KELTY HEARTS are preparing for “arguably one of the biggest games” in its history when they host English opposition tomorrow.

The Lowland League title hopefuls, who thrashed Gretna 2008 by an astonishing 10-0 scoreline at New Central Park on Saturday, will take on National League Solihull Moors in the third round of the Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Cup.

The New Central Park club are competing in the competition for the first time and, having overcome Kilmarnock Colts and Annan Athletic, will play a Midlands outfit sitting seventh in the fifth tier of the English football pyramid.

It’s the start of a big few weeks for Barry Ferguson’s men, whose victory last weekend kept them a point behind leaders Bonnyrigg Rose, and includes a live on TV Scottish Cup first round date with junior big guns Auchinleck Talbot on September 20.

Speaking to Times Sport, general manager Dean Mckenzie, believes the Solihull tie has “got to be up there” with one of the biggest Kelty have played in, commenting: “We’ve been in two junior cup finals, which have been our biggest games, but arguably this is one of the biggest games we’ve played.

“It’s all hands on deck to make sure the ground is ready, and we hope that the village, our supporters and friends will turn out, and I’m sure they will.

“It’s definitely caught the imagination, with it being Scotland versus England, and Barry actually stayed in Solihull when he played for Birmingham. The former secretary at Birmingham when Barry was there is now the secretary at Solihull as well!

“We’re expecting a crowd close to 1,000; for big games, we seem to get them. We’re treating the competition with the utmost respect, and we want to do well, but Solihull will come here as very strong favourites, so there will be a bit of pressure off us.

“It’s going to be a big few weeks and we’re all looking forward to it. We’re in a good place just now.”

Free-scoring Kelty, whose only loss was at the hands of Cumbernauld Colts, having defeated Annan on spot-kicks four days earlier, have now hit the net an incredible 40 times in just seven league fixtures following the demolition of Gretna.

Summer signing Nathan Austin took his tally for the season to 17 after helping himself to four, a feat matched on the day by Chris Dodd.

Murray Carstairs and Scott Linton were Kelty’s other goalscorers, and influential midfielder, Stephen Husband, says they’re relishing the chance to test themselves against their opponents from south of the border.

“It’s massive. After going through against Annan, everyone was excited and wanted a home tie,” he said.

“Solihull Moors are a top side. It should be a good game, and a good crowd through the door. It will be good to see where you’re at.

“We’re scoring a lot of goals but we’re doing well in terms of keeping clean sheets. We had a wee slip-up against Cumbernauld Colts, but that was after a tough game against Annan. We’d had a big high on the Tuesday, coming back with 10 men and winning on penalties, but we bounced back against Vale of Leithen and Spartans.

“We’ve scored 22 goals, and conceded none, in our last three games. We’ve made a good few signings; the gaffer’s brought in boys he knows and know how he wants to play, and it shows with our results.”

Tomorrow’s match is pay at the gate, £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.