KELTY Hearts were crowned League Two champions on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Stenhousemuir sparking wild celebrations at New Central Park.

In their debut season in the SPFL, they won promotion from the Lowland League after beating Brechin City in a play-off, the title was sealed when Ukrainian winger Max Kucheriavyi headed a late winner.

Nearest challengers Annan crashed 4-2 at home to Albion Rovers, leaving Kelty 18 points clear and confirmed as the champions with five matches to spare.

Just after the final whistle Kucheriavyi said: "I have a lot of positive emotions right now. Thinking about the situation in my country, today means a lot to me.

“Hopefully it takes a little pressure off me as it’s been a really hard month for me, mentally. Physically, I stopped sleeping for a few weeks. So, today is about positive emotions. My family are still in Ukraine and I’ve been able to speak to them. I hope this can put a smile on their faces."

He added: “You see today that the town is happy now. The boys are happy. Everyone is happy. I’m happy to bring smiles to people’s faces. The fans have been brilliant to me ever since I arrived here as well.”

Despite having never played League Two football before, Kelty were among the favourites for the title before a ball was kicked due to their perceived spending power.

But boss Kevin Thomson said: "A budget doesn’t bring you a style, it doesn’t bring you camaraderie, mentality, character and the will to win every week. If it was that easy, everyone would do it!".

He added: “We have created more chances than any other team, scored more, conceded less and now we’ll have more points than any other team in the league.

“For me, (this success) is right up there. But I’m a greedy bugger, I want more!"

The hangovers from Saturday's celebrations have faded but ambitious Hearts are already thinking about the challenge ahead.

General manager Dean McKenzie said: "It is massive for the community. We hope we’re doing everyone in the village proud. League One will be the biggest test we’ve faced in the last eight years, but we’ll be up for it. The past few years have been great, but we really feel we deserve this. We work so hard.”

Sporting director Andrew Barrowman added: “You can see what this means to the club today. As a small town, we don’t have much of a population, but we’re picking up fans across the country. For everyone involved, it is absolutely incredible.”