With both sides desperate for points, the clash between Kelty and St Andrews United at Central Park was never going to be a classic. However, both sides served up a tasty encounter, at times fractious, that was excellently controlled by the referee and his assistants.

Saints boss Gus Malone was forced in to one change with Phil McGuire replacing the suspended Craig Wedderburn, a second change to the starting eleven saw Lee Sibanda come in for his full debut in place of Graeme Port.

As you would expect neither side wanted to give an inch in the opening stages , with most of the game concentrated in the middle third. Kelty were keeping a close eye on the Sibanda brothers and a late tackle on Lee Sibanda, who managed to retain his balance and continue his run, resulted in a free kick much too the annoyance of United who had seen their man in acres of space. The free kick was fired in to the box but Sutherlands shot went wide. A great ball from Patrick saw Sutherland clean through on the Kelty goal but the feet of Fleming managed to block his shot. McCabe briefly caused panic in the Saints box but he was excellently marshalled away by McGuire.

The second half started in exactly the same fashion, with the first effort of note not occurring until the 58th minute when a long range shot caught the wind and McEwan had to be alert to turn it on to the bar. St Andrews increased the pressure and threw caution to the wind in attempt to net a winner. The Kelty defence held firm marshalled excellently by player manager Tam Courts with Fleming pulling off three great saves to deprive Patrick, Sutherland and Seeley at different stages.

A point is a point and Saints cannot be criticised for a lack of commitment, they did everything that was required of them other than score the important goal, a bit of luck was all that was missing, which is probably the story of the season.

Of note was the appearance at the game of Jim Hardie who watched his first game since suffering a stroke 3 months ago.