Kelty Hearts’ first match of 2025 resulted in a goalless draw against Montrose.  The Maroon Machine left Links Park with a point in an even game.

The best chances for the Maroon Machine fell minutes apart in the 63rd minute.  First from a cross, the covering defender slipped allowing Craig Johnston space in the box for a shot, but he couldn’t get it out of his feet and it was deflected behind.  From the resulting corner, O’Ware’s header at the backpost caused a stramash with Gill making a save and Allan hitting the post.  

The first half was quiet in terms of quality chances.  Ross Cunningham came close with a chance from distance but his shot was parried by Cammy Gill.  The save went only as far as Connor Allan, but the midfielder was offside with the follow-up.

In the 51st minute Ruaridh Adams was forced into a terrific save to keep the game level.  Blair Lyons shot from distance and Adams acrobatically tipped the shot onto the bar and over for a corner.  Another chance fell for Lyons as he shimmied into the box, but his effort was deflected wide by Cleall-Harding.

Reflecting on the 90 minutes to Kelty Hearts TV, captain Tam O’Ware believed “the only thing missing from the performance was a goal.  The work that the boys put into the game was different class and there was a real team spirit about the performance today.”

Written by: Jamie Szmitz

Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)