It was back to winning ways for Kelty Hearts as they defeated Annan Athletic 3-0 at New Central Park.  Goals from Scott Mercer, Lewis Moore and Scott Williamson secured all three points for the Maroon Machine.

The breakthrough was made in the 12th minute with Scott Mercer’s first goal for the club.  Michael Tidser swung in a corner and Mercer, unmarked at the near post, headed the hosts into the lead.

Kelty’s advantage was doubled in the 27th minute through Lewis Moore’s first goal of the season.  Scott Williamson chased a long ball down the right and outmuscled the Annan defenders to the ball.  He found Moore in the box who spun around to find space and finished past the Annan ‘keeper.  

The third goal came in the 69th minute through Williamson.  After the Galabank side gave the ball away in their own half, Kelty won a corner which was bundled across the line by Williamson.  This was the striker’s second goal of the league campaign and fourth in all competitions.  

Wullie Gibson’s side’s afternoon went from bad to worse in the 83rd minute when Tommy Muir was given a straight red card.  Brody Paterson was darting down the left flank and was wiped out by a crunching tackle – the Annan players had little complaints with the decision.

The scoreline was a fair result of the game and Kelty Hearts could have added more.  Ross Cunningham had two chances in the closing stages – one audacious chip from outside the box with the goalkeeper off his line and another with a counter attack which was well saved.  

Man of the match Lewis Moore spoke to Kelty Hearts TV after the match “the boys were different class from the first minute.  On a personal note, I felt more like myself today. You could probably see in my celebration there was a lot of relief, so hopefully onwards and upwards.” 

Written by: Jamie Szmitz

Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)