Kelty Hearts got back to winning ways with a convincing 2-0 win over Dumbarton at New Central Park. Ross Cunningham’s ninth goal of the season opened the scoring before Scott Williamson doubled the lead and clinched all three points.
The deadlock was eventually broken in the 52nd minute as Cunningham continued his impressive goalscoring campaign. The ball broke well for Kelty in the midfield and found its way to Mercer down the right, the full-back teed up Cunningham from just outside the box on the right. The finish from Kelty’s number 10 was exquisite, rocketing into the back of the net off the crossbar and post in one of the most aesthetically pleasing strikes New Central Park has seen.
Scott Williamson added Kelty’s second with his 5th goal of the season in the 65th minute. A corner whipped in by Michael Tidser found Williamson deep in the box, the on-loan Queen’s Park striker brought it down, found space and finished into the far bottom corner.
The Maroon Machine were good value for their lead, having enjoyed the better of the chances in the first half. The best chance of the first half fell to Luke McCarvel, after pressing high to win the ball back just outside the box. The midfielder was through on goal and had beaten the last defender, but his shot was wide of the post.
Kelty came close again through Craig Johnston, a cross came in from McCarvel but Johnston’s glancing header missed the target. Later in the match, Johnston had a chance to make it 3-0 after Lewis Moore played him through on goal. The striker aimed for the top corner but the effort was too high and fired over the bar.
The best chance for Dumbarton came with the match still goalless, just five minutes in James Hilton had a good chance on goal but his shot was a comfortable save for Ruaridh Adams. A similar chance fell to Mouhamed Niang 15 minutes later, but his effort was equally tame.
Reflecting on the 90 minutes to Kelty Hearts TV, manager Michael Tidser believed “over the piece, we deserve the three points.” Ross Cunningham was awarded man of the match, Tidser described the goal as “an unbelievable finish. He’s been bang at it this season, he’s been a catalyst for us picking up points with the goals he’s scored.”
Written by: Jamie Szmitz
Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)