A FIRST Half goal was enough to sink Kelty Hearts in a tough affair against Cove Rangers.

In a tight game, the visitors edged to victory to stretch their unbeaten run to seven games.

After a draw on the road last week and a win the previous week, Hearts boss Michael Tidser was looking to keep the positive run going against Paul Hartley’s men.

The first half was edged by the visitors who created the majority of chances however Kelty still kept themselves in the game.

A fast and furious start for Cove saw Blair Yule force Kyle Gourlay into early action with a long shot within the opening five minutes.

Just on 15 minutes, Michael Doyle looked dangerous on the edge of the Kelty box however, after teeing up a long-range strike, his effort was way over.

Two minutes later, Paul Hartley’s team took the lead when Ramarn Burrell picked up the ball in the box.

He turned and slotted past Gourlay to give his side the advantage.

Soon after, Jamie Walker came close for Kelty when the ball came to him in the box. He turned and shot but the ball crept just wide and went out for a goal kick.

The Kelty keeper was called into action just before the 40 minute mark when Fraser Fyvie curled in a free kick which he tipped round the post.

The first half finished with a half effort from Kelty when Jason Thomson got the ball in box but he couldn't quite connect and his effort went out for a goal kick.

The second half saw Kelty assert more pressure but they were unable to capitalise and break the deadlock.

Cove came close on 55 minutes when the ball was floated into Burrell In the box who flicked his header wide.

Mitchell Megginson was next to shoot wide just before the 70 minute mark after he was put through by Burrell.

Kelty had the closest chance soon after when Adam Corbett received the ball from Lewis O’Donnell He fired in a shot which Nicolas Suman did well to tip over the bar.

The closing minutes were packed with Kelty advances but they were unable to break through the Cove defence.

Kelty Hearts

Gourlay, Corbett, Walker, Thomson, Owens F, Lyon, Johnston (Biabi 65), McCluskey (Cunningham 75), O’Donnell, Bavidge, Moore.

Subs: Daramola, Tidser, Owens L, Owens B, Campbell, Cameron, Sylla.

Booking: Corbett, O’Donnell

Cove Rangers

Suman, Jones, Doyle, Scully, Gillingham, McGowan (Connell 85), Yule, Megginson (Darge 85), Burrell (Niang 79), Fyvie, Reynolds.

Subs: Demus, Kerr, Mykata, Stewart, Williamson.

Goal: Burrell (17)

Bookings: Doyle

Attendance : 501