KEVIN McDONALD has called on Kelty Hearts to go on a consistent run of results as they look to consolidate their lead at the top of League Two.

The New Central Park assistant boss watched the men in maroon move 10 points clear at the summit thanks to a dramatic late win over Stranraer on Saturday.

Nathan Austin's close-range header – his 19th goal in 26 appearances this season – secured all three points after two goals in three minutes from Tommy Muir and James Hilton had cancelled out first-half efforts from Tam O'Ware and Jamie Barjonas.

Closest challengers Forfar Athletic saw their game with Edinburgh City called off due to Storm Malik but it was replayed on Monday, with the capital club winning 3-2 at Station Park.

That means they trail Kelty by 10 points, having played a game more, as Kevin Thomson's team prepare to host Elgin City – who defeated them last midweek in a rearranged fixture three days after St Johnstone were beaten in the Scottish Cup – this weekend.

The fifth round of the cup, and an away tie at top-flight St Mirren, looms on February 12 but McDonald wants his side to make sure they string positive results together in the league.

Victory over Stranraer was their second in their last five League Two outings – a run which began with their first defeat, at Annan Athletic, on Boxing Day – having won 13 of their previous 16.

"It's a massive relief," McDonald reflected on Kelty's late show.

"The last three or four league games haven't been good enough and it hasn't been the form that wins you the league so we knew we needed to get back on. Maybe the distraction of the Scottish Cup is a little bit to do with it, going to Elgin after a big Scottish Cup result.

"It is important now that we try and get a run together. If we can, we will not be far away.

"The three points is massive. They are the games that can win you the league so it is massively important to win your home games, and we have another massive game against Elgin next week, who have managed to take four points off us already this season.

"First half, we were 2-0 up; probably could have been three or four. Going in at half-time, we were a little bit disappointed. Second half, we have escaped massively.

"They (Stranraer) will be devastated that they haven't gone and won the game after getting back to 2-2. DJ (goalkeeper Darren Jamieson) has made some big saves, and we were under massive pressure, but the boys showed a bit of character and managed to get the three points."

Meanwhile, tickets for Kelty's tie at St Mirren went on sale yesterday (Wednesday).

Briefs for the away end cost £20 for adults, £10 for concessions and £5 for under-12s, and can be bought directly, online, from St Mirren.