Match Report

Match Report by Scott Gallacher

Stenhousemuir ran out 2-0 winners against Kelty Hearts at Ochilview Park in William Hill League One.

The Warriors got off to the perfect start, with Ross Taylor scoring his second goal in as many games with seven minutes on the clock, as his magnificent strike almost burst the net.

The three points were secured in the 82nd minute when Matty Aitken received the ball inside the Kelty box and calmly slotted it into the side netting to put the result beyond doubt.

Gary Naysmith made two changes to the side from last weekend’s win in Peterhead, with Ollie Simpson and Ross Taylor coming into the starting XI, replacing Kinlay Bilham and Kane Ritchie-Hosler.

Only two minutes into the game, Matty Aitken had a strike from distance, looking for an early opener, but his effort went over the bar.

The early breakthrough soon followed. Euan O’Reilly, on his 200th appearance for the club, swung the ball into the box for Ross Taylor, who controlled well, turned, and rattled it into the roof of the net with seven minutes on the clock.

Ten minutes later, Ross Taylor embarked on another piercing run, outpacing Alasdair Davidson and almost latching onto a loose ball, but Kyle Gourlay was first to collect.

Looking to repeat his free-kick from last week, Ross Taylor struck from 28 yards out, but once again Kyle Gourlay was on hand to gather.

Kelty’s first chance of the game came from Alexander Ferguson, who had a shot from distance, but Darren Jamieson got down well to make the save.

Nicky Jamieson was first to meet a well-placed ball into the box from Ollie Simpson, but the defender narrowly missed the target.

Another ball into the box just a minute later was met by Euan O’Reilly, which looked set to nestle into the net to cap off his 200th appearance, however Kyle Gourlay saved well.

Two shots in quick succession from Kelty Hearts at the end of the half, from Ross Cunningham and James Graham, were both kept out, with the latter sailing well over the bar.

Half-Time: Stenhousemuir 1-0 Kelty Hearts

Stenhousemuir’s relentless rhythm continued into the second half, and Ross Taylor almost turned provider as he found skipper Gregor Buchanan inside the box, but his header was well saved by Kyle Gourlay.

Another free-kick from just outside the Kelty box, taken by Ross Taylor, was aimed towards the bottom right corner, but Gourlay was again equal to it.

Kelty’s Lewis Moore had a volleyed effort which narrowly went wide of the right post as the visitors searched for a way back into the game.

A deserved second for Stenhousemuir came in the 82nd minute. Superb footwork from Ollie Simpson allowed him to deliver into the box to Ross Taylor, who flicked the ball on to Matty Aitken, who then slotted home from close range.

This would seal all three points and means that Stenhousemuir remain one point behind Inverness Caledonian Thistle at the top of the table.

On top of this, it also means that Stenny now require just a draw to mathematically secure a place in the Championship promotion play-offs for a second consecutive season.

Full-Time: Stenhousemuir 2-0 Kelty Hearts

Match Preview

Match Preview by Scott Gallacher

Stenhousemuir return to Ochilview this weekend as we welcome Kelty Hearts in William Hill League One action, with a 3pm kick-off.

The Warriors come into the fixture in strong form following a dramatic 1-0 victory over Peterhead at Balmoor Stadium.

Ross Taylor proved the difference on the day, producing a moment of real quality in the 89th minute as he curled a stunning free-kick from 28 yards beyond the wall and into the back of the net, securing all three points for Gary Naysmith’s side.

The result keeps the Warriors firmly in the title race, sitting second in the table, just three points behind Inverness Caledonian Thistle at the summit and seven clear of Alloa Athletic in third.

Kelty Hearts make the trip to Ochilview following a 1-1 draw with East Fife at New Central Park.

Brian Easton handed East Fife the lead in the first half, but Kelty responded through an Alex Ferguson penalty to ensure the points were shared.

That result leaves Kelty sitting 10th in the table, five points behind Hamilton Academical, as they look to close the gap and move away from the foot of the table.

The last meeting between the sides saw the Warriors run out 2-0 winners in a match broadcast live on BBC Alba.

With momentum building and Ochilview set to host another big afternoon, the Warriors will be aiming to continue their strong run and take another important step in the push for promotion.

Stenhousemuir now require just seven points from their remaining fixtures to mathematically secure a promotion play-off place, a target that could be achieved with three wins, or two wins and a draw.

Should they reach that mark, it would represent the second consecutive season that the Warriors have secured a place in the promotion play-offs.