It’s a return to New Central Park as Kelty Hearts host Dumbarton.

Both sides are coming into this week on the back of three goal defeats, with the Maroon Machine eager to build on the first home league win against Stirling Albion.

Despite Robbie Cole’s deficit-halving goal with 20 minutes to, Kelty Hearts succumbed to a 4-1 defeat against Elgin City at Boroughbriggs. Goals from Kane Hester, Lewis Mackay, Russell Dingwall and Jack MacIver saw the Highlanders continue their impressive start to the season.

Meanwhile, Dumbarton suffered a 3-0 defeat at The Rock to Edinburgh City. The Sons’ new synthetic surface did not lead to a home victory on that occasion.

Kelty Hearts and Dumbarton last shared a division in the 2024/25 in League One. That season Dumbarton were relegated in a campaign which saw them hit with a 15 point deduction. Despite the four league positions and 24 points separating them, Kelty only managed to win once against Dumbarton, a 2-0 win at NCP.

Last season, the two clubs faced off in the KDM Evolution Trophy in an entertaining 3-3 draw. Robbie Cole was once again on the scoresheet for Kelty while Aaron Arnott scored two penalties and own goal in the first half.

Both sides have picked up three points and the one win in their opening three matches of the league campaign. The Sons’ win came in their opening home game, a 1-0 win over Clyde courtesy of a Scott Honeyman goal.

Previewing the game to Kelty Hearts TV, Thomas O’Ware said: “This league is tough, anybody could beat anybody. The good thing about is there’s a game next week so we need to get an honest week’s training and set demands on each other – and we look forward to that.”

Tickets for the match can be purchased here.

Written by: Jamie Szmitz

Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)