Cumbernauld Colts made to suffer as Kelty Hearts hit five

The hosts, reigning Lowland League champions, started brightly, with ex-Clyde midfielder Dylan Easton testing Jonathan Grier from a set piece before Kallum Higginbotham fired just over.

After eight minutes, though, Kelty did find the net after captain Michael Tidser’s free-kick strike went through the Colts wall and past Grier.

Colts nearly fought back through Lewis Bonar’s long-range drive that flew just past.

But Kelty doubled their lead before the 20 minute mark as full-back Jamie Stevenson fired home a wicked volley which left Grier with no chance.

The visitors nearly pulled one back before the break but Darren Jamieson’s reaction save kept out Billy Mortimer’s flick.

Kelty continued to dominate after the interval and referee Lorraine Watson gave the hosts a questionable penalty as Grier was adjudged to have floored Nathan Austin despite seeming to take the ball in the challenge.

Justice was done, though, as the Colts keeper got down to deny the striker with an excellent stop.

However, Barry Ferguson’s side made sure of victory after 70 minutes as Easton found the bottom corner from inside the area.

Hesitation at the back minutes later allowed Austin in to nick the ball past the onrushing Grier to make it 4-0.

With the game well gone, the home side added a fifth late on as Easton got his second, netting a rebound off the post after a good save from Grier.