Kelty Hearts 3 Elgin City 1 

MICHAEL TIDSER hailed his side as “worthy winners” after Kelty booked a spot in the next round of the SPFL Trust Trophy.

Hearts got the better of League Two side Elgin City on Saturday - with a double from Craig Johnston and a goal from Scott Williamson - to be in the hat for the fourth round draw.

The hosts were on top through the first half, creating plenty of good chances to take the lead against Elgin.

Kelty’s first big opportunity came as Williamson went one-on-one with Elgin’s Logan Ross, beating the keeper but unable to get his shot away.

Ross composed himself and backed into his goal, with the rest of the visiting defence dropping back to clear the second effort.

Kelty were inches from going in front as Ross Cunningham’s free kick ricocheted off the crossbar and down.

The City goalie missed the ball and could not clear it, with Johnston waiting in the box to tap in the opening goal in the 32nd minute.

Williamson and Johnston linked up again for the second goal just before the break – Williamson played a cross into the box which was clipped away by the Elgin defence.

But it didn't go far and Johnston was once again in the right place at the right time, his 40th minute strike putting the Fife side in a comfortable position.

“I thought we were worthy of a win over the course of 90 minutes,” Tidser said. “First half, we had more than enough chances to be ahead.

“I stressed that to the boys at half time that we had to be more clinical but we managed to get a two goal lead and then get the third in the second half.

“Johnston was different class,” he went on. “CJ’s been at the club with me since I first got the job and he’s somebody I can rely on every week.

“Every training session, he is there and he does his work for the team and it’s the unselfish work – he always puts his body on the line and he’s a great teammate.

“CJ will tell you himself he should probably score more goals so to see him get on the scoresheet twice today and nearly get a hat trick, I’m really pleased for him.

“This is a building block for him to go and see how many he can score this season, he deserved his man of the match.”

Coming out after the break, Hearts continued to pile on the pressure, with Williamson himself getting on the scoresheet just before the hour mark to put the tie beyond doubt.

Kelty’s number 19 beat the keeper and rounded him to get his shot away, with Elgin's desperate defenders unable to stop the ball crossing the line.

The second half played out rather tamely, but Elgin were able to claw one back with five minutes to spare.

Midfielder Brian Cameron's goal was merely a consolation. 

Tidser continued: “As I said to the lads before the game, the most important thing is to get into the next round so I’m really pleased with the win.

“My only disappointment is losing the goal at the end – we’ve been doing really well defensively and I like to keep clean sheets and build that momentum at the back.

“In a cup competition, you need to beat what’s in front of you and we managed to do that today so it’s a good day.”

However the win was marred by injuries to two key men.

Callum Flatman and Billy Owens were both forced off with knocks – Flatman coming off before half time and replaced by Thomas Murray.

Owens was subbed just after the interval and the boss said: “The one with Cal was more impact when he came down to win the header, he’s a big boy and he’s come down and hurt his back and groin area.

“We’ll assess that at the start of the week and it’s the same with Billy, it was another challenge but I’m hoping for quick recoveries for those two and they can be involved next week.”