Heart breaking loss for Rose 

This was the clash of the Super League giants today at Prestonfield Park - perennial title challengers Rose hosting unbeaten in the league, Kelty Hearts. Rose have lost only one league match this season ( home to Penicuik Athletic) and a Scottish Cup tie to Raith Rovers. The visitors have lost just one match, a Junior Cup tie to Bo'ness United. Both team have prolific goal scorers in Coyne for Rose and Cargill for Hearts. 

A problem on the M8 meant that many supporters travelling from the East were delayed and missed the start of the match. Unfortunately, they missed a crucial incident when Rose Keeper Christie rushed from his area and brought down a Kelty attacker - a straight red car ensued and Rose were down to 10 men after only 5 minutes! The substitute keeper McKinven took over in goals with Smith withdrawn. 

The first half was a towsey affair with Rose, with the wind at their backs, competing well despite being a man short. Nelson and Shirra were busy in midfield and Coyne and Strickland worked hard upfront. 

Kelty were always dangerous in that first period but managed only a few real attempts at goal - deflected shots , defensive errors. Both the Courts brothers, Tam at the back and Conrad in midfield, were prominent. Upfront Cargill and O'Neill were a threat for the visitors but Ovenston and O'Byrne matched them well at the back. 

Half Time: Linlithgow Rose 0; Kelty Hearts 0

The second half promised to be a difficult one for the home team. A man down and facing a stiff wind. 

Kelty started off the half on the front foot. Their top marksman Cargill was to the fore and was nearly in just after the break, forcing McKinven to rush from his goal. The striker then fired a shot just over. 

After 54 minutes the inevitable goal game. Conrad Courts won a 50/50 ball just outside the centre circle and raced in on goal before deftly chipping McKinven for a fine finish. Three minutes later the same player fired a free kick just wide as Kelty dominated. 

In an attempt to get back into the game Rose replaced Shirra with Batchelor.  The change seemed to have worked when firstly, a Nelson free kick nearly created an equaliser and then Batchelor put a half chance into the side net. 

However, Kelty were dangerous and an O'Byrne error allowed O'Neil to race in on goal. He opted to shoot when he should have squared to Cargill and the chance was wasted. Cargill then had a good run and shot and then after his clever chest down, McCabe shot wide.  

After 65 minutes Kelty went two up. A fine cross field ball from Tam Courts was won on the far side and the resultant cross goal header was fired home by McCabe. Five minutes later it looked game over. A cross from Conrad Courts was well headed home by O'Neil. 

It looked like Kelty would inflict a thumping defeat on the home team but Rose never stop trying and after 76 minutes, they got a goal back. Another Nelson free kick was finished off by Ovenstone,  who scored for the second week running. 

This seemed to encourage Linlithgow and substitute Kelly had a great chance only to be worried out of it by Tam Courts. After 81 minutes, Rose seemed certain to add a second but full back Wilson shot tamely at goalkeeper Allison. Three minutes later, the Hearts Keeper fumbled a cross allowing Batchelor a half chance but he couldn't find a finish.   

There were no further goals and Kelty ran out deserved winners. 

The loss of a player so early on obviously affected Rose but they were well beaten by a strong, well organised Kelty side with no failures. This result leaves Rose with a mountain to climb if they are to mount a championship challenge. Kelty once again rose to the occasion in a big game. They defeated league leaders Newtongrange Star a few weeks back and now they have defeated another top side away from home. They have a solid defence with a creative midfield ( even without Greig yesterday) and with Cargill upfront,  have goals in them. 

Next up for Kelty is a huge home match against Bo'ness United followed by a trip to Sauchie. Linlithgow visit Hill of Beath Hawthorn next Saturday and have a blank Saturday before they visit Camelon Juniors on the Saturday after Christmas. 

Full Time : Linlthgow Rose 1; Kelty Hearts 3 

Gordon Baird  - Neutral Reporter