Kelty Hearts exited the Scottish Cup at the hands of Championship Dunfermline Athletic.  A resilient Kelty performance was undone by two late Chris Kane goals as the Pars progressed to the quarter final.  

The half-time substitution of Chris Kane was a catalyst for Dunfermline who had struggled to fashion many chances.  Kane eventually took one in the 75th minute, heading in a Shea Kearney cross from a tight angle at the back post.

  

Dunfermline’s victory and place in the draw was secured just three minutes before the 90 through Kane.  Josh Cooper made a run from the right and slid through Kane who from close range powered his shot beyond Gourlay.

The opening 45 minutes of the match saw Kelty effectively play out their game plan to frustrate Dunfermline.  The East End Park faithful were frustrated with their side’s effort in the first half.  

The first half also saw chances for Kelty Hearts, Luke McCarvel found space in the box to fire an effort towards goal.  His shot was on target but was a comfortable low save for Pars goalkeeper Terrell.  

James Graham almost caused chaos in the first half, when a Terrell clearance struck his back and floated towards goal.  Fortunately for Dunfermline, the ball dropped ten yards away from goal for Nurudeen Abdulai to clear.  

Chris Kane may feel he was unfairly denied the match-ball when he struck the bar twice and had his effort cleared off the line at 0-0.  Kane, Neil Lennon and most of these inside East End Park thought the ball had crossed the line, but play resumed.  

Reacting to the Scottish Cup exit, Thomas O’Ware told Kelty Hearts TV he “thought the boys were excellent.  They really gave everything to the game, the players who were on the pitch followed the game plan and they were unlucky not to be ahead in the first half.

Overall, I’m delighted with how they’ve came here, how they’ve performed and the effort they put into the game.  It’s something they can be really proud of.”

Written by: Jamie Szmitz

Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)