Kelty Hearts progressed through to the final of the East of Scotland Cup after a convincing 4-1 win over Bonnyrigg Rose.  Goals from Rudi Bryce, Ben Hobbs, an own goal and Scott Williamson eased the Maroon Machine past the League Two side.

The first goal came in the 21st minute with youngster Rudi Bryce’s first goal for the club.  A regular for the U20s, Bryce latched onto a loose pass between the Bonnyrigg defence and rushed through on goal.  The striker brushed past a tracking defender and calmly slotted past the on-rushing goalkeeper to give Kelty Hearts the lead.

Bonnyrigg Rose fought back however and were back on level terms nine minutes later.  In a match where Kelty Hearts found success building from the back, the Rose were alert and took advantage from a poor pass out by Ryan Adamson.  The goalkeeper’s pass fell straight to the feet of Bradley Barratt who couldn’t miss.

Kelty Hearts eventually retook the lead in the 63rd minute through another U20s star Ben Hobbs.  From a Scott Allan corner the cross fell to Hobbs who brought it down and fired past Marc Anderson in the Bonnyrigg goal.

The New Central Park supporters didn’t have to wait long for a third goal from another set-piece.  Scott Allan lofted in a cross from a deep free-kick which caused trouble in the visitors’ box.  Sean Murphy could only header backwards into his own net as Kelty gained a two goal lead.

The match was put beyond doubt in the 73rd minute when substitute Scott Williamson added a fourth.  After some patient play around the back, Callum Flatman lofted a pass through to Williamson to chase.  The Queen’s Park loanee beat the defender and rushed goal-wards to finish from a tight angle.  

Reflecting on the 90 minutes, Tam O’Ware told Kelty Hearts TV “it was important to get out of the boys who haven’t played much.  The performance was good and I’m delighted for the younger ones who have come from the U20s who got on the scoresheet and put in good performances.”

Written by: Jamie Szmitz

Photography: Shaun Spedding