Kelty Hearts suffered their first league defeat of the campaign against Cove Rangers. Goals from Mitch Megginson, Blair Yule and Findlay Marshall secured three points for the visitors despite Ross Cunningham’s second-half equaliser.
The first half saw decent spells for both sides with Kelty having the most clear-cut chances. Scott Williamson was unlucky not to add another to his tally this season when Johnston’s cut-back could only be turned over the bar.
However, it was Cove who opened the scoring against the run of play through Megginson. In the 41st minute, Ruaridh Adams made the save from a Cove shot however could only parry out as far as the number nine who was in the right place at the right time to finish.
Kelty responded well in the early stages of the second half by keeping the ball well and patiently trying to break down Paul Hartley’s side. The equaliser would eventually come in the 64th minute, substitute Billy Owens won the ball back at the edge of the Cove box and found Cunningham. He shifted the ball on to his right foot and fired home for his fourth goal of the season.
There were chances for both sides to find a winner. Williamson was unleashed into the box for a one-on-one but wasn’t able to beat the goalkeeper. At the other end, Adams was called to action to make a save low in the corner.
The goal did come for the Aberdeen based side in the 85th minute through Yule. Although the initial set piece was dealt with, the ball was only cleared as far as Yule who from just outside the box rocketed his shot into the top corner leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
In the second minute of injury time Aberdeen loanee Findlay Marshall added another for the visitors to rub salt in the wounds for Kelty who were searching for another equaliser.
Speaking to Kelty Hearts TV, club captain Thomas O’Ware rued the missed chances “overall it’s a frustrating one. We created the better chances but gave away two sloppy goals which is disappointing.”
Written by: Jamie Szmitz
Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)