Kelty Hearts came from behind to beat St Mirren B in the KDM Evolution Trophy.  A brace from Ricco Diack overturned Luke Douglas’ finish which gave the visitors the lead.

The win sees Kelty Hearts book their way into the next round of the cup where they could face Championship opposition.  

It was the Paisley side, however, who took the lead in this tie through Douglas.  After winning the ball high up in midfield, Douglas darted into the box where he done well to beat his man and slot past Corey Armour.

The lead was short-lived as Kelty would equalise just nine minutes later.  Darren McInally produced some good footwork in the box to open up space and set up Diack, who pounced to slide into the net.

Kelty Hearts would find the breakthrough in the 77th minute with Diack’s third for the club.  Neat play down the right caused chaos in the Buddies’ box as they failed to clear their lines, Diack leaped high for a simple headed finish from close range.

The on-loan Partick Thistle striker could’ve had a hat-trick in the second half.  Having already established himself as a dead-ball specialist, he narrowly missed the top corner in a set-piece reminiscent of his goal against Peterhead.

Reflecting on the win to Kelty Hearts TV, Thomas O’Ware admitted “we started sloppy in the first 15 minutes, but then in the last 25 minutes of the second half we were really good.  Overall, it’s three points and qualification out of the group, so we can now turn our attention to league action.” 

Written by: Jamie Szmitz

Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)