Kelty Hearts lost out late on against Queen of the South in a 2-1 defeat.  Aaron Arnott’s first goal for the club brought the Maroon Machine level but goals from Kurtis Guthrie and Reece Lyon gave the hosts the win.

Queen of the South took the lead in the 21st minute through Guthrie.  Liam Smith’s looping cross found the striker at the back post who lifted a header over Corey Armour and over the line.

The score would be level just after the break courtesy of Arnott’s first in maroon.  After a scramble in the box, Arnott’s smart finish saw him fire into the bottom corner while lying on the ground.

Despite Kelty looking like the better team in the second half, the winner eventually came for the hosts.  After a long throw into the box, former Kelty midfielder Reece Lyon side footed into the bottom corner.  

Kelty Hearts had plenty of chances to take something from the game however.  James Graham was a constant threat down the right, he fizzed a cross into the path of Craig Johnston however from close range his effort was saved.

Johnston had another good chance with the game still level at 1-1.  From a tight angle in the box, the striker drilled an effort towards the top corner but it was too high and went over the bar.  

Corey Armour was also forced into a number of good saves.  Notably in the first half, the on-loan Kilmarnock ‘keeper done well to get down to a shot from Ben Johnstone.

Reflecting on the afternoon to Kelty Hearts TV, Thomas O’Ware said “the game was the exact same as it has been the last few weeks.  You dominate parts of possession, create chances, don’t take them and then you concede from a set piece.”  

Written by: Jamie Szmitz

Photography: Kevin Marshall (@KayemPhoto)