NATHAN AUSTIN has hailed Max Kucheriavyi as "a special talent" following Kelty Hearts' dramatic late win at Stenhousemuir last night (Tuesday).

Former East Fife, Falkirk and Inverness Caledonian Thistle frontman Austin stepped off the bench to net from Michael Tidser's superb pass, with what was virtually the last kick of the game, to send the League Two leaders 14 points clear at the summit.

Austin's 20th goal of the campaign secured a second successive 1-0 win on the road, with Kelty having won by that scoreline in Saturday's derby at Cowdenbeath, to move them closer to the title and a second successive promotion.

Dunfermline Press:

Max Kucheriavyi in action for Kelty during Saturday's win at Cowdenbeath. Photo: Dave Wardle.

Before the game, both teams and the match officials lined up with the flag of on-loan St Johnstone teenager Kucheriavyi's homeland, Ukraine, to show solidarity with those affected by the conflict there.

On the pitch, the 19-year-old produced a man of the match performance, and Austin spoke glowingly of his talent's afterwards.

"He's a special talent. We've not really had a chance to train with him with the schedule we've got at the moment, but even just watching him tonight when I was on the bench, you could see he's got something about him," he told Press Sport.

"He's slotted right in, and I think he's got a big future ahead of him.

"I think he started against Annan (a 3-1 win on February 26) at right wing, and maybe wasn't in the game as much, and then he dropped into midfield, and you can see that he likes to pick up the ball in any position.

"He likes to create chances, likes to run with the ball, and he draws fouls and makes chances for people.

"It's great for the fans getting to watch someone of that ability, so long may it continue."

Austin was delighted to play his part in Kelty's 20th win from 27 league games, and felt it was one that they merited.

"It was a really tough game and I think we had a few chances," he continued.

"They'd probably say that maybe the draw was fair, but I think we created probably the better chances, and controlled the game a bit more.

"Towards the end there, it went a little bit end-to-end, but overall I think we deserved the win."

On his goal, he added: "It's what happens as a striker; you've got to be ready for those situations.

"You could get a chance at any minute of the game, so it was nice to get the finish, and it was a good finish.

"It was more about the team and getting a massive three points. The teams behind us didn't play tonight, so it puts us further ahead."

Kelty's assistant manager, Kevin McDonald, was full of praise for Austin's winner, which came after he was picked out well by skipper Tidser.

"Tids could've naturally just shot when it bounced to the edge of the box. He could've had another snap-shot, but he showed a bit of composure," he said.

"He's slide-passed to Fash, and obviously Fash's first touch sets it up for a nice dink finish. I was scared in case it squirmed past the post, but it just dropped in!

"I think we deserved it. I don't think DJ's (goalkeeper Darren Jamieson) made a save in the whole game; I can't think of one at all. Maybe the sclaffed cross that wasn't even a shot, so apart from that, I think we deserved the three points.

"I think their goalie's had a couple of saves with his feet, when Barjo's cut in and smashed one really hard and low, and the goalie's had a couple of saves. Probably saves you'd expect him to make to be honest, but we had the chances, we've made him work, whereas I think they probably would've been happy with a point in the end.

"Fair play to them; they made it hard work for us, we ground it out, and ultimately the three points was massive."