Kelty Hearts’ Scottish Cup journey came to an end at Borough Briggs at the hands of Elgin City. In the third cup meeting between the sides, it was the League Two leaders who progressed in an eventful 3-2 win.
Ryan Sargent scored the only goal of the first half before Callum Flatman brought Kelty level midway through the second. Substitute Dylan Gavin restored Elgin’s lead before Sargent got his second in the 83rd minute. The Maroon Machine would respond via a Ross Cunningham penalty but had too much to do in the closing stages to force extra time.
The deadlock was broken deep into the first half through Ryan Sargent. After a good spell for the hosts, full-back Owen Cairns delivered a fantastic cross from deep and Sargent leaped the highest to head past Ryan Adamson.
It took a set-piece play to bring Kelty Hearts level in the 58th minute. After Jacob MacIntyre was fouled down the right wing, Ross Cunningham fired in a good cross in the path of Flatman who bulleted a header into the net.
With the cup tie finely poised, chances came for both sides before the all-important third goal. It was Elgin who got the breakthrough, via a substitute who had only been on the pitch for four minutes. Kelty Hearts were undone on the break, with Dayshonne Golding leading the attack. The forward found Dylan Gavin, who took the shot on early and fired powerfully past Adamson.
Allan Hale’s side were good value for their lead, and added a third five minutes later. The Maroon Machine were chasing an equaliser and therefore vulnerable to another quick counter – and that is what happened. This time Dylan Gavin turned provider as he darted into the box and from the right wing cut-back across the box. Ryan Sargent was able to run onto the pass and fire into the back of the net for his second and Elgin’s third.
Kelty Hearts were given a lifeline when Kyle Girvan was penalised for a push on Craig Johnston. From the spot, Cunningham made no mistake and blasted into the top corner, but it proved to be too little too late as Kelty Hearts exited the Scottish Cup.
Written by: Jamie Szmitz
Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)