Kelty boss not downbeat
MICHAEL Tidser refused to be too downbeat after the strength in depth of a Hamilton side with “triple our budget” proved decisive at New Central Park.
Kelty were well in the game until around the hour mark when Accies introduced more quality from the bench and their ‘ finishers’ wrestled the points away inside 10 minutes.
Subs Ryan One, Euan Henderson and Lewis Smith were involved in Reghan Tumilty’s opening goal and expertly combined for the second, with One adding the finishing touch.
Hearts never looked like getting back into the contest and only a tremendous save from Kyle Gourlay prevented Accies from being three and easy at time up.
Tidser described the match as “hugely frustrating” and said: “It’s probably the first time we’ve lacked a real cutting edge.
“We had a couple of wee chances in the first half but we weren’t really at it in the second half.
“I can’t be too critical, the lads have been brilliant and they’re playing against a full- time team who have probably triple our budget and nearly double our squad in terms of numbers.
“One of my best mates, Lee Kilday, plays for them, we speak every day so I know they’re a good side.
“Sometimes you just have to take your medicine. We’ll dust ourselves down and go again next week.”
Hamilton had game changers among the nine subs they listed, while Kelty could only name six and that included three teenagers and a 20- year- old.
The player boss knows they need new recruits and said: “We’re trying, I think most clubs are, but it needs to be the right fit.
“There’s no point just bringing in numbers to sit on the bench, I want them in competing to play.
“We’re trying to add and trying to strengthen all the time, I think we need that as it’s a long season.
“Defensively, we’re trying to bring in someone who can play or provide a bit of cover. Up top, can we add another one to CJ ( Craig Johnston) and Botti ( Biabi) to try and get goals?
“That’s what wins you games ultimately.”
Rather than new faces, it was a familiar one who posed problems early on as ex- Kelty man Jamie Barjonas made a swift return to New Central Park in Accies colours.
He got a ‘ welcome back’ boot in the shins from Adam Corbett, after he cheekily put the ball through the full back’s legs, and his guile helped prise open the home defence for Andy Winter and Kevin O’Hara to take pot shots at Gourlay.
Kelty began slowly but eventually mustered a wayward drive from Tiwi Daramola and a bouncing effort on the turn from Johnston that was safely gathered.
Dylan Tait looked certain to score for Hamilton on the half hour only for Gourlay and Jason Thomson to somehow deny him from three yards out.
Corbett’s accuracy was just off with a curler he aimed at the top corner and Stefan McCluskey should have done better than lash the ball high over the bar from the edge of the box.
Into the second half, Hamilton’s triple substitution paid off instantly with the unmarked Tumilty rapping the ball past Gourlay from a tight angle in the 59th minute.
Daramola fired past the post as Hearts tried to hit back but in the 68th minute Henderson and Smith teed up One for a close range finish.
Biabi came on for Tidser as Kelty gambled with two up front but they couldn’t find a way back.
Hearts almost conceded again in the last minute but Gourlay’s tremendous one- handed save prevented Kyle MacDonald’s shot finding the top corner.
Tidser reflected: “There wasn’t much in it first half. They got their goals at good times in the second half, they were able to manage the game and see it out.
“It would have been interesting if we had got the first goal and see how they adapted to it.
“I said to the lads they need to learn from it and stick together. There’s no point in bickering and going in the huff.”
He continued: “It’s fine margins, especially in this division. You really need to take your chances when they come because sometimes you only get one or two.
“I’m disappointed. It’s easy to go and rant and rave, shout and throw things but that’s not the way I want to be. There’s lots to work on but it’s still a new group.
“Alloa will be a tough test but it’s up to us to bounce back and hopefully put in a better performance for the 90 minutes.”
KELTY HEARTS: Gourlay, Corbett, O’Ware, Thomson, B Owens ( O’Donnell 84), Tidser ( Biabi 71), Daramola ( Cunningham 62), Lyon, McCluskey, Moore, Johnston. Subs not used: Campbell, L Owens, Cameron.
HAMILTON: Smith, Tumilty, O’Brien, Kilday, Longridge ( McGinn 90), Barjonas ( Murray 82), Martin, MacDonald, Winter ( Henderson 59), Tait ( One 59), O’Hara ( Smith 59). Subs not used: Lane, Zanatta, McGlynn, Hewitt.
Booked: Martin ( 51), Longridge ( 55).
Goals: Tumilty ( 59), One ( 68).