Stenhousemuir vs Kelty Hearts

Match Report

A fierce Warriors performance wrapped up all three points at Ochilview Park and propelled Stenny to joint league leaders.

The Warriors fiery first half performance gave Kelty Hearts very little opportunity to get themselves up the pitch. O’Reilly’s goal made all the difference at half time, however, we had a plethora of chances to edge even further ahead.

Matty Yates had an excellent opportunity to pull the Warriors ahead after a quick corner by O’Reilly came back to Yates, whose looping shot nearly crept in at the back post.

The Warriors didn’t have to wait long to open the scoring when O’Reilly netted his first goal of the season in the 14th minute. Yates’ great work to pressure the Kelty defence allowed him to pinch the ball and lay off to O’Reilly. His cross found Aitken, however the striker fluffed his lines and couldn’t get the shot away. O’Reilly’s tenacious off the ball work meant he was on hand to fire the loose ball into the bottom corner. 1-0.

Aitken had a great header in the 25th minute but the Kelty keeper was there to extinguish any danger.

We went into the break with a more than deserved lead and a performance to be proud of. This intensity continued into the second half and merited a performance worthy of three points.

Our captain, who was already having a career topping day, marked his 450th game with a fantastic goal. Just 1 minute after the restart a viciously whipped ball in by Yates made its way to the back post where Bucky was ready with a diving header to extend our lead.2-0.

Another amazing chance came for Aitken when Wedderburn’s cross found his head once again, though this time he rattled the bar.

We had a dominant display and the bulk of possession over the next 20 minutes, before Kelty rattled our stability slightly with a goal.

Kelty pulled one back in the 77th minute through Cunningham who fired in a shot on the half volley from the edge of the box. 2-1.

The next period became a bit frantic with Kelty desperately searching for an equaliser. They were thrown a lifeline in the 92nd minute after Bucky was penalised for a handball in the box. Goalscorer Cunningham stepped up to take the penalty, but man of the match, Deejay was more than equal to the task and outstandingly saved his penalty.

A palpable energy in the stadium saw us wrap up all three points and push ourselves up to joint pole position. We now look to keep the momentum going as we take on Arbroath away next weekend. Please make sure you come and support the team.

Match Report by Louise Davidson 

Preview

The Warriors are back in action on Saturday when they look to get back to winning ways against Kelty Hearts.

Ochilview Park will be home to the second clash this season against The Hearts with the Warriors aiming to secure their first victory over this side.

We last faced Kelty back at the start of the league campaign when we were on the end of a 2-0 defeat. Allan and Cunningham’s goals made all the difference for the hosts.

Kelty Hearts only sit one point in front of the Warriors, and a mere 3 points separate 1st place and 6th. With a chance to sit top of the league up for grabs this weekend, all is to play for.

Please make sure you join us at Ochilview Park this weekend. Stay up to date via all our social media channels.

Kick off: 3pm, 26th October

Location: Ochilview Park

Match Preview by Louise Davidson