STORM Dennis caused havoc for the local football programme and only two games involving local sides went ahead as wind and rain battered east central Scotland.

Kelty Hearts and Hill of Beath Hawthorn were in action and both produced important results.

The Spartans 0 Kelty Hearts 1

HEARTS struck late for an important three points in this Lowland League clash at Ainslie Park.

Strong winds meant chances were at a premium although good play from Stephen Husband set up Ross Philp only for a last gasp tackle to keep him out.

In the 27th minute Spartans had the ball in the net but the referee ruled it out for a foul.

Kelty then went close to going ahead with a Nathan Austin shot which whistled just wide.

No goals at the break and a lack of goalmouth action to keep the hardy fans interested. A draw looked certain with both defences determined to give nothing away.

But Kelty upped their game and were rewarded with just three minutes left when Dylan Easton fired the ball into the net.

They closed ranks and held on for a win which keeps them six points ahead of Bonnyrigg Rose, who had a comfortable win at home to Edinburgh University, with two games more played.

Hearts host Rose in what could be a title showdown at New Central Park a week on Saturday.

Musselburgh 1 Hill of Beath 1

AN East of Scotland League Premier Division point for Haws but they really should have won at Olivebank.

Hill of Beath had the wind advantage in the first half and midfielder Rory Harrower rapped Athletic's bar with Daniel Watt heading over on the follow-up.

The pitch started to cut up due to the rain and the teams were struggling to create chances.

Midway through the half Musselburgh were reduced to 10 men after a bad tackle on Watt.

Haws looked to use the extra man to get the opener but it was goalless at the interval.

Early in the second period Haws’ Calum Adamson went clean through but chose to shoot rather than pass to Watt who was in a better position.

They missed out there but the introduction of Joe Kirby and Lee Reid gave Hill of Beath a spark and they put the home side under heavy pressure.

It looked like they'd won it in the 89th minute when Kirby’s corner was perfect for Rikki Patrick to head the Haws ahead.

But three minutes into time added on, a Musselburgh corner was swung in and a shot beat Stuart Hall, but Reid popped up on the line to save with his hand.

After the sub had been red carded Athletic levelled from the spot. The late goal denied the Haws the two points which would have closed the gap on leaders Bo'ness United.

They are nine adrift with two games in hand, and boss John Mitchell said: “We played pretty solidly against a strong side but having got the lead with time added on approaching we should have dealt better with the corner that led to the equaliser.

“The lads were disappointed not to hold on for the win but I felt we played reasonably well against a good team.”

Fixtures, Saturday, East of Scotland Premier Division, Crossgates Primrose v Newtongrange Star (2.30), Dunbar United v Hill of Beath Hawthorn (2.30), Dundonald Bluebell v Linlithgow Rose (2.30).

South Super League, Livingston United v Lochore Welfare (2.30). Fife and Lothians Cup, Lochgelly Albert v Thornton Hibs (2.30).