearts will be looking to build on two positive results in their last two league matches.  A 2-2 draw to Stenhousemuir was followed up by our first home point of the season, a 1-1 draw to Queen of the South.

Thomas O’Ware will be hoping for a better result and performance than the last time the two sides met.  Hamilton ran out 4-0 winners at New Central Park, with goals from Shaw, Kyle MacDonald and two from Connor Smith.

Previewing the match to Kelty Hearts TV, O’Ware admitted there is now “competition for places and performances.  That is ultimately what you want, we’re approaching a big period for the club and we need to start winning games, it is as simple as that.”

Written by: Jamie Szmitz

Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)