It has been a season to remember for the Maroon Machine in 2023/24, Michael Tidser’s first full season in the dugout saw big improvements and another season of stability in SPFL Cinch League One.
The summer saw old faces replaced by new as the club continue to make strides. Kyle Gourlay became our new number one and recorded the most amount of saves in the division. In front of Kyle, a number of defensive additions were made, Adam Corbett signed from Stenhousemuir who played alongside veteran Jason Thomson – who made his 500th SPFL appearance this season. Going forward, fan favourite Alfie Bavidge was signed on loan from Aberdeen and was comfortable in front of goal scoring nine times, three of which came in a hat-trick hero display against Edinburgh City in February.
The first quarter of the season was the most successful points haul for Kelty. A 2-0 win at Links Park on the opening day set the tone for the quarter with goals from Lewis Moore and Botti Biabi. The Maroon Machine went fourth with a win against Stirling at New Central Park where Moore’s long-range effort made the difference.
While form did falter around Christmas, one memorable result was an away win at Palmerston. The Maroon Machine came back from a goal down to claim three points in Dumfries thanks to a goal from the gaffer. Away from league action, an injury-hit side travelled to in-from Hamilton and progressed to the next round thanks to a glorious strike from Reece Lyons and another classic Lewis Moore beauty.
The Maroon Machine’s steady form saw them sit mid-table and destiny was in their own hands to steer well clear of any relegation battle. An impressive four wins in five during the run-in saw the attention shift to an outside chance of the promotion play-offs however it wasn’t to be with one top four spot left for grabs with three games left to go. Nevertheless, it was a season to be proud of at New Central Park with a record high finish for Kelty Hearts.
We now look ahead to next season and while players and staff will enjoy their well-earned time off, we are eager to welcome you all back to New Central Park for another season of SPFL League One football.