Kelty Hearts played out a thrilling 3-3 draw away to Dumbarton in the KDM Evolution Trophy.  Six first half goals were shared between the League Two side and a much changed Kelty team.

The opening goal came in the 20th minute through Scott Honeyman.  From a corner the ball ricocheted out to Honeyman on the edge of the box who fired past Adamson.

The Maroon Machine were quick to turn the game on its head with a quickfire double in the 25th minute.  The first came from the penalty spot after Clark Bexfield was shoved to the ground inside the box.  Aaron Arnott stood up and drilled into the bottom left, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

Just one minute later Kelty were 2-1 up with Robbie Cole’s first since returning from injury.  James Graham’s through ball was latched onto by Craig Johnston, who teed up Cole for a tap-in.

In the 37th minute, Arnott had the chance once again from the spot to extend the lead.  Grant Leitch was brought down in the box and from 12 yards Arnott converted into the same corner.  

The first-half drama was not over, however, as the Sons would pull one back three minutes later.  This time a mix-up between Arnott and Adamson saw the midfielder pass into his own net from distance, with Adamson not able to keep it out.  

Tony Wallace equalised for the Sons on the stroke of half-time to cap off an entertaining opening 45.  Neat play down the right saw Honeyman cut back to the edge of the box where Wallace stood to fire into the net.  

Despite surviving an indirect free-kick in the box, the second half failed to live up to the goal spree.  The points were shared at the Rock.

Reflecting on the evening to Kelty Hearts TV, Thomas O’Ware said “it was an exciting game for the neutral.  But again, we’ve shot ourselves in the foot with the goals.  We showed a great reaction, two good attacks to get the penalties and the third goal was a joy to watch, exactly how I want my Kelty team to play.  Overall I’m happy, we needed something especially with the squad we had tonight.”  

Written by: Jamie Szmitz

Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)