Kelty Hearts came away with a crucial three points away at Cove.  Goals from Innes Murray and Joseph Teasdale secured the Maroon Machine’s second win of the season.

Coming into this game both sides knew how important a win was.  Bottom placed Cove risked being cut adrift with a defeat meanwhile Kelty could’ve been leapfrogged into last place.

The opening goal came just two minutes into the match, with Innes Murray converting from the spot.  Ricco Diack picked up the ball in his own half and went powering into the box, nut-megging Liam Palmer en route.  There he was brought down and from the spot, Murray fired down the middle after Robbie Mutch dived to the left.

Kelty had to weather a storm of Cove pressure at team but the reward did come in the 92nd minute.  Substitute Joseph Teasdale latched onto a long ball by Craig Clay and ran goalwards.  He produced a deft finish to lift over Mutch and ensure all three points were Kelty’s.  

The hosts peppered chances at the Kelty goal to no avail.  Mitch Megginson forced Ryan Adamson into a number of saves, most notably getting down low to keep the forward out with his feet. 

Cove Rangers had the ball in the back of the net in the second half but the offside flag was up.  Lewis O’Donnell’s shot was parried out to Eguaibor, his follow-up came off the bar and Megginson bundled in but the initial rebound was offside.  

Reflecting on the afternoon to Kelty Hearts TV, Thomas O’Ware said “everything that I’ve questioned from the boys about hard work and putting your body on the line, that’s what I saw.  Today was a battle, it wasn’t so much about style of play it was about three points.  Overall, we knew what a defeat would do for us.”  

Written by: Jamie Szmitz

Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)