Kelty overpower Musselburgh to move a step nearer Title

Kelty were just too strong for a lacklustre Musselburgh as the Fifers came from behind to secure another valuable three league points


Super League leaders Kelty Hearts rolled up at a windy Olivebank smarting from their shock defeat at the hands of Armadale Thistle last Saturday. Their hosts were enjoying a great run of form with just one defeat in their last fifteen matches and a Scottish Cup semi final with Linlithgow Rose looming next month. Both sides had top marksmen in their ranks with Burgh's Jordyn Sheerin having netted 31 times this season (17 in the League) and Hearts Stuart Cargill with 33 goals ( 23 in the league). Hearts won the previous League encounter back in October comfortably by four goals to one.

Kelty faced into the stiff wind in the opening forty five minutes and could have had the points secured in the first five minutes as they created a number of openings.

In the first minute,  Currie was in on goal but his shot was blocked by Munro. From Conrad Courts resultant corner, the ball wasn't cleared and when Cargill crossed the ball back in O'Reilly blasted over when he looked sure to score.

After two minutes, Currie swung over a corner and when Myles misdirected his clearing header, the ball fell to Duffin who blasted wide.

After five minutes,  O'Reilly had another shot on the turn and then a minute later the same player fired in another shot.

Musselburgh were finding it difficult to gain a foothold in the game but tried an inventive free kick after seven minutes which nearly created an opening.

After ten minutes, Burgh keeper Adams dropped the ball and O'Reilly had an effort come back of the crossbar.

Kelty were nearly in after after a bad clearance by Munro but Myles conceded a free kick to stop the attack. After thirteen minutes , Conrad Courts fired in a fine effort but Adams made a fine save.

As is so offen the case in football, Kelty paid for their missed chances. Smith fed Beveridge on the left and when play was switched to the right, Christie put in a fine cross which Thomson deftly headed wide of Allison in the visitors goal. Against the run of play but Musselburgh ahead within fifteen minutes.

Kelty were undaunted by this set back and continued to control the midfield with Greig and Conrad Courts prominent. After twenty eight minutes, a Conrad Courts free kick was headed goalwards by Ritchie but his header came off his own player. However, the visitors got a well deserved equaliser in the 34th minute. Hearts won a free kick twenty five yards out and Conrad Courts fired his free kick under the wall into Adams' left hand corner.

The visitors continued to push forward and ended the half on the ascendency but couldn't break through again.

Half Time: Musselburgh Athletic 1; Kelty Hearts 1

Musselburgh's players obviously got a rollicking at the break and came out in determined mood and created a coupe of half chances. However, after forty eight minutes a mistake by O'Neill at the back allowed Turner to race in on goal. However, he delayed his effort too long and allowed Allison to set himself and get a hand to the ball - a great opportunity missed!!!

Kelty were a little rocked but soon regained the upper hand. After fifty five minutes, Cargill looked certain to score but Munro somehow turned his goal bound effort onto the crossbar - an unbelievable clearance.

Sheerin was trying hard for the home side and had a fine turn and shot as play moved from end to end.

It looked certain that someone would score and after some hesitation in the home defence the chance fell to Greig. He dispossessed a defender and ran in on goal before firing low past Adams - 58 minutes on the clock and Kelty at last deservedly ahead!!

With the points secured,  Kelty became less attack minded and bottled up the midfield. Musselburgh kept pushing forward but in truth never looked likely to get the equaliser.

Best on an off day for Musselburgh were Christie and Smith - Sheerin worked hard with little service. Kelty were well served by Conrad Courts and Greig in midfield and Cargill up front.

Final Score Musselburgh Athletic 1; Kelty Hearts 2

Teams:
Musselburgh Athletic
Adams, Christie, Myles, Hamilton, Turner, Smith, Beveridge, Thomson, Sheerin, Wilson and Munro  Subs Hunter, Russell, Davie, Doig and Jackson

Kelty Hearts
Allison, Duffin, Morrison, O'Neill, Thomas Courts, Conrad Courts, Ritchie, Greig, O'Reilly, Cargill and Currie  Subs Leighton, McCabe, Dalzeil, Grady and Franklin

Gordon Baird - Neutral Reporter