KEVIN THOMSON has saluted his "terrific" players for bringing the curtain down on an historic season for Kelty Hearts with a victory.

But he joked that he feels as though he's aged 20 years after his first year in management, despite guiding the New Central Park club to the League Two title in their maiden SPFL campaign.

Having picked up the silverware after their final home match of the season with Forfar Athletic, Kelty travelled to Annan Athletic last Saturday for their last game before preparations begin in earnest for the step up to League One next season.

Galabank was the scene of the first of only three defeats – all of which came away from home – suffered by Thomson's team in the division, with Peter Murphy's play-off-bound outfit inflicting a chastening 5-1 defeat.

The hosts threatened briefly to topple the champions for a second time, taking a 22nd-minute lead when Thomas Reilly was unfortunate to see an attempted clearing header from Chris Johnston's cross loop over Darren Jamieson and into his own net, but the Maroon Machine had turned the tables by half-time.

Kallum Higginbotham, with his ninth goal of the season, equalised on the half hour with a fine, curling strike from 18 yards after being set up by Max Kucheriavyi, and Alfredo Agyeman notched his seventh for the club with virtually the last kick of the opening period with a crisp, accurate long-range strike that gave Annan goalkeeper Greg Fleming no chance.

That proved decisive and earned Kelty a 24th win from 36 league matches, ensuring they ended with 81 points – 21 clear of runners-up Forfar.

"Some of the football we played was terrific to be honest," Thomson told Press Sport post-match.

"It would be easy to come here with end-of-season blues, just stroll around and knock the ball around. I thought the intensity with which we played, the way we managed the ball, some of the intricate play that we had in and around the box, the goals that we scored – I have to say, I thought the boys were superb.

"We scored really good goals and Kallum had a few other wee sniffs as well. He's a diamond is Kal, and we're delighted for Alfie. He gets a bit frustrated with himself but, at the same time, he's got quality as everybody knows."

Ahead of that game, the club revealed that they had opened discussions with out-of-contract players Josh Donaldson, Dougie Hill, Jamie Barjonas, Andy Black and Botti Biabi.

However, central defender Hill, 37, is expected to retire, having confirmed that the Forfar match would be his last for them at New Central Park, and he received a standing ovation from the Kelty bench, and his team-mates, as he was substituted late on at Annan.

"He needs special recognition, big Doug. I'm glad I met him," Thomson continued.

"He'll be somebody that I'll think about right through my whole career. I never really knew him personally, even though I knew who he was because we've got associate pals, but he's been a diamond.

"He deserves the accolades and plaudits that he gets to be honest because he has, he's been brilliant."

When asked if he'll be able to enjoy a rest before the squad return for pre-season on June 18, Thomson laughed: "I feel like I'm 57 instead of 37!

"First year in management and the backing we've had, people like yourselves, obviously shouting for us and giving us good publicity. I'd like to think it's well-deserved but I want the players to get the success.

"I want the club to get the success and, as you know, I just want to go home and have a glass of wine!"