Bairnstorming show from Kelty

FALKIRK 2 KELTY HEARTS 2

Michael Tidser has challenged his Kelty Hearts players to keep progressing after they pushed League One champions Falkirk to their limits.

The Bairns looked set for another dominating victory after Calvin Miller fired them ahead with eight minutes on the clock.

But the sending-off of their skipper Coll Donaldson nine minutes later swung the game in the direction of the visitors.

Leon McCann’s own goal levelled matters, and although Kelty fell behind again after a neat finish from Callumn Morrison, Reece Lyon netted another equaliser a minute later.

There were a host of chances in the second half as Kelty pursued a winner, but they had to settle for a share of the spoils in the end – meaning Falkirk’s unbeaten league run has now reached 34 matches.

“In there after the game, it was like a morgue – there was no music playing,” Tidser said of his team’s dressing room. “We’ve come here and absolutely dominated them – it shows you how far we’ve come.

“They were hanging on to their record as well – we threw the kitchen sink at them but just couldn’t get that third goal. We’ve more than matched them. The lads have been first class for us and I’m super proud of every one of them.

“I’m really pleased with how far we’ve come, the progression this season – we just need to keep going and see where we are on May 4.”

Kelty remain in contention for a promotion play-off place after finding form at the business end of the season.

Results over the weekend mean that the Maroon Machine trail Montrose in third by three points, with Stewart Petrie’s side the visitors to New Central Park on Saturday.

Tidser admits that his team’s success over the course of his time in charge has defied his expectations, and the gaffer heaped praise on the support of everyone at the club for the strides they have made.

“With two games to go, we’ve given ourselves a wee glimmer,” he added.

“When I walked into the building as manager, we didn’t have a single player signed except for a few young lads.

“How far we’ve come as a group has been remarkable. That’s not down to me, that’s down to my staff, people up the stairs – a collective effort.

“We’ve been good but I want to try to be better. That’s always been my attitude as a player and it’ll certainly be my attitude as a manager.”