Kelty Hearts 1 Hibernian 0, Premier Sports Cup, Group C

MICHAEL TIDSER said he was "really proud" of his heroic Kelty Hearts side after they stunned top flight Hibernian with an "historic win" on Saturday.

Callum Flatman's bullet header in the second half was enough for the 'Maroon Machine' to cause a huge upset in their Premier Sports Cup Group C tie at New Central Park.

The League One hosts had drawn at Elgin City, losing the bonus point penalty shoot-out, in their opening match of the section last Tuesday, whilst the Premiership Hibees had defeated Elgin and Queen's Park by 5-0 and 5-1 scorelines.

READ MORE: Kelty open cup campaign with draw at 10-man Elgin

Former Heart of Midlothian defender Flatman, who joined the club last month, was Kelty's hero when he netted in the 58th minute, following a quickly-taken short corner between Scott Allan and Luke McCarvel.

Kelty Hearts celebrate Callum Flatman's goal.Kelty Hearts celebrate Callum Flatman's goal. (Image: David Wardle)

"It's an historic win for the club," Tidser told Kelty Hearts TV post-match.

"I've been part of big results here as a player, and I'm super proud of the lads now as a manager because we had to ride our luck at times, as you do, and take your chance when you get it.

"I thought it was a great header from big Cal. I'm really proud of the lads and hopefully it's something we can build on.

"It's ok getting good results against bigger opposition. You now need to carry that into your domestic (league) stuff."

Kelty were unfortunate not to find themselves in front in the first half, when Tam O'Ware had a header cleared off the line by Kanayo Megwa, who had a loan spell with them during the 2022/23 season, but also required brave defending, good goalkeeping, and a bit of fortune.

Ryan Adamson was in fine form in goal for Kelty.Ryan Adamson was in fine form in goal for Kelty. (Image: David Wardle)

Their rearguard threw their bodies on the line, whilst Ryan Adamson in goal was also in fine form, producing good saves to deny both Dylan Levitt and Warren O'Hora.

READ MORE: Pars fall to Livi loss and face Premier Sports Cup exit

The woodwork also came to their aid, denying Harry McKirdy in the opening period, and Dylan Vente in the second, as they clinched a first victory over a Premiership team since their memorable Scottish Cup triumph over then holders St Johnstone in January 2022.

"That game was perfect. Obviously it's easy to say that now because we won, but showing that other side of the game, that was probably a wee bit of a concern, in terms of really being dogged and hard to beat, and making it difficult for teams to score," Tidser continued.

"I thought we showed that today because the other side of it, I know we've got ball playing midfielders, full backs who are good on the ball, centre backs who can play. It's just showing that we can really roll our sleeves up because League One's like that for the majority of the season, so that's probably the most pleasing aspect of it for me.

"All in all, I'm really proud of the lads, really proud of the club. It's a great day for us all."