Austin nets another treble in Kelty win

Lowland League leaders Kelty Hearts stay six points clear of Bonnyrigg after their 4-1 win over Caledonian Braves at New Central Park.

Nathan Austin was again their talisman, bagging another hat-trick to take his season’s league tally to 34.

Braves fought hard in the opening spell, but Austin made the breakthrough after 26 minutes and then doubled his side’s lead on the hour mark.

Dylan Easton added a third after 73 minutes and two minutes later Austin completed his treble. Mark Kelly scored Braves’ late consolation.

Hill of Beath were held to a 1-1 draw away to Newtongrange but cut the gap on Premier Division leaders Bo’ness, whose game was postponed, to 10 points with three games in hand.

Calum Adamson scored for Haws in the first period, but Star struck back to level after the break.

It was a bad day for Jeanfield Swifts as they slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Crossgates Primrose which ended a five-game winning streak.

Swifts had their chances – including a Chris McLeish penalty that was saved – and paid the price for failing to take them.

In a match switched to Countess Park, Dundonald Bluebell edged out Dunbar United 4-3.

Michael McFarlane gave the hosts the lead after just three minutes, but Stuart Cargill levelled from a penalty before the break.

The visitors took a 3-1 lead after a crazy three minutes early in the second half.

Cargill raced clear and slotted home and then Calum Strang netted after a free-kick was spilled by the Dunbar keeper. However, in the next attack, Dean Ballantyne reduced the leeway and the home side were left seething after the ref ruled out another Ballantyne counter.

Instead Cargill squared for Chris Gay to fire in Bluebells’ fourth.

Three minutes from time Fraser McLaren scored from an acute angle to signal a frantic finish, but despite a late rally the Fifers held on.

Glenrothes held off a strong second half comeback from Haddington Athletic in a Conference A/B clash.

The HiHi’s made the better start, but found themselves two down at the break with Blair Smart opening the scoring on 33 minutes and Owen Andrew netting a minute later.

Smart was on target early in the second half to add a third, only for the visitors to hit back strongly with goals from George Cunningham after 64 minutes and Aaron Congalton eight minutes later. Glens, though, held on for the three points.

Oakley’s visit to Conference B side Dalkeith turned out to be the proverbial game of two halves.

Stewart Kenny’s side went in two up and cruising thanks to goals from Stuart Love and Craig Martin.

Unfortunately they didn’t turn up second half and were bombarded by the hosts who scored three times and thoroughly deserved their victory.

It was, however, a blank day for the remaining Courier Country clubs with the Inverkeithing HS and Kinnoull clash and Burntisland’s game at Arniston Rangers both postponed due to waterlogged pitches.