KELTY HEARTS 2 Edinburgh City 2, cinch SPFL League Two

KELTY HEARTS conceded a stoppage time equaliser as Edinburgh City roared back from two goals down to earn a deserved point this afternoon.

Joe Cardle's double either side of half time looked like giving the SPFL League Two leaders victory but, after Danny Handling brought Gary Naysmith's side back into it with 15 minutes to go, Jack Brydon's header three minutes into time added on saw them denied.

Post-match, home gaffer Kevin Thomson reflected that his side should have managed their lead better going into the closing stages, but it would've been harsh on Edinburgh had they left with nothing.

They produced some good moments throughout - with Cardle's fine lob for the opening goal coming after an encouraging start for the visitors - and they continued to probe even after they fell two goals behind early in the second half.

Despite the disappointment of dropping two points, Kelty remain seven points clear at the top, with two games in hand, after nearest challengers Forfar Athletic drew at third top Annan Athletic by the same scoreline.

The men in maroon can now switch their attention to Scottish Cup duty, when Premiership St Johnstone - the holders - come to town next Saturday in what will be Kelty's first-ever fourth round match in the competition.

Home boss Thomson made four changes to the side that were convincing 3-0 winners at Stirling Albion last weekend.

Defender Dougie Hill, and midfielders Jamie Barjonas and Thomas Reilly, missed out having picked up injuries that forced them off at Forthbank, while Robbie McNab dropped to a bench that only contained five players.

Jordon Forster returned from suspension to partner Thomas O'Ware at the heart of the defence, with Daniel Finlayson replacing McNab at right back, while on-loan Livingston midfielder, Harrison Clark, was handed his first start as Botti Biabi was also promoted to the starting line-up.

The home side had won both of the season's meetings between the sides - 1-0 at New Central Park, and 3-2 in the capital - coming into this one and they were out to protect a seven-point lead at the top, and an unbeaten record at home in the league.

However, it was Gary Naysmith's visitors who would've been the most satisfied with the opening quarter, who passed the ball around confidently and had some opportunities of their own.

Former Hearts and Inverness midfielder Anthony McDonald, who also had a brief spell on loan with Dunfermline during the 2019/20 campaign, was at the heart of a lot of their early endeavours.

Although Finlayson sent an effort wide for Kelty, City were impressing in the opening 20 minutes, with McDonald and Callum Tapping both shooting wide after some neat build-up play, while Innes Murray - who scored in the last meeting between the sides - was unfortunate with a 25-yard free-kick just wide of Darren Jamieson's right-hand post.

Then, almost out of nothing, the hosts took the lead in the 27th minute - and it was a goal that showcased the ability within their ranks.

Kallum Higginbotham was the creator, floating a lovely ball over the City defence to find the run of Cardle, who sent a delicate lob, played to perfection, over goalkeeper Brian Schawe and into the net.

Higginbotham then fancied getting in on the action with an ambitious half-volley, which sailed over, while skipper Michael Tidser fired wide from a free-kick as he attempted to make the game safe for Kelty.

Substitute Alfredo Agyeman also tried his luck, with Schawe saving well from his effort across goal, but it was City who had the final say.

Although they had a corner in the third minute of stoppage time cleared, another cross into the box was met by Brydon at the far post, who headed home to earn Edinburgh a point.

Kelty Hearts: Jamieson, Finlayson, Forster, O'Ware, Ngwenya, Cardle, Tidser, Clark (McNab 63), Higginbotham, Biabi (Agyeman 63), Austin (Philp 83).

Subs not used: Peggie, Donaldson.

Goals: Cardle (27, 56).

Booked: Higginbotham (44), Austin (46).

Edinburgh City: Schawe, Stirling (Robertson 66), McDonald (Reekie 90), Tapping, See, Handling, Logan, Brydon, Brian (Farrell 87), Murray, Travis.

Subs not used: Jarron, Berry, Farrell, Leighfield.

Goals: Handling (75), Brydon (90).

Booked: Travis (41), Murray (86).

Referee: Stewart Luke.

Attendance: 499.