The Maroon Machine are into the fifth round of the Scottish Cup with a penalty shootout victory over Cove Rangers.  After an own goal cancelled out Mitch Megginson’s opener, it was five perfect penalties which secured the club’s place in the round of sixteen for the second time.

After an even first half in terms of chances, it was Cove Rangers who ended the first 45 on top.  Veteran striker Mitch Megginson was played through by Chris Maguire.  With a lot to do, Megginson darted into the box and rounded Gourlay before tapping into the empty net.  

The Maroon Machine responded in the 62nd minute and debutant Pettifer was heavily involved.  After Luke McCarvel was fouled deep on the left, Pettifer floated in an enticing cross.  It was Justin Eguaibor who diverted the cross past his own goalkeeper to bring Kelty level.

After 120 minutes, no side came out on top and the fourth round tie would be decided by a shootout.  Firing into the away end, Lewis Moore went first and fired beyond Robbie Mutch who dived the right way.  Mitch Megginson went next and made no mistake with an exquisite spot-kick into the top corner.

From then on, the penalties were perfect with each one well hit.  Pettifer and Arnott on target with Yule responding for Cove.  The mistake did come through substitute David Eguaibor who blazed over the bar from 12 yards.

With added pressure, James Graham slotted home a cool penalty to take it within touching distance.  Adam Emslie kept his nerve to keep Cove in it, but it was Sam Fisher who sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to win it.  

Going into this tie, Thomas O’Ware was well aware of the danger of our opponents.  The Balmoral Stadium side had comprehensively won 5-2 at New Central Park last month, and are four points better off in the league table.

Kelty Hearts were bolstered by the addition of Arran Pettifer after he left Championship high-flyers Arbroath.  He slotted into the midfield for his first start, elsewhere Murray Thomas deputised for the cup-tied Dylan Corr.  

Thomas O’Ware was forced into an early change when Craig Johnston was forced off due to injury.  Aaron Arnott replaced the skipper, with a change in shape to follow.  

Pettifer was heavily involved on his debut and looked to be a danger from set-pieces.  In the first half, from around 25 yards out Pettifer lifted a dead-ball over the wall but Robbie Mutch was equal to it.

In extra time, it was Paul Hartley’s side who came the closest to snatching the winner.  Blair Yule drilled in a decent cross which was expertly blocked by Sam Fisher.  From the rebound, Arron Darge forced a good save from Kyle Gourlay to prevent the shot sneaking into the bottom corner.

Kelty Hearts had to see out the final two minutes of the tie with ten men after Craig Clay was dismissed.  The midfielder picked up his first yellow in the first half for a late challenge, his second came deep into extra time for an off-the-ball clash with Megginson.

Reflecting on the result to Kelty Hearts TV, Thomas O’Ware was “delighted for the players.  I know what this group’s capable of and for 120 minutes we saw it.  For the players I’m delighted, and I hope it’s a springboard for the rest of the season.”

Written by: Jamie Szmitz

Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)