East of Scotland League: Lothian Th Hutch Vale 1 Kelty Hearts 0

KELTY Hearts are set for a nerve-jangling title decider this weekend after their perfect East of Scotland League record came to an end.

Championship rivals Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale continued their unbeaten run against Thomas Courts’ side by scraping a one-goal win at Saughton that ensured the race for the flag will go down to Saturday’s showdown between the clubs at New Central Park.

Lothian also defeated Tynecastle 1-0 last night (Wednesday) which means Kelty must win to guarantee the title and a play-off for promotion to the Lowland League.

Lose or draw in the final day shoot-out and their Edinburgh rivals will take the spoils.

However, Courts and his players were left frustrated at their failure to take anything from a game where they created countless opportunities and missed a penalty as Nico Gibson’s goal proved decisive.

The Kelty boss commented: “I enjoyed the majority of what we produced, apart from making the scoreboard change from zero to three, four or five. That’s football and that’s the challenge.”

McBookie.com South Division: Rosyth 1 Oakley United 2

OAKLEY United ensured Rosyth’s final match at Recreation Park ended in defeat as they grabbed the West Fife derby bragging rights on Saturday.

The hosts are set to leave their home since 1992 for a new pitch at the Fleet Grounds after plans for a replacement ground, and a Lidl supermarket on the Admiralty Road facility, were approved by Fife Council earlier this month.

The visit of Richard Fox’s high-flying Oakley marked their penultimate game of the season, they drew 1-1 at Harthill Royal last night (Wednesday), and it was their third successive defeat.

Reece Strachan opened the scoring for the visitors in the first half before Joe Dawson added a second and, although Gregg Page pulled one back, it wasn’t enough for Rosyth despite United having Derek Murray red-carded.

Despite the defeat, Rec boss Brian Muirhead took positives from his team’s performance, and commented: “It was a really good game and I thought we handled ourselves really well.

“It was a very competitive game; they scored first with a good goal but, after that, the first half petered out and was a bit of a midfield battle.

“In the second half, we came out and looked good. I was happy with our shape and formation but they got a goal from a cross.

“We got level through Gregg and then it was about who would get the next one, but I don’t think either keeper was overly busy.

“I had 17-year-olds at right back, centre half and in centre midfield, who were outstanding, so that was a positive in itself.

“I know we got beat, and I don’t like losing, but there were aspects I was really pleased with. There was a good turnout and atmosphere and the reaction from the Stoneyburn game was really important.”

Although pleased with the three points that maintain’s his team’s faint play-off hopes, Blairwood Park gaffer Fox said: “I wasn’t happy with the performance.

“It’s always nice to get the win, especially in a derby game, and I thought we were comfortable but I didn’t think we created enough.

“I think the players themselves thought that the next goal would come without really going on the front foot and being decisive.

“Maybe it’s me being a perfectionist but we’re a good team when we play on the front foot and I want to get the players back onto that positive mindset.

“We’ve had eight wins from nine. I can’t ask for much more and it’s always a positive when you don’t play as well as you can but still come away with the three points.

“We’ve got four cup finals left and I want the guys to finish as high as they can; not for me, but for themselves and for everyone at the club.”

Crossgates Primrose 0 Pumpherston 4

PRIMROSE saw their three-game winning streak brought to an end by title favourites Pumpherston on Saturday.

Alan Campbell’s side were powerless to stop the leaders from taking another step towards the title.

Derek Shaw’s stabbed finish from 12 yards gave the visitors a first-half lead and, although the home team had opportunities to find a route back into the game, Andy McQuillan pounced on a fresh-air kick by goalkeeper Rab Wilson to tap home their second.

Jack Beaumont’s superbly struck free kick, despite Wilson’s best attempts to keep it out, made it 3-0 before Ally McRitchie’s penalty wrapped up the victory.

A top-two finish is beyond Primrose but they can still finish third with three games to go.

Saturday’s fixtures (kick-offs 2.30pm): McBookie.com South Division – Oakley United v Craigroyston. East of Scotland League – Kelty Hearts v Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale.