Kelty heading off to sun on winning note

Kelty Hearts manager Kevin Thomson says his squad deserve their three-day break in Benidorm after a tremendous season culminating in promotion to League One.

They finished the season on a winning note but they had to fight hard for the points at Galabank and make a comeback after the home side got an early goal.

Thomson said: “I thought the boys were superb. The overall performance, the way we played, the goals we scored was great but I was disappointed with the goal we conceded – but the mentality of the group, the desire to keep going on and winning the league with five games to spare is testament to the group’s resolve.

“The boys have their break in Benidorm thanks to the club, which is a nice gesture.”

The champions started strongly and dominated for much of the match.

However, disaster struck the Maroon Machine in the 22nd minute when Annan took the lead thanks to an own goal when Thomas Reilly headed a cross past keeper Darren Jamieson.

Eight minutes later Kelty were on level terms when Max Kucheriavyi found Kallum Higginbotham to first-time a 20-yarder into the net.

Higginbotham brought out a fine save from Annan keeper Greig Fleming with a drive from 18 yards, then a minute later it was a repeat move with Fleming bringing off another fine stop from the Kelty ace.

A minute into first-half stoppage time, Kelty took the lead when Alfredo Agyeman was left clear and he fired a 20-yard shot high into the net.

Annan made four substitutions early in the second half to try to get back on level terms.

Aiden Smith shot past the upright while Kelty’s Scott Hooper saw his header go just wide of the goal.