Kelty Hearts return to New Central Park to take on Arbroath on Tuesday evening.  After this fixture was postponed in November, the Maroon Machine will now welcome the league leaders.

There is a short turnover during a busy period for Kelty Hearts, with three games in a week.  Last Saturday’s draw with Cove Rangers coming so soon will test the depth and fitness of Michael Tidser’s squad.

Arbroath too were in action at the weekend with a 2-0 win away to Inverness.  Goals from Dylan Smith and Gavin Reily clinched all three points for the Red Lichties against an Inverness team who played the majority of the match with ten men.

Five points separate Kelty Hearts in fourth and Arbroath at the top of the table.  As this is a game in hand for both, a win for the Maroon Machine would lift us into third and further solidify a play-off place.  Meanwhile a win for the Red Lichties would move them four points clear at the summit.  

The previous meeting between the two sides was a memorable one.  A nine minute goal spree saw Kelty Hearts run out 3-0 winners at Gayfield, with Scott Allan, Scott Williamson and Ross Cunningham netting.

Immediately after that match, Arbroath dismissed Jim McIntyre and appointed players David Gold and Colin Hamilton as co-managers.  Since then, the Red Lichties have turned their fortunes around and are currently on a seven game unbeaten run in the league.

The Maroon Machine will be keen to get back to winning ways after a draw and a defeat in our last two matches.  This will be the first time Arbroath have visited New Central Park for a competitive fixture.  

Written by: Jamie Szmitz

Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)