Kelty boss Tidser pleased to secure sixth spot in League One

KELTY Hearts rounded off their season with a heavy defeat against play off contenders Hamilton but boss Michael Tidser was pleased to see his side take sixth place in League one.

Two goals in each half for the home side were enough to see Kelty off despite a Craig Johnston goal just before the break providing a little glimmer of hope.

Despite the loss, Tidser hailed his team’s season as a “great achievement” and is now looking forward to building on it for next season.

“I made a few changes and obviously towards the end put on the kids as well but then obviously found out we finished sixth which is a great return for us,” he aid.

“Overall, the game, the goals were cheap goals to lose. We get ourselves back in it and if we had scored a second, the game flips again. I said to the lads there, over the course of the season, they have gave me everything so I am really proud of them.

“Hamilton are a good side. Even the young lads are good as well.

“For us, looking over the course of the season, to finish sixth is a great achievement. I said to Geordie with five minutes to go, I know myself as a manager, we need to work to get stronger and how we can climb this league. It is easier said than done.”

Craig Johnston netted for Kelty Hearts during their 4-1 defeat at Hamilton. (Image: David Wardle)

Hamilton started off Saturday’s game on the front foot and didn’t take long to take the lead.

Having gone close through a Jamie Hamilton header within minutes, the deadlock was broken after just six minutes.

Connor Murray got the ball on the edge of the box and laid it off to Liam Morgan who hit low into the corner of the net.

The home side continued their pressure and Kelty keeper Kyle Gourlay had to be on his toes to deny Accies minutes later to stop a close range effort from a Murray cross.

The Hearts stopper was alert to stop another effort after 17 minutes. Liam Morgan brought the ball down beautifully and tried to flick it past the keeper.

It was 2-0 on 24 minutes however when Liam Morgan teed up Jake Hastie who calmly slotted the ball into the net.

Just before the half hour mark, Gourlay pulled off another great save from Morgan who curled in a shot from just outside the box. The keeper got down low to palm away the ball.

Kelty came close minutes later after winning a free kick around 12 yards out for a foul on Reece Lyon.

Ross Cunningham curled in the set piece but his effort went just just over.

Craig Johnston was next to come close when he went through on goal with just the Hamilton keeper to beat. He attempted to put the ball under Jamie Smith but his legs blocked the ball.

Minutes later, Johnston halved Accies’ lead. He received the ball in the box, turned and shot firmly into the back of the net.

Hamilton continued to pile on pressure after the break and they came close to making it three just after 50 minutes.

A corner was cleared and came out to Makenzie Kirk who squeezed in a shot which was saved well by Gourlay.

Kelty had a chance soon after when Lewis Moore crossed to the advancing Craig Johnston who side footed towards goal but his effort was saved.

Hamilton went up the other end of the pitch straight after when Kirk raced towards goal but Gourlay was on hand to stop the ball.

Liam Morgan had another chance for Accies on 65 minutes when he slotted the ball to Kirk who fired in a shot which was saved.

It was three for Accies on 77 minutes when Lewis Smith got the better of Brody Paterson made enough space to fire in a shot past Gourlay.

It was four minutes later when Jake Hastie grabbed his brace.

The ball was crossed to the attacker who pounced and hit the ball first time into the net.

With just a minute to go, Lewis Moore picked up a loose ball just outside the box and fired in a low shot which was parried by the Accies keeper before he was able to collect the ball at the second attempt.

Hamilton Accies

Smith, Longridge (Redfern 37), Hamilton, Smith, Hastie (Kalala 83), Murray (Owens 73), Winter, Hewit (Hendrie 83), Morgan, Kirk (Preston 83), Neeson.

Subs: Lane, Tumilty.

Goals: Morgan (6), Hastie (24, 80), Smith (77)

Kelty Hearts

Gourlay, Paterson, McKay (Owens B 63), Lyon, Johnston (Biabi 75), Cunningham (McGiffen 75), McCluskey (Garvie 75), Owens L, O’Donnell, McAllister (Bavidge 59), Moore.

Subs: Tidser, Campbell, Shearer.

Goals: Johnston (41)

Referee: Lloyd Wilson