Lyons brace seals spot in play-offs for Gable Endies

Two goals from Blair Lyons ended any faint play-off hopes for Kelty Hearts as Montrose headed back north with all three points.

The win made sure that the Gable Endies will be taking part in the play-offs after securing the final place and leaving Kelty down in fifth spot.

Lyons was the hero for the visitors, his brace ended the club’s recent losing streak and dealt the home side their first defeat in five games.

Player-manager Michael Tidser said they had “given it their all” and it was a great achievement for the club and the players after only two years in this division.

“I always try to take positives but I’m disappointed that we couldn’t make it,” he said. “It’s just about regrouping in the summer and try and go one better, because you always want to try and do better than the season before.”

Tidser said he had a tough task on his hands at the start of the season but praised his squad.

He said: “The staff have been great and the players first class and it’s difficult to single out any one.

“We’ll go again next week and although there’s not much to play for, three points is three points and we’ve got to try and win at Hamilton.”

Kane Hester had the visitors’ first chance after 14 minutes when he tried a shot from 12 yards but keeper Kyle Gourlay got to the ball. Craig Brown came close with a header a minute later.

The Gable Endies got the break in the 16th minute when Blair Lyons fastened on to a ball from Andrew Steeves and shot past Gourlay from 10 yards.

Craig Johnston almost got the equaliser in the 24th minute but his shot was stopped by the visiting keeper and, soon after, Stefan McCluskey had a great chance but he shot past the post.

Four minutes after the restart Graham Webster had a chance for the visitors but shot past, and then Ross Matthews brought off a fine save from an Alfie Bavidge shot from just inside the box.

Bavidge, who was causing the visitors problems, had another chance in the 53rd minute but was just wide of the target.

Then a minute later Montrose broke away and Lyons got his second goal when he turned in the box and fired hard and low into the bottom corner past Gourlay.

Ross Cunningham, Jo McGlynn and Lewis Moore all had chances for the home side as they fought to get back on level terms.

Blair Lyons celebrates his second goal at Kelty.