Kelty Hearts 0, Montrose 2.

Kelty Hearts’ slim play off hopes disappeared after they suffered a two nil defeat at at the hands of Montrose.

The victory for the visitors meant it was them celebrating at the final whistle as they secured that sought after fourth play off spot.

It was always going to be an outside chance with Montrose beginning the match three points better off and Cove Rangers also still in the mix, sitting a point above Kelty.

But it wasn’t to be for Michael Tidser’s men and a goal in each half from Blair Lyons was enough to see Kelty’s hopes disappear for another season in a game which provided few clear cut opportunities for the Fifers.

The first half proved a fairly even affair with both sides enjoying their share of possession.

Lewis Moore tried his look early on but his curled shot was collected easily.

There was a lucky escape for Kelty with just over 10 minutes on the clock. Kyle Gourlay produced a great reaction shot and a follow up effort was then headed off the line by Brad McKay.

However the luck didn’t last long and minutes later, Montrose were ahead when Blair Lyons was put through by Andrew Steeves and calmly slotted into the back of the net.

On the 30 minute mark, Stefan McCluskey picked up a Lewis Moore cross and fired in a shot from the edge of the box but it went wide.

Another long range effort was delivered through Lewis O’Donnell on 39 minutes after Michael Tidser had teed up a free kick across the box to him however that was saved.

The second half started brightly for Kelty and they had their best chance of the match within five minutes when Alfie Bavidge picked up the ball and found himself one on one with the keeper.

He attempted to slot the ball past Ross Matthews but the Montrose keeper appeared to get a touch and the ball slithered just wide of the post for a corner.

It was Montrose, however, who were celebrating minutes later when they ventured up to the other end of the pitch and doubled their lead.

It was Blair Lyons again who picked up the ball in the box, turned and shot past Gourlay.

Kelty continued to press but without any real success. Ross Cunningham tried his luck from well outside the box on the hour mark but his attempt went over.

Montrose looked dangerous soon after when Kane Hester went through on goal but Gourlay was quick to react and collect.

Kelty piled on the pressure in the dying minutes with Billy Owens driving a shot from well outside the box towards goal but his effort was wide.

Kelty Hearts Gourlay, Paterson, Thomson, McKay (Owens B 73), Lyon (McGlynne 57), Johnston, McCluskey, Tidser (Cunningham 45), O’Donnell, Bavidge (McAllister 68), Moore.

Subs: Biabi, Owens , Campbell, , Garvie, McGiffin.

Goals: Bookings: Tidser Montrose Matthews, Williamson (Hermiston 83), Steeves, Webster, Hester (Batchelor 68), Gardyne, Lyons (Craig 83), Dillon, Graham, Callaghan (Shrive 60), Brown (Machado 60).

Subs: Watson.

Goals: Lyons (15, 53),