Kelty close in on title as Primrose go goal-crazy

KELTY HEARTS are just four wins away from East of Scotland League glory after maintaining their perfect record on Saturday.

Thomas Courts' side remain in the driving seat to win the title at the first time of asking – and promotion to the Lowland League – after seeing off Heriott Watt University at Riccarton Campus.

They top the table with 20 wins from as many matches played and will be guaranteed top spot if they can take maximum points from their last four games.

Closest challengers Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale – who have played four games fewer but also boast a 100 per cent record – await in Kelty's final two games of the campaign, where the destination of the trophy is likely to be decided.

But, before then, Courts' side face third-placed Leith Athletic on Saturday before travelling to tackle Tynecastle, who are seventh, on Monday April 16, and he said: "I can see the players sharpening their focus and we have a lean squad, so everyone feels like they are contributing.

"It was a stern test for us at the weekend and we came through it with flying colours, but we've got Leith Athletic at home on Saturday, which will be another test because, although they had a tricky start, they are doing well.

"We played them a couple of months ago away from home and it was a tricky game. They have the respect of the players so I hope to see another top quality performance and keep the momentum going, which is crucial when you're going for the title at this stage of the season."

While the New Central Park outfit have been scoring goals for fun this season – they've hit an astonishing 135 in the league alone – this match against the students proved to be much closer.

They were on the front foot for much of the opening period, with Stuart Cargill having a snapshot from the edge of the area and a flashing header saved, and Stephen Husband curling an effort narrowly wide, before they did take the lead in first half stoppage time.

After playing a neat one-two with Brian Ritchie, Ross Philp crossed from the left and found Errol Douglas at the far post, who made no mistake in heading home from around a yard out.

That was all Kelty had to show for their first half efforts but Douglas came close to doubling their money after the break when he was unfortunate not to divert Ritchie's ball across the face of goal into the net.

Philp had a go from range after being well found by Husband but, with five minutes to go, Kelty found the second goal that sealed the points.

Good build-up saw them work the ball left for Conrad Courts, whose driven cross was met by Cargill just ahead of the home goalkeeper to slot home from six yards.

Kelty then wrapped up the win when Courts' cross wasn't properly cleared and fell to Ritchie, whose shot was deflected into the net by Cargill for his second of the day.

Boss Courts added: "It was a good result and a really good performance by us.

"Heriot Watt are a good team. They're young, energetic, technically very good and well good, so I was really pleased.

"Good champions will push all the way and I fully expect Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale to go neck-and-neck with us, so we don't want there to be any complacency.

"The boys know they have a tough run-in but we need to keep the pressure on them.

"Most of the lads have been over the course once, twice or three times with me, and some that we brought in have won league titles with other clubs, so they have the knowhow needed.

"Based on the way they're training and acting, I have high hopes."

Kirkcaldy YM 0 Crossgates Primrose 9

CROSSGATES PRIMROSE kept their bid for a South Division top half finish alive with a resounding win at bottom club Kirkcaldy YM.

Alan Campbell's men were West Fife's only junior representatives in action – with Oakley United and Rosyth's trips to Pumpherston and Stoneyburn respectively called off – and they were goal hungry at Denfield.

The home side have just a solitary point to their name from 22 games this season and, prior to Primrose's visit, had lost all nine of their home matches and conceded 64 goals.

Having hit double figures to win the reverse fixture 10-0 in September, Crossgates were heavy favourites to bounce back from their 3-0 reverse at West Calder United and keep themselves in the mix for a top-six finish with six games left.

It didn't take them long to open their account as, with 17 minutes on the clock, Kyle Brand gave them the lead before Scott Hynd's penalty less than two minutes later doubled their advantage.

Kirkcaldy were powerless to stop the yellow and blue tide towards their goal and, in particular, midfielder Dale Allan, who took over the show in spectacular fashion.

After netting Primrose's third goal in the 27th minute, he struck again just two minutes later before completing a hat-trick in just six minutes shortly after the half-hour mark.

A memorable afternoon for the visitors got even better before the interval, when Mark Wilkie and Chris Hughes both struck to make it a magnificent seven.

With the game well and truly won, the goals dried up in the second half but the on-song visitors still added to their tally through Hynd and Mark McKenzie to stay 12 points behind second-top Edinburgh United, with two games in-hand.

Saturday's fixtures (kick-offs 2.30pm): McBookie.com South Division - Crossgates Primrose v Stoneyburn, Kirkcaldy YM V Oakley United, Rosyth v Easthouses Lily. East of Scotland League - Kelty Hearts v Leith Athletic.