DUNDONALD Bluebell got the win on Saturday they needed to earn their place in the East Super League.

Meanwhile Kelty Hearts’ bid to finish runners-up was delayed by Hill of Beath Hawthorn as they shared the points at Central Park, while Lochore Welfare finished the season on a high by hitting a second successive six goal haul.

Dundee Violet 0,

Dundonald Bluebell 5.

THE mathematical equation was simple, any sort of win would out Bluebell up.

Dundee Violet are safe from relegation so there was no pressure on them but they faced a really determined Bluebell side looking to make up for the disappointment of the defeat last weekend against Arniston.

Dundonald came out of the blocks fast and they swarmed around the Violet goal with the big Moorside travelling support looking for an early goal to settle the nerves.

There were a few close calls for the home side but in 13 minutes the breakthrough came when Calum Young was in the perfect spot to fire the visitors ahead.

Violet were at sixes and sevens defensively and Ben Anthony’s pace was posing them a lot of trouble.

Indeed, the home ‘keeper had to make two great stops before former Cowdenbeath front man Anthony lobbed the last line to double the lead.

The Bluebell midfield were in complete control and the home defence had to work overtime to avoid an avalanche of goals.

However, it was not long before Scott Orrock finished well to make it 3-0 and then before the break Scott Lawrie added number four with a neat header.

The job was all but done, but Violet defended a little better in the second period as Dundonald took their foot of the pedal but there were still chances for Bluebell and Anthony and Young both brought out good saves from the ‘keeper.

There were a few misses as well from the visitors but a fifth goal eventually came from the spot when Lawrie converted after he had been fouled.

It completed a fine day and league season for Dundonald Bluebell who have qualified for the top division for the first time in the club’s history.

They have finished on 64 points and lead the table on goal difference from Jeanfield Swifts who have two games in hand.

With relegated Oakley to play this midweek it is likely that the Perthshire side will pip Bluebell for the title, but really stepping up was the main agenda item for Dundonald this season.

Manager Craig Morrison was simply delighted with the performances against Oakley last Wednesday and Violet which saw 11 goals for and none against.

He said: “After the disappointment against Arniston we set the target of beating Oakley and Violet and with scores of 6-0 and 5-0 I could not have asked for any more from the lads.

“In both games they grabbed the initiative very early and scored some cracking goals.

“It has been a season of good consistent performances in both the league and cup competitions and now we can look forward to playing the likes of Boness, Linlithgow and Kelty on a regular basis.

“I have to thank the players for their efforts, they were brilliant all season and also the committee for their backing. It was brilliant after the game to see the look of pleasure on their faces”.

Kelty Hearts 1,

Hill of Beath Hawthorn 1.

SO Hearts go into the last week of the East Super League season needing four points to achieve their goal of the runner-up spot a year after the won the title.

Taking on their old rivals at Central Park was always going to be a tough ask and while both teams still had a lot to play for silverware was not on the agenda but that did not stop several hard tackles going in.

Hearts started the game with plenty of possession but the Haws defence containing all the main contenders due to suspensions ending, was never really in any trouble.

Stuart Hall had a couple of saves while at the other end the home defence kept Calum Adamson and co at arms’ length.

However, with 20 minutes on the clock the home side went ahead when the Haws’ defence failed to clear a corner and the ball was returned into the box when Brian Ritchie was lying handy to score with a looping header.

Hearts continued to dominate the ball but there were a couple of half chances for Haws and at the break Ritchie’s goal separated the sides.

The second period saw Hill of Beath make a good start to the game and in 55 minutes Stephen Husband gave away a foul on the edge of the Kelty box and up stepped Scott McCrindle to curle the ball into the net.

Hearts had young striker Joe Kirby in their ranks and he had a couple of decent runs as did Scott Gates down the left but nothing came of their work.

And with ten minutes to go Aaron Hay had a great chance for Haws and his fierce drive deflected off home player/boss Tom Courts and flew out for a corner.

The game finished level and it leaves Kelty lying third, a point behind Linlithgow who they play at Central Park next Saturday. So they have to beat Fauldhouse on Wednesday and then not lose to Rose to achieve their runners-up goal.

Meanwhile Haws lie in eighth spot on 41 points, a defence season but manager Bobby Wilson felt that they should really be looking at top six: “It was a real old fashioned derby match with Hearts having a lot of the ball.

“We defended well and created a few good openings but a draw was a fair result.

“It was a bit of a frustrating season for we have the opportunities to get the five por six points which would have given us fifth place.

“I hope that we can bring two or three good quality players to give the squad that depth you need to be up their challenging.”

Lochore Welfare 6,

Lochee Harp 2.

A SECOND successive six goal haul for Welfare who confirmed sixth spot in the North Division table.

Lochore started the game well and in ten minutes went ahead when Lee Celentano’s corner was converted by Craig McGuire at the back post.

Then a cross was perfect for Celentano to tap in number two before a poor clearance by the Lochee ‘keeper went to Celentano and he cleverly chipped the ball home.

It was all Lochore and before the interval Daniel Watt worked a good move and ran through to net.

The second period saw more good work from Lochore and a 25 yarder from Celentano saw him complete his hat-trick, but credit to Harp they came back into things and grabbed two goals.

However, Welfare kept working hard and late in the game Trialist worked a one-two then ran through and chipped the ‘keeper.

Lochore player/coach John Cusick, who announced after the game he is stepping down from his role, said: “We played really well and scored several excellent goals early in the game to take charge.

“To finish with two six goal performance against Newburgh and Lochee was really pleasing for the players and to secure sixth spot shows what can maybe achieved next season.

“I am going to take a season out to spend more time with the family, but Lee Dair is going to keep going and I am sure the team can be up their challenging next season.”

Fixtures, Wednesday, McBookie.com East Super League, Fauldhouse United v Kelty Hearts (7.15pm). Saturday, McBookie.com East Super League, Kelty Hearts v Linlithgow Rose (2.30pm).