New Central Park is the venue as Kelty Hearts take on Queen of the South.  The Maroon Machine are eyeing up their first home points of the campaign after an improved display last week at Stenhousemuir.

Last time out Kelty were denied all three points at Ochilview after a late comeback.  A brace from Ricco Diack gave Kelty the lead before goals in the 84th and 88th minute shared the spoils.

Our opponents come into this tie on decent form with only one defeat in their last seven.  The Doonhamers recorded an impressive 3-0 win last week against East Fife, with goals from Liam Smith, Jack Stott and Kurtis Guthrie.

Peter Murphy’s side currently sit fourth in the table occupying the final play-off spot.  For the Maroon Machine, a win could see us leapfrog Montrose and escape the relegation play-off spot.

In the earlier meeting this season, the Dumfries side left it late to win 2-1.  A Kurtis Guthrie goal gave the hosts the lead before Aaron Arnott levelled the affair.  However, it was former Kelty captain Reece Lyon who haunted his former club.

Previewing the match to Kelty Hearts TV, Thomas O’Ware said “we’ve nearly got everybody back other than Callum Flatman.  On Saturday we’ll have everybody back which will be a nice change.”  

Written by: Jamie Szmitz

Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)