Kelty Hearts began their KDM Evolution Cup campaign with a win against Annan Athletic.  Innes Murray converted a spot-kick after Luke McCarvel was brought down.

The breakthrough came in the 72nd minute when McCarvel was fouled in the box.  The winger was pushed from behind in the box and from the resulting penalty Murray sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.

Two minutes after the penalty, things went from bad to worse for Annan as Keith Watson was dismissed.  The former Ross County defender was shown a straight red card after a high and reckless challenge on McCarvel. 

Kelty Hearts came close to opening the scoring in the second half through Craig Johnston.  After latching on to a long pass Johnston spotted the goalkeeper rushing out and attempted a chip, however it met the post.  

Craig Johnston could’ve had a hat-trick in the match.  After hitting the post, he was later denied by a good save by Balfour and then the crossbar from a header.  

Reflecting on the win to Kelty Hearts TV, goalscorer Innes Murray said “it’s a good start for us.  It took us maybe 45 minutes to get to how we want to play, but the second half was a big improvement.”

Written by: Jamie Szmitz

Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)