Kelty Hearts vs Caledonian Braves

The Braves have let their losing streak stretch to three games for the first time this season as they fell to a 4-1 defeat to League Leaders Kelty Hearts.

It was a very positive opening 5 minutes for the Braves. Ross McNeil capitalised on a mix up in the Kelty defence couldn’t keep his knock on from crossing over and out of the pitch.

Nathan Austin forced Alex Marshall into a great double save to deny the league’s top goalscorer and early opener.

Marshall was again called upon as he kept out Stephen’s Husbands fizzed effort before a remarkable save from a Matty Flynn volley. Only six yards from goal and hit with pace but Marshy was able to get the slightest of touches to put it onto the bar denying a sure goal.

McLaughlin was next to try from distance but fell short before Kelty would open the scoring. The ball was sent forward to Austin who had time to turn from by line inside the box and unleash a fantastic strike which thundered into the back of the net.

Craig Quinn came close just before half time but his shot headed straight at the keeper.

It took a while for the second half to come to life and sadly it would in the form of another Kelty goal. Austin rose highest in the box and his downwards header into the bottom corner of the net.

Following this Kelty would stroll to the victory. Dylan Easton popped up next with the third. A great turn on the edge of the box with his goal-bound effort deflected off David Sinclair and nestling into the opposite corner.

A fourth came a minute late. A long ball heading towards Austin, the braves defence attempted to play the striker offside but the Englishman had time and space to loop the ball over the oncoming Marshall to grab his hat trick.

Substitute Serge Makofo did however grab a consolation goal for the Braves. Great work rate to win the ball from Thomas Scobbie on the byline cut inside and slot past the Kelty keeper.

A tale of two half as the Braves fall to defeat in Fife. Civil service are up next as we welcome them to Alliance Park Saturday 8th February 3pm Kick Off.