Bo’ness United 1 Kelty Hearts 2

PROUD Thomas Courts believes that his Kelty stars’ commitment to festive action helped them secure a huge win in the Super League title race.

Archie Campbell and Craig Thomson were the goal heroes for the Jambos as they won the match of the day at Bo’ness to remain unbeaten and move 20 points clear at the top of the table.

With closest challengers Bonnyrigg Rose losing ground after a 3-1 loss at Dundonald Bluebell, the new year couldn’t have started much better for the league leaders. But Courts admitted they had to dig deep at Newtown Park.

He told Press Sport: “I’d read reports that they felt it was a must-win game and they played like it was a must-win.

“Apart from the first five minutes, we struggled to contain them and for 25-30 minutes in the first half it was one-way traffic.

“Kyle Marley saved a penalty but we didn’t panic – we stuck to our task and we knew fitness would be a factor.

“We had miles in the tank from the festive tournament and that was a big commitment from the players. I had family commitments over that period and 20-odd players do too, so it is testament to them and how professional they are.

“That probably got us the result on Saturday – not how we played because it wasn’t one of our best performances, but because of how the players committed themselves over the festive period.”

Kelty went into the game boasting a 100 per cent record on the road but that was severely tested by a lively home side.

Marley earned his corn by saving Will Snowdown’s penalty just before the quarter hour after Sean O’Neil had brought down Marty Wright.

Marty Philp saw a shot cleared off the line by Thomson as Bo’ness continued to press but it was Hearts who struck first five minutes after the break.

Conrad Courts’ corner was contested by O’Neil on the six-yard line and, as the ball broke loose, Campbell was on hand to smash it into the back of the net.

Eight minutes later, Kelty doubled their lead when Brian Ritchie won a free kick after latching on to a long ball, allowing Thomson to curl a beauty into the net from 20 yards.

With 10 minutes to go, Bo’ness pulled one back after they were awarded a second penalty but they couldn’t find another goal and Kelty held on.

Courts added: “It couldn’t have gone better and Bonnyrigg have only got one league game this month, so they need to try and maximise that.

“I am doubtful that complacency will creep in. Can we go the season unbeaten? I don’t know but I’m proud of the run we’re on.”

Lochgelly Albert 1 Crossgates Primrose 1

PRIMROSE boss Andy Brown admitted that Albert’s last-gasp rescue act to claim a point was a “sickener”.

Crossgates thought they had claimed all three points in the South Division derby at Gardiner’s Park thanks to Liam Forbes’ 56th minute opener but hopes of a fourth league maximum this season fell apart in stoppage time. A penalty awarded against full-back Ethan Anderson was converted by Craig Paterson to give Lochgelly a share of the spoils.

A frustrated Brown said: “They scored a 93rd-minute penalty and were lucky, but there wasn’t much in it. To be honest, I thought they were slightly the better team in the first half but I thought we were a bit better in the second.

“I thought we shaded it and it is a sickener because it should be three points in the bag, but I am happy with our performance.

“If somebody had said before the game would you take a point, then you’ve have said aye. But after the game we were gutted at only taking a point.”

The Humbug Park manager is pleased with the progress his team is making and reserved a special word of praise for teenager Mark McKenzie, who appeared off the bench on Saturday.

He added: “We played against Leven United and Hearts of Beath during the break and, against Hearts of Beath, we finished with five under-19s on the park.

“Mark McKenzie has been the 19s’ best player so we’re involving him more in training with the first team and he came on on Saturday and almost scored a worldie! He’s only 17 and did well and Liam Forbes scored again and is in good form.

“We’ve got a settled back four – that has been the same in our last four games and that has been a help. We’re getting there and I’m quite happy with the way things are going.

“We’ve got a hard game at Pumpherston on Saturday but in the second half of the season, I hope we can get more points than in the first half. It’s all about improving.”

Oakley United 5 Craigroyston 0

LEE RICHARDSON revealed that a half-time pep talk was the catalyst behind Oakley United’s five-star show on Saturday.

The Blairwood Park men kicked off the new year in style with a second-half power play against Craigroyston that saw them record their biggest win of the season.

After a first half in which the home side were described as “sluggish” by their manager, Kevin Gollan crashed in the opener within seconds of the restart before Lee Celentano nodded in a second after excellent work by on-loan Cowdenbeath full-back Lyle Kellican.

Substitute Cammy Smith made it three as the game entered the final 20 minutes before he created two goals for team-mate Yanni Yiliopoulos to complete a satisfying afternoon for Oakley.

Richardson, who in addition to securing Kellican for the second half of the season has recruited Berwick Rangers defender Ally McDonald on loan, said: “In the first half we looked sluggish. We didn’t pass the ball as well but had chances and never took them.

“At half-time I had a few choice words and told them to pass and move the ball quicker.”

Livingston United 0 Rosyth 2

ROSYTH kicked off the new year in style by earning a comfortable win at second-bottom Livingston United.

The Rec went into the game having won just once on the road on league business this season – against Oakley United on the opening day – but they changed that statistic by beating a side that have won just twice in 16 games.

Gregg Page gave the visitors a first-half lead and, after Livingston were reduced to 10 men for two yellow cards, Blair Duff wrapped up victory to move Rosyth onto 14 points after 12 matches.

Co-manager Kevin Smith said: “Credit to the young boys because they took their goals well. They’re still learning the junior game so it’s nice for them to score a goal and have a smile on their face.

“It is a big step-up from the under-21s because the game can be played at a rougher, faster pace.

“The clean sheet was really important and gives us confidence as well.”

Saturday’s fixtures (kick-offs 1.45pm): McBookie,com Super League – Camelon Juniors v Kelty Hearts. McBookie.com South Division – Kirkcaldy YM v Oakley United, Pumpherston Juniors v Crossgates Primrose, West Calder United v Rosyth.