Kelty Hearts’ SPFL Trust Trophy journey came to an end after a 2-1 loss to Championship side Dunfermline Athletic. Goals from Chris Kane and Matty Todd after Craig Johnston’s opener eliminated Kelty at the fourth round of the cup.
It was a good start from the Maroon Machine which came to a head with the opening goal. Ross Cunningham picked up the ball from distance and went for goal, his strike was palmed away by Deniz Mehmet but only as far as Craig Johnston. The striker could not miss for his third goal in the competition.
The lead lasted only eight minutes however as the Pars got back on level terms through Chris Kane. Early substitute Matty Todd gained possession on the left hand side and curled in a cross which was glanced goalwards by Kane.
In the 32nd minute Dunfermline completed the turnaround through Matty Todd. After winning the ball back in their own half a through ball unleashed Craig Wighton down the right hand side. The forward cut back to Joe Chalmers at the far post who teed up Todd for a close range finish past Ryan Adamson.
Dunfermline were good value for their lead and could’ve added another just before half time. Kane won the ball back high up the pitch and stormed into the box where he cut back to Wighton, but his shot was wide. Kane would have the ball in the back of the net later in the second half, but he was offside.
Kelty’s best chance for an equaliser came in the 82nd minute through Cunningham. Robbie Cole was fouled on down the left side, not far from outside the box, in a good position for Kelty Hearts. Cunningham caught the goalkeeper out and went for goal in the far corner, however his shot was just wide of the post.
Despite some late chances, Dunfermline progressed through to the next round. Reflecting on the match to KHTV, Michael Tidser believed there were “plenty of positives. You don’t like to lose games of football but we were injury free and there were positives to build on for next week.
Hopefully next week the squad will be healthier to focus on the league. The boys that came in today done well, and you need everyone pushing in the right direction. For all I’m gutted about losing the game, there were positives to take which gives me peace of mind going into next week.”
Written by: Jamie Szmitz
Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)