There were no goals between Kelty Hearts and Montrose as the Maroon Machine kept successive clean sheets.  For the second time this season, the fixture resulted in a 0-0 draw as defences came out on top.

The best chance of the match fell to Montrose substitute Aulay Martin in the 87th minute.  A long ball from Andrew Steeves released the striker through with just Ruaridh Adams to beat, but the Kelty ‘keeper stood tall and made the save to keep the game level.  

Kelty Hearts fashioned a promising chance from defence in the second half.  Some slick forward passing started when Adams rolled out to Jacob MacIntyre, who carried it forward and played it out right to Murray Thomas.  Thomas was slipped into the box and fired across goal but Craig Johnston couldn’t get there in time to header home.

Perry Masson had a good chance for the visitors when he latched onto a loose ball in the Kelty box.  A cross was cut back by Owen Stirton and Craig Wighton’s shot was blocked, the rebound fell to Masson who fired high and wide.

In a first half with few clear-cut chances, there was a cutting edge lacking for both teams upfront.  Shots from distance in the first half were the closest either side got. 

For Kelty, Ross Cunningham teed himself up for a long range effort which was driven right into the palms of goalkeeper Cammy Gil.  Perry Masson’s effort in the 36th minute was closer, and required Ruaridh Adams to get down fast to his right to push behind for a corner.  

In the end, neither side were able to make the breakthrough.  Reflecting on the match to Kelty Hearts TV, manager Charlie Mulgrew said he “can’t applaud the defending and attitude enough.  I said to them we need to carry a bit more of a threat off the ball and we’ll get there, we’re working on that all the time.”  

Written by: Jamie Szmitz

Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)