THE heavy overnight rain curtailed Saturday’s Non League card but the three games that did take place saw Kelty Hearts get back on the Lowland League winning trail and Hill of Beath Hawthorn produce a very encouraging South Challenge cup return.

There was no cup luck for Crossgates Primrose though in the borders while the cup-tie involving Dundonald Bluebell against Kirkintilloch Rob Roy; and Lochore Welfare’s Conference B match with Luncarty were victims of the wet weather.

Kelty Hearts 5,

Cumbernauld Colts 0.

AFTER their defeat by Lowland League leaders East Kilbride, Hearts knew there was no room for error when they took on Cumbernauld Colts at New Central Park.

Kelty had to make a fast start and inside four minutes Kallum Higginbotham went close before skipper Michael Tidser fired them ahead in seven minutes.

The former Falkirk and Morton man placed his free-kick wide of the ‘keeper from the edge of the box.

Colts hit back and a shot just cleared Scott Jamieson’s bar, but Kelty had the bit between their teeth and were putting pressure on the Cumbernauld defence.

A second goal had to come and at the end of the first quarter Jamie Stevenson’s half volley flew into the Colts’ net.

Colts were under severe pressure, but to their credit they defended well, although Tidser’s 20 yarder went just wide and then Higginbotham saw the Cumbernauld ‘keeper make a fine save.

Stevenson then hit the Colts’ bar before back in action Nathan Austin them saw two efforts go close before the break.

A foul in the Cumbernauld box saw a penalty awarded to Kelty 10 minutes into the second period but Austin’s spot-kick was saved, although in 66 minutes the ‘keeper was given no chance by Dylan Easton’s 25 yarder.

The game was racing away from the visitors and with 12 minutes left Austin pot the goal he wanted to complete his return to action, with a good finish.

Colts kept battling but they lost a fifth late on when Higginbotham’s shot was blocked and Easton fired home the rebound.

Despite the loss to EK the results over the past week still keep Hearts in the race for the top of the table spot with them just two points adrift.

Glasgow University 0,

Hill of Beath Beath Hawthorn 1.

THIS Soccer Shop South Challenge Cup match was staged at the Excelsior Stadium, in Airdrie, and Haws used the arena to put on a much better performance, although again a lot of chances were squandered.

The University side contained a number of experienced players and made a good start to the game, although the Hill of Beath defence was solid.

In 15 minutes the visitors threatened when Joe Kinninm onth made space for himself and his 18 yarder brought out a top drawer save from the Uni ‘keeper.

Soon after Glasgow put together a good move and Haws’ ‘keeper Rab McFarlane made a superb stop to keep his team level, but in 29 minutes the breakthrough came for the visitors.

Lyle Kellichan’s corner deceived the Uni ‘keeper and the ball drifted into the net.

There were a couple of half chances for the Haws to get a second, but at the break Kellichan’s goal separated the sides.

Hill of Beath dominated the early stages of the second period and a wicked free-kick from Brandon Luke was brilliantly saved, then minutes later, from a similar situation, Jake Mitchell saw the Glasgow last line make a fine save.

Striker Ryan Connelly was next to have a go for Haws and again the Glasgow goalkeeper pulled off a great stop.

McFarlane was a virtual spectator, as his team dominated possession and there was some controversy midway through the half when a strong pass-back from a Uni defender went wide of the ‘keeper and looked to be rolling into the net when the desperate last line dived on the ball, but with the referee unsighted the Haws’claims that the ball crossed the line were turned aside.

Haws kept looking for a second but the well organised visitors defended well, although they could not stop the visitors getting into the third round.

After a traumatic run of defeats and sendings-off, Haws boss John Mitchell was delighted with the way his team played at the Excelsior: “We used the massive pitch at Airdrie well and created a lot of chances.

“To be honest Glasgow University were a much better side than I expected and defended well, but we played some really good stuff and I suppose we could have scored a lot more goals.

“The discipline was much better too so all in all it was a very good performance.”

He added: “Several players are coming back from injury and suspension so we will be better placed for some very difficult fixtures in December .”

Coldstream 2,

Crossgates Primrose 0.

PRIMROSE went to Coldstream confident of making the third round of the Soccer Shop South Challenge Cup, but the East of Scotland First Division Conference A side had other ideas.

The Humbug Park men headed south without several regulars ,out through injuries, and the home side attacked strongly from the first whistle.

However, Craig Burt made a couple of good saves for the visitors and at the other end Archie Campbell went close for Primrose.

Coldstream looked a useful side and in the 35th minute took the lead with a neat piece of finishing.

That was it at the break but Primrose started the second period in a positive fashion and had a couple of half chances without breaking through.

Then in 56 minutes Coldstream caught out the Primrose defence for a second time and the visitors were facing an uphill task.

They kept working hard though and had chances to get back in the game but some good goalkeeping, and some misses, saw the Humbug men bow out of the competition.

Wednesday’s fixture, Lowland League, Cumbernaul Colts v Kelty Hearts 7.30pm.

Saturday, Lowland League, Gala Fairydean Rovers v Kelty Hearts 3pm. East of Scotland Premier League, Whitehill Welfare v Hill of Beath Hawthorn 2.30pm, Blackburn United v Dundonald Bluebell, Crossgates Primrose v Camelon 2pm. EoS First Division Conference B, Lochore Welfare v Easthouses Lily 2pm, Kinnoull v Lochgelly Albert 2pm.