THE freezing weather of Friday night saw Saturday’s football reduced to one game.

The big Football Nation Qualifying Cup derby, between Crossgates Primrose and Hill of Beath Hawthorn, was one of the casualties and the game that beat the frost was Kelty Hearts v Gretna in the same competition.

Kelty Hearts 5,

Gretna 2008 1.

THIS was a game which saw Kelty completely dominate the first-half and Nathan Austin hit a hat-trick to put the home side on course to victory.

The second period saw a lot less activity around the Gretna goal but the game was won in that hectic first 45.

Hearts started the game busily and it needed some desperate work by the 2008 defence to keep the hosts out and Thomas Reilly fired over from the edge of the box.

In nine minutes Kelty went ahead. Ross Philp showed some fine finishing by firing home after the hosts had moved well into the danger area.

In 22 minutes the visitors were two adrift when the ball was switched across the face of the Gretna box and Austin was waiting to head home at the far post.

Cammy Russell started the move which saw number three soon after which saw the ball deep in the Gretna box and there was Austin who slotted it into the net.

Hearts were all over Gretna and on the half hour the game was all but over.

The under pressure visitors were struggling and a handball offence saw a penalty awarded and Austin completed his treble from the spot.

Amazingly a minute later the visitors conceded another penalty as they were being overwhelmed and Scott Linton this time converted.

Gretna managed to get forward a few times before the break but at the turnaround they were five adrift.

The second period saw a Linton free-kick strike a defender and the Gretna ‘keeper made a great save then Russell showed good control but his effort was blocked.

However, in 61 minutes Gretna pulled one back when a shot from all of 40 yards found its way into the net.

The game was a bit more even now but Russell came close again for Hearts and then Linton’s drive hit a defender when it looked goalbound.

There were a few raids for 2008 and Ben Mackenzie dealt well with a couple of set pieces and in the closing stages the home side’s Fernandy Mendy picked up a second yellow and was ordered off.

The result made it Kelty’s tenth successive win in all competitions and sets them up for this coming weekend’s Lowland League match with reigning champions East Kilbride at New Central Park.

Saturday’s fixtures, Lowland League, Kelty Hearts v East Kilbride (3pm). East of Scotland Premier Division, Hill of Beath Hawthorn v Tranent (2.30), Musselburgh Athletic v Dundonald Bluebell (1.30), Newtongrange Star v Crossgates Primrose (2.30).

South Super League, Lochore Welfare v Thornton Hibs (1.45). South Division, Kirkcaldy and Dysart v Lochgelly Albert (1.45).