Kelty Hearts were struck with a late winner in a 2-1 defeat at league leaders Arbroath. Scott Stewart gave the hosts the lead just three minutes into the match before a returning Ross Cunningham got Kelty level. It wasn’t to be for the Maroon Machine however as Andy Winter got the winner ten minutes from time.
It didn’t take long for Arbroath to take the lead through Scott Stewart. From a throw-in in the midfield Ryan Dow latched onto the ball and played a pass through to Stewart, the winger struck into the bottom corner just inside the box.
After spending the match with most of the ball but struggling to break through and create a clear cut chance, the equaliser finally came in the 75th minute. Ross Cunningham made his first appearance since injury and took less than ten minutes to get back to what he does best.
Connor Allan stood the ball up just outside the box and teed up Cunningham who swept a first time effort into the bottom corner leaving the goalkeeper rooted to the spot. It was the Kelty number ten’s 12th goal of the season, his second against Arbroath this season.
The winner did come for the Gayfield side however in the 80th minute through Andy Winter. A flick on from Callum Gallagher wasn’t fully dealt with by Tam O’Ware and Winter latched onto the through ball and calmly slotted past Adams.
With the game level, Kelty had the chance to win it minutes later when Connor Allan looped in a cross for Craig Johnston. Johnston ran onto the dink but his volley sailed over the bar.
Arbroath had chances to double their lead, one good chance fell to Sam Stanton but his free header was comfortably caught by Ruaridh Adams. Another fell in the 70th minute when Stewart cut back to Keith Watson, his shot beat Adams but was cleared off the line by Connor Allan.
Reflecting on the evening to Kelty Hearts TV, Charlie Mulgrew said “we controlled a lot of the game without threatening. We changed to two up front 25 minutes to go and it felt good, got the goal and thought we were the team to win it.”
Written by: Jamie Szmitz
Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)