Kelty Hearts signed off the 2024/25 season in style with a 2-1 win over Alloa Athletic.  Goals from Craig Johnston and Robbie Cole put the Maroon Machine in front before Luke Rankin pulled one back.

A quickfire double mid-way through the first half gave Kelty a two goal cushion.  The first came in the 23rd minute through a quick attacking move.  The ball was played out to the right where Murray Thomas fired a low cross through to Johnston, who blasted into the roof of the net.

Minutes later, Robbie Cole added a second for the hosts.  After winning it back in midfield, Cole played a through ball to Johnston.  The scorer turned provider for Cole who teed up our number 11 for his second goal of the season. 

Alloa would get a goal back before the interval through Luke Rankin.  Magnus MacKenzie darted into the box from full-back position and played a dangerous ball.  There it would drop for Rankin who fired past Ryan Adamson to half the deficit. 

It could’ve been 3-0 before half-time if it wasn’t for a good save by PJ Morrison.  Luke McCarvel won the ball back from a poor clearance and shimmied his way into the box.  He got his shot away after beating two defenders, but Morrison got down well to parry behind. 

Kelty Hearts would hold on for all three points and deny Alloa a place in the play-offs.  The result matches our points tally and position of last season.  

Speaking to Kelty Hearts TV, manager Thomas O’Ware said “overall we probably deserved it.  The first half I thought we were excellent, the only disappointing thing was conceding the late goal.  To end the season with three points, given the situation we’re in I’m over the moon with that.”

Written by: Jamie Szmitz

Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)