Peterhead 1 Kelty Hearts 1

A FIRST Kelty Hearts goal from Lewis Martin wasn't enough to secure three points as they were held to a frustrating draw at Peterhead on Saturday.

The 26-year-old, who joined the New Central Park outfit last summer after leaving Dunfermline, netted just after the midway point of the opening period at Balmoor to give the visitors the lead.

However, hopes boss John Potter had of a second successive win took a dent on the stroke of half-time when Jack Wilkie equalised for League One's bottom side from a free-kick, which ended up ensuring the spoils were shared.

The visitors had opportunities throughout the second half, but failed to take any, with Potter commenting: "It was disappointing.

"In the second half, I think we were in control, got in and around their goal, but couldn't find that killer touch.

"We had a lot of efforts on goal but things didn't fall for us, and we didn't have that bit of quality or bit of luck as well."

Potter played alongside Martin when the Kelty star scored his first senior goal – in a 1-1 draw with Rangers, in May 2014, whilst with the Pars – and watched him score in fine style.

The versatile defender intercepted the ball ahead of Kieran Shanks in midfield and, after moving forward to the edge of the box, sent a fine strike beyond Peterhead keeper, Stuart McKenzie.

However, just before the break, a free-kick conceded by Tam O'Ware allowed Wilkie to send the ball beyond Darren Jamieson and pull the home side level.

After the break, Kelty piled on the pressure, with McKenzie denying both Joe Cardle and Ross Philp, whilst Nathan Austin also sent an effort wide of target, but they couldn't find a winner.

"We tried (to win the game) and we put a lot of attacking players on," Potter continued.

"We never in any danger of losing the game, but that little bit of quality and luck just wasn't there.

"It was a great goal and a great finish (from Martin). He's been pretty consistent, but I always want more from him. I know him well and know what he can do, so we're constantly pushing him to be better."

With 10 games to go, seventh-placed Kelty are nine points outside fourth place, and the final promotion play-off spot, which is currently occupied by Alloa Athletic, who visit leaders Dunfermline on Saturday.

The 'Maroon Machine' entertain Edinburgh, who are one place above the Wasps on goal difference, and although he believes the Pars and second placed Falkirk will make up the top two at the end of the season, Potter reckons the teams from third to eighth all have plenty to aim for.

"Everybody's got something to play for, whether it's play-offs or trying to catch the team above you which, for us, is Montrose," he added.

"Players are playing for contracts, and trying to impress, but the be all and end all is you want to climb the league. You never say you're out of anything.

"We need to continue to push and see where it takes us.

"Edinburgh have had a really good season. They had a good start, which they've continued.

"They've beaten us twice; in one game, we played well, in the other, we didn't turn up.

"It's up to us to try and set the tempo."