Hearts too strong for Jags
Bathgate Thistle ..... 0 Kelty Hearts............4
Premier League Bathgate Thistle showed plenty of heart in their East of Scotland Cup defeat at home to Superleague heavyweights Kelty.
Hearts went into the contest sitting top of the Superleague having won all six of their games and they showed just why with an accomplished display at Creamery Park.
The Jags started the game well and played some decent football with Robbie Feeney forcing a neat save from Kyle Marley.
However, moments later Kelty were in front when Stuart Cargill scored the first of his three goals when he tapped the ball home from six yards out.
The visitors took control of the game with Cargill missing a couple of decent chances to extend their lead but the Jags held firm to trail by a single goal and keep themselves very much in the contest.
They enjoyed their best spell in the opening 15 minutes of the second half but were unable to make it count with a goal.
Hassan Nyang’s thunderous strike from 25 yards stung the hands of the diving Marley, while Dalrymple blazed over the bar.
The game turned on its head shortly after as Cargill fired home at the back post before he completed his hat-trick from the spot as Kelty were awarded a questionable penalty.
He sent Michael Watson the wrong way with a cool finish to make sure there would be no upset by Andrew Colley’s side.
Sean O’Neill headed home in the dying stages to give the scoreline an unfair look for the Jags who put in a great shift.
They’re back in league action on Saturday at home to Haddington.