Vale of Leithen 0-4 Kelty Hearts

By Callum Hodgson

at Victoria Park

VALE boss Chris Anderson said his team “ran out of steam” on Saturday, as new boys Kelty Hearts claimed a four goal victory at Victoria Park.

The Innerleithen side came into the game following fantastic wins over Gretna and East Stirlingshire.

But they faced an uphill battle from the start — losing captain Ainslie Hunter to a back injury in the warm up and David Bonnar, who picked up a knock early in the first half.

Anderson told us: “We have played well over the last few weeks, but I think it has taken its toll on us.

“We put a lot into the East Stirlingshire game in midweek and I think we just ran out of steam today.

“It was a massive blow for us to lose Ainslie in the warm up. He has been excellent for us, as has David Bonnar.

“We have just got to try and bounce back next week when we head to Edusport.”

The Vale started the game brightly, but were undone in the 26th minute.

Conrad Courts floated a corner into the box, which was met by the head of Murray Carstairs who powered the ball past Ross Gilpin.

The home side tried to respond immediately after the restart, but Sean Stewart fired his effort narrowly past the post.

But just four minutes later, Hearts doubled their advantage.

Scott-Taylor Mackenzie on the left picked out Stuart Cargill, who tapped in.

Just before the interval Gilpin made a fine save to deny Carstairs making it 3-0.

But just moments into the second half, Kelty were awarded a penalty when Ally Smith brought down Scott Dalziel while trying to scramble the ball away.

Former Blackpool and Dunfermline midfielder Stephen Husband stepped up and lashed the ball down the left hand side to extend the visitors’ lead.

Vale struggled to create chances, and Kelty looked dangerous from set plays.

And on 74 minutes they wrapped the game up when Cargill burst down the right and played in substitute Matthew Gay who slotted in.

The Vale did have one last chance just before the final whistle, but Paul Dickson struck his free kick past the post.

Vale of Leithen: R Gilpin, A Smith, C McBride, P Dickson, M Berry (G Rossi 64), R Currie, B Rixon, K Allen, J Elliot, D Bonnar (R Brady 30), S Stewart. Subs not used: A Imlah