Kelty Hearts 4 Penicuik Athletic 0

IT WAS plastic fantastic for Hearts, who kept their title hopes alive with a fine win on the Central Park astroturf.

After their game was called off last week, there was no danger of the weather ruining their chances to stay in touch with league leaders Bonnyrigg.

Striker Stuart Cargill was back among the goals with a superbly taken hat-trick and they over-ran Penicuik from the first whistle.

Hearts had already threatened a goal before Cargill produced a trademark finish to beat the keeper in only two minutes.

It was looking ominous for Athletic when Brian Ritchie gave the home side a 2-0 lead and there could have been more before half-time.

Kelty killed the game with the crucial third goal, with another fine finish from Cargill.

He completed his hat-trick near the end to keep the champions in the hunt to retain their title.

Ahead of this week’s matches, Kelty are third on 46 points, eight behind leaders Bonnyrigg Rose with a game in hand.

Oakley United 1 Lochee United 1

BOSS James Watt said he’d been “looking forward” to facing a Lochee side that thumped Oakley 11-0 in their last meeting.

And the confidence-boosting point they picked up at home could prove crucial in the battle to beat the drop.

After losing narrowly to high-flying Haddington before beating Dalkeith and drawing with Lochee, there’s now renewed hope they can avoid relegation from the East Premier League.

Watt said: “The result earlier in the season against Lochee was a freak. It was one of those days we had people sent off, others not up to the task and everything they hit went in.

“I knew we weren’t as bad as that and I was looking forward to bringing them down here. I hope it will turn out to be a good result for us and a point gained instead of two dropped.

“We were 1-0 up and lost a goal to a late penalty which, in my opinion, was soft. We had good chances to score before and after that, but then so did Lochee.”

Craig Paterson put Oakley in front but the late penalty meant it was honours even. United are second-bottom in the league, level on points with Dundee Violet and one behind Kennoway, and face rock-bottom Thornton at home on Saturday.

Watt added: “We know the situation we’re in and what we have to do.”

Rosyth 2 Tranent 3

THERE was a spot of bother for Rosyth as a controversial late penalty gave Tranent the win and the league title.

With the score level at 2-2, the visitors’ Steve Manson thumped his penalty off the post and, before anyone else could touch the ball, he netted the rebound.

It should have been disallowed but the referee awarded the goal and the victory secured the South Division championship for Tranent.

Rosyth boss Lee Richardson said: “I’ve never seen anything like it. There was no-one else near it. He put in the rebound without anyone else touching it so it shouldn’t have stood.

“They were all going mental, they’ve won the league and their supporters were on the pitch.

“We’re on the pitch going mental at the ref and saying he can’t give it, but he just ignored everyone and started the game. He wouldn’t speak to anyone after it either. They deserve to win the league, they’ve been the best team this season, but to be honest I felt we deserved at least a draw.”

Tam Hampson put Rosyth in front before Tranent levelled and Greg Roberston had the home team in front again before half-time.

The visitors scored again and won the controversial penalty that decided the match with 10 minutes left.

Rosyth have played the top two at home in successive games and now play third-placed Whitburn at home this Saturday.

Tomorrow’s fixtures: McBookie.com East Super League – Kelty Hearts v Tayport. McBookie.com East Premier League – Oakley United v Thornton Hibs. McBookie.com South Division – Rosyth v Whitburn (all games 2.30pm).