KELTY HEARTS 2 COWDENBEATH 0

KELTY Hearts made history as they started their landmark season with a win over local rivals Cowdenbeath.

Their first match in the SPFL, in cinch League Two, ended with the three points staying at New Central Park.

Goals from Joe Cardle and Ross Philp gave the hosts the win with Liam Buchanan missing a penalty for the Blue Brazil with the game poised at 1-0 at the start of the second half.

It was a perfect start to the campaign for new manager Kevin Thomson and a day to learn from for Gary Bollan.

SUMMARY:

Kelty were the brighter of the two teams in the opening exchanges and as the first half progressed with the heroics of ex-Dunfermline stopper Cammy Gill keeping them out twice and in stunning fashion.

It was Jamie Barjonas who hit a shot from the edge of the area on 26 minutes that was deflected off a blue jersey. Gill was going to his left-hand side but he had to re-adjust and tip the effort onto the bar with his clawing right-hand, earning a large ovation from the away support gathered on the embankment behind the goal.

Barjonas was through again a minute later from a Higginbotham pass and it was Gill's left-hand which denied ex-Rangers man Barjonas from making it 1-0. He went with the inside of his right-foot, but the power was lacking. He should have scored, but Gill was alive to it and kept him out.

However, Joe CARDLE would be the man to open the scoring and make history after good work from Reis Peggie at left-back on 38 minutes. His pass found Cardle who advanced into the area and found a gap between the legs of Craig Barr with the ball going through him and past Cammy Gill and into the far corner on 38 minutes and Kelty's first goal in League Two.

After half-time Cowdenbeath came out strongly and, in a frantic few moments, three penalty claims were screamed for.

The first two were for handball in two separate penalty box stramashes with the third shout being given by Calum Scott.

Bobby Barr looked to go past Ross Philp on the left-side of the box and the defender's outstreched leg caught the winger on 51 minutes.

Liam Buchanan was the man tasked with the penalty but his effort was at a good height for Darren Jamieson who tipped it wide past his left-hand post.

The penalty miss and the above chances would be rued not long after as substitute Botta Biabi feigned a shot inside the area after cutting in from the left and pulled it back for Ross PHILP who redeemed his concession of a penalty with a right-foot effort high past Gill on 68 minutes.

Cowdenbeath couldn't find a way back as Gary Bollan's men started the league season with defeat.

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Goals: Cardle 38, Philp 68

Attendance: 1,202.