Kelty Hearts welcome Premiership opposition to New Central Park as we host Kilmarnock.  This is the first time the two sides have met competitively.

This is our third match in the Premiers Sports Cup group stage, following up a narrow defeat to East Fife on Saturday.  To qualify from the group, Kelty Hearts would need positive results from our remaining fixtures against Premiership opposition.

Kilmarnock are top of the group, leading Livingston on goal difference.  Stuart Kettlewell’s side began with a 2-0 win away to Brora Rangers before defeating Livingston 1-0 thanks to a Mo Sylla own goal.

The Rugby Park side have had a tumultuous summer after a ninth placed finish.  Long-term manager Derek McInnes moved to Hearts and was replaced by Kettlewell, as well as ten new signings coming in.

Previewing the match to Kelty Hearts TV, Thomas O’Ware said “it’s a chance for us to test ourselves against real top opposition.  Individually, we have two games before the start of the season and it’s about boys getting themselves into the team.”

Written by: Jamie Szmitz

Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)