A GREAT result for Dundonald Bluebell but a disappointing loss of two points for Kelty Hearts were the talking points in Saturday’s curtailed football card.

Hearts are third in the Lowland League table, but seven points adrift of top spot, while Dundonald sit second top of EoS League Conference B.

Kelty Hearts 0,

Vale of Leithen 0.

HEARTS would have expected to beat 13th placed in the Lowland League, Vale of Leithen, but the struggling visitors closed ranks and produced some resolute defending.

The opening stages of the game saw Kelty dominate possession but the visiting defence stood up well to the challenge.

Vale did not have many clear openings but their work rate kept asking questions of Hearts and there were only a couple of clear chances in the first half hour.

MaCauley had a really good opening for the home side but his shot was well held by the Vale ‘keeper.

Goalless at the break the game was proving tougher than expected for Kelty but they opened the second period well and Finn Graham went close with five on the clock and then new signing from Jeanfield Swifts, Chris Dodd, fired over from close in on the hour.

Shaun Greig shot over from a good position as Hearts stepped up the pressure but Vale were still battling and not giving anything away.

In the closing ten minutes there were a few close calls for Vale but they kept working hard and denied the hosts the win they wanted.

East Kilbride lead the Lowland League on 38 points with BSC Glasgow second on 34 and Hearts on 31. A lot still to play for.

Crossgates Primrose 0,

Dundonald Bluebell 3.

THIS East of Scotland League Conference B derby saw Bluebell show their credentials as challengers for the division title.

Primrose have been on a good run of results so ‘Bell knew it would not be an easy game but they started well and had a couple of early chances.

Then Dundonald went ahead after a corner was flicked on by Craig Wedderburn and Calum Smith knocked the ball over the line from close in.

Crossgates responded well and looked to get the goal back but they were defied by some good defending from Dundonald and they grabbed a second when Mike Ness headed in an Archie Campbell cross.

A good save from James Lennox assured that at the break the ‘Bell were two ahead.

Primrose needed an early goal in the second period to get back into the picture but some great work by the ‘Bell rearguard kept them out and at the other end the visitors looked capable of creating goal scoring chances.

And in 50 minutes they got a third when a corner was met by Smith and his header flew into the net from close range.

The result puts Dundonald on 30 points, four behind leaders Bonnyrigg, in second spot and manager Jason Dair was pleased with the performance: “The conditions were heavy but both teams played some good football and we took our chances well.

“Our defending was good throughout the game and it was a good three points and keeps us in second spot. Our aim is to get our top five position sorted as soon as possible.”

Saturday’s fixtures: Lowland League, Edinburgh University v Kelty Hearts (3pm).

South Division, Lochore Welfare v Armadale Thistle, West Calder United v Lochgelly Albert (1.45).