It was back to back goalless draws to begin 2025 for Kelty Hearts as we played out a stalemate against Stenhousemuir.  2nd versus 3rd in the league could not be separated as both defences came out on top.

Most of the quality chances fell in the first half of the match with the final 45 minutes petering out.   The best chance of the match fell to the visitors, from a Matty Yates header within ten minutes.  From a cross Yates found himself with space in the box and his header hit the post before bouncing back safely into Ruaridh Adams’ hands.

The Maroon Machine started the game strongly and forced Darren Jamieson into a good save in the opening three minutes.  After some good play Lewis Moore cut back in the box looking for Cole, the striker slid in to turn the ball goalwards but Jamieson got down well to keep it out.  

Kelty Hearts had a dominant spell mid-way through the first half with two chances in two minutes.  Firstly, Cole had space to turn in the box and shoot from close range but his effort was high and wide of the top corner.  In the next passage of play it was Moore again who created a chance, cutting back to Paterson but his effort was saved.

Lewis Moore was awarded the man of the match both by our match sponsor and on the BBC Alba broadcast.  The winger created chances for Kelty and got forward often proving to be a thorn in the sides of the Stenhousemuir defence.

Reflecting on the match to Kelty Hearts TV, Tam O’Ware was “delighted with spells in the first half.  We created some key chances but were just missing the ruthlessness in front of goal.  The second half was a bit scrappy and Stenhousemuir made it a bit of a fight but I am proud we stood up to that and that shows the progression of the group.”

Written by: Jamie Szmitz

Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)