It was a first away defeat for Kelty Hearts in the William Hill League One as league leaders Alloa secured a narrow 1-0 win.  Conor Sammon’s 70th minute tap-in sealed all three points for the Wasps at the Indodrill Stadium.

The deadlock was broken in the 70th minute after a decent spell for the hosts.  Full-back Kane Thomson made a good run down the left and with a burst of pace beat two Kelty defenders.  The cross was drilled along the six-yard box where Connor Sammon was waiting and the experienced striker couldn’t miss.  

Kelty Hearts made a strong start to the match.   After only two minutes, Ross Cunningham skillfully turned in the midfield and played a pass to Luke McCarvel who darted into the box and saw his effort saved.  McCarvel had another chance in the 30th minute from a counter attack.  He used his pace to drive into the Alloa half but his shot from just outside the box was palmed away. 

Alloa’s best chance of the first half came in the 44th minute from a set piece.  O’Donnell’s whipped delivery went all the way to Ruaridh Adams who parried the shot away as far as Morgyn Neill who volleyed onto the crossbar.  Sammon had the ball in the net shortly before the opener, but another Alloa attacker was judged to be offside in the build-up.  

The Maroon Machine enjoyed a lot of possession in the second half but struggled to create many clear cut chances.  A chance came shortly after half time through McCarvel who had a busy afternoon.  He slipped in Williamson who forced a good save from PJ Morrison.  Two minutes later, McCarvel forced another save from the man between the sticks.

Kelty’s best chance came in the 61st minute from a promising counter attack.  Williamson played a good ball into the path of Cunningham but with only the ‘keeper to beat he could only find the side netting.  

There were chances for an equaliser as the game entered its closing stages.  Deep into injury time, a Kelty corner resulted in a goalmouth scramble but Alloa managed to guide the ball to safety and hold on for all three points.  

Speaking to Kelty Hearts TV, Michael Tidser believed the result was “a sore one to take.  We got into great areas, but the final ball wasn’t there.  In terms of how we’re playing I have no issues, it’s just some decision making which is frustrating.”  

Written by: Jamie Szmitz

Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)