Kelty Hearts survived a late setback to defeat Annan Athletic and maintain their 100% home record. It looked as if Kelty had to settle for a point when Tommy Muir equalised after Innes Murray’s opener, however substitute Nathan Lawson snatched a winner in the 85th minute.

The Maroon Machine has already improved on their poor home last campaign with their third win in as many league games. After an end-to-end opening 15 minutes of the match, Kelty took the lead through Innes Murray.

After an Annan attack the ball was launched forward to Robbie Cole, the Annan defence settled on the ball but a slack pass was pounced on by Finn Moffett. Moffett eventually found Murray on the edge of the box, he had the time to compose himself, cut in on his right foot and place a finish leaving the Annan goalkeeper no chance.

Following a second half of dominance from the away side, the equaliser did come in the 83rd minute. The visitors looked dangerous from set-pieces all afternoon, which came to a head when Wullie Gibson’s corner was met by Tommy Muir. His header was directed into the far bottom corner leaving Smith no chance.

Moments later, Kelty retook the lead less than two minutes after being set back. Alex Ferguson waltzed his way into the box before drilling a low cross into the path of Nathan Lawson. His touch set up a drilled finish as Kelty emphatically retook the lead.

On another day, Kelty would’ve went into the half time break with a more convincing lead. A long ball by Robbie Cole after an Annan corner found Ross Cunningham who came on earlier to replace the injured Moffett. Cunningham’s touch was sublime, and as he entered the box his driving shot beat the ‘keeper, but was off target.

Similarly, Jamie Hislop found himself through on goal with only goalkeeper Charlie Albinson to beat. However, Albinson stood tall and made the save from the on-loan Ayr United winger.

The Galabankies started the second half brightly and were kept out by a combination of Jamie Smith and Alasdair Davidson. As Steven Buchanan cut in down the right, his shot was saved by Smith with the rebound looping towards goal. Davidson bravely got back first and stuck his leg in to clear the ball away from the onrushing attacker.

Annan forward Aidan Smith nearly caught out Smith with a cross-come-shot around 30 yards from goal. With not many other options, Smith launched an effort goalwards which had his namesake counterpart scrambling, but went just over the bar.

The Maroon Machine could’ve added a third after taking the 2-1 lead, but Lawson’s tame finish was held by Albinson. Moments later, Lawson had another chance which beat the goalkeeper, but agonisingly came off the post.

The late goal so soon after the equaliser saw Kelty hold on for the lead and secure all three points.

Kelty Hearts Starting XI: Smith; Falconer (Walker), Brydon, C. Flatman, Davidson; McManus, Ferguson; Moffett (Cunningham), Murray (Lawson), Hislop (Higginbotham); Cole (Hannah). Unused subs: Adamson, Z. Flatman, Snoddy

Annan Athletic Starting XI: Albinson; Clark (Dixon), Watson, Muir, McKnight; P. Smith, Niang (Roy), Gibson; A. Smith, Maxwell (O’Donnell), Buchanan. Unused subs: Sliwinski, Cooper

Written by: Jamie Szmitz

Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)