Kelty Hearts 1, Cove Rangers 3.

IT WAS heartbreak for Kelty as two late goals saw them go down 3-1 at home to Cove Rangers.

The Fife side came back from a goal behind and, just as they looked like the spoils would be shared, the visitors produced two goals to claim all three points.

Kelty had started the game on top spot in league one with Cove in second bottom position. 

However, the gap was only four points and the tie was always going to be a close encounter.

The first half was pretty even with both sides enjoying spells of possession without too many chances created.

The first foray on goal for Kelty came just before the 10 minute ark when the ball came out to Tam O’Ware. From just outside the box, he drove in a low shot but it was no problem for the Cove keeper Suman.

Luke McCarvel was next to try a long-range effort. His attempt was saved but not collected by Suman. The advancing Scott Williamson tried to get on the end of the follow up but the danger was cleared.

Kelty should have gone ahead with just over 20 minutes in the clock. Moore crossed in but Williamson’s effort from around a yard out when wide.

Kelty keeper Ruairidh Adams was called into action after 35 minutes when he palmed over a Michael Megginson effort.

Just five minutes later, it was Megginson who claimed the only goal of the first half. The ball was crossed in, the Cove attacker appeared to get a touch and the ball evaded Adams and found its way into the back of the net.

Kelty came out strong in the second half and they were level on 63 minutes.

Ross Cunningham got the ball on the edge of the box and did well to turn and find some space before firing in a low drive into the net.

Minutes later, it could have been two for Hearts when Scott Williamson found himself one on one with the Cove keeper.

Suman did well to put in a strong challenge and was able to kick the ball clear.

At the other end, Cove sub Adam Emslie hit a shot from just inside the box but Adams was able to collect the ball without any issues.

With just five minutes to go, Blair Yule put his side ahead. The ball came out to him after a free kick and he fired a superb effort into the net, leaving Adams with no chance.

It was three as the clock was ticking into additional time. Findlay Marshall found himself with the ball in the box following a throw in and he calmly slotted the ball into the goal.

Kelty Hearts

Adams, Paterson, O’Ware, Johnston, Cuningham, Tidser (millar 81), McCarvel (Owens 58), Williamson, Mercer, Moore, Cleall-Harding.

Subs: Adamson, Cole, Miller, Owens L, Thomas, Bryce, Hobbs.

Goal: Cunningham (63)

Cove Rangers

Suman, Doyle, Scully (Emslie 75), Gillingham, Harrington, Yule, Megginson, Glass (Marshall 68), Darge, Fyvie, Parker.

Subs: Demus, Murray, McGrath, McAllister, Gaffney.

Goals: Megginson (40), Yule (85), Marshall (92)

Attendance: 377