Play-off win will see Kelty promoted

THOMAS COURTS said he was “very proud” after Kelty Hearts secured championship glory – but now has his eyes on the bigger prize of promotion.

In their first season since leaving the junior scene for Scottish football’s senior pyramid, the New Central Park team saw off nearest challengers Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale in a final day decider to secure the East of Scotland League trophy.

A bumper crowd of 1,400 witnessed another milestone moment in the club’s history and, while they and the players celebrated at full-time, Courts now has the job of preparing his players for two games that will determine whether they will play in the Lowland League next term.

Their reward for winning the title is a two-legged play-off with South of Scotland League winners Threave Rovers – with the first game taking place on Saturday – to determine which side will step up to a division just one level below SPFL League Two.

The hosts went into the game having lost to Lothian in their previous game and having never previously beaten their opponents but came close to taking an early lead when Scott Dalziel headed Conrad Courts’ free kick off the post.

Courts then drew a fine save from the visiting goalkeeper as Kelty continued to apply the pressure, before they took the lead in stunning fashion.

Shaun Greig returned the ball into the box and Stuart Cargill showed outstanding skill to execute an overhead kick and net from 12 yards out.

They extended their advantage before half-time when Stephen Husband’s corner was headed home emphatically by Murray Carstairs at the far post.

That put the title within touching distance but, a penalty conceded by a combination of Sean O’Neil and Carstairs on Kevin Brown was tucked home by Thistle’s Louis Swanson.

A nervy second half was on the cards for the home team but, in time added on, substitute Scott-Taylor MacKenzie’s shot from distance flew into the net to seal the win and kick-start the title party.

Boss Courts told Press Sport: “It was more of a unique title because we have to keep ourselves focused on the next fortnight but the boys enjoyed it and we had a great night on Saturday.

“It’s not every day you win a championship so I said to the players to enjoy it and embrace the scale of their achievement but it’s important not to let it affect our preparation.

“In each game that they (Lothian) have beaten us, although they’re a talented team, I’ve come away thinking that we’ve had the best chances.

“The key was having home advantage and the players had a point to prove. There was a feeling of being ready for it and they rose to the occasion. I think we were worthy winners.

“We had to handle a bit of adversity after losing the week before but the boys showed togetherness and that they’re made of steel.

“Lothian had our respect and we knew we had to be somewhere around our best, and I think we were.

“I have to give full credit to the players and the squad; they’ve all played their part and I’m very proud of the boys.”

Courts was also thrilled by the massive crowd that turned out to back Kelty on Saturday and hopes they will turn out in force again for both play-off ties against Threave.

The Castle Douglas outfit knocked 10-man Kelty out of the SFA South Region Challenge Cup on penalties in January and Courts is taking nothing for granted.

He continued: “The support was absolutely phenomenal.

“The amount of people coming to watch Kelty, especially with the community aspect around the club, is fantastic and to get 1,300-1,400 is a great achievement and I hope they left with a positive experience.

“The last time we played Threave, we were down to 10 men after 20 minutes before we went out on penalties, but it was a top performance from our boys that day.

“It’s a huge challenge but we’re delighted to be here; we’ve got to give everything to earn the right to become a Lowland League club.

“We know what we need to do. We have to handle our business as we know the rewards that will be at the end of it.

“We need to look to earn a positive result to bring back to Kelty.”

Oakley United 6 Craigroyston 1

OAKLEY UNITED boss Richard Fox has challenged his players to clinch third spot in the South Division after watching them hit Craigroyston for six on Saturday.

The Blairwood Park outfit took their superb run since Fox took charge to nine wins in 10 matches with another emphatic success.

A Ryan Stevenson double and goals from Lee Dawson, Willie Gardner, Derek Murray and Euan McMillan saw off their mid-table opponents and means they’ve hit the net 38 times during Fox’s tenure so far.

Although they can’t catch the top two of Pumpherston and Edinburgh United with three games of their campaign remaining, they have moved into the top three and Fox told Press Sport: “We’ve got three games left and, if we can continue this run of form, there’s no reason why we can’t finish there.

“When I took over, we were 11th and I want the boys to prove that they were in a false position because there is talent there.

“If we work together with a common goal we can achieve it.”

He added: “I was extremely pleased.

“It was a good performance and every single player played their part. We were back to our best and when the boys play on the front foot and as high up the pitch, not many teams can match us.”

Harthill Royal 1 Rosyth 1

ROSYTH concluded their South Division fixtures last Wednesday by earning a 1-1 draw at Harthill Royal.

Brian Muirhead’s team fell behind when Craig Johnston gave the hosts the lead but Scott Gilfillan’s late reply salvaged a draw.

Saturday’s fixtures (kick-offs 2.30pm unless stated): Lowland League play-off, first leg – Threave Rovers v Kelty Hearts (3pm). McBookie.com South Division – Stoneyburn Juniors v Oakley United.