LOOKING for their first victory in four weeks, and their first at home since May 6, Musselburgh had tough opposition to contend with on Saturday in the form of reigning Superleague champions Kelty Hearts.

Burgh boss Stevie McLeish hasn’t had his troubles to seek personnel-wise this season, and this was again the case as he had to contend with the absence of seven signed players. Experienced goalkeeper John Dodds, 33, was given a debut after signing in midweek – the former Selkirk man has SPFL experience with Ayr United, Queen of the South and East Fife earlier in his career.

The visitors were first to show and new man Dodds was called upon early on to pull off a good save from Smith. It took Musselburgh until the 10th minute to threaten the Kelty goal – Sean Jamieson headed down a corner and Brian Martin looked set to open the scoring but the ball crashed off the underside of the crossbar. A minute later, John Hall put Jamieson through on goal but the striker’s effort went over the bar.

Finding their feet now, Burgh were giving as good as they got but they went behind midway through the first half when a low corner was poked home at close range by Carstairs.

Recovering well, Burgh were back on level terms within seven minutes – Jamieson was brought down in the box by keeper Allison and the referee pointed to the spot, though Allison escaped with a booking. Jackie Myles claimed his third goal of the season by successfully converting the penalty.

Confidence seemed to be growing in the Musselburgh ranks but against the run of play Kelty regained the lead with seven minutes remaining in the first half – Leighton headed past Dodds following a corner. The visitors threatened to nick a third just before half-time but a timely intervention from Myles meant the scoreline stayed 2-1.

After a slowish start to the second half, Martin had another opportunity for Musselburgh but couldn’t take it, and a third goal from Kelty on 57 minutes looked likely to secure the Fifers’ victory; a free-kick was flicked on into the path of prolific striker Cargill, who snapped up the chance.

Burgh’s best chance of a second goal came from Jack Wright’s free kick but Jamieson headed wide and the rest of the game was played out with Kelty fairly comfortable despite the hosts’ best efforts.

There were positives for McLeish on several fronts and Kelty were by no means dominant, but he must now turn his attention to Superleague fixture number nine; Fauldhouse United visit Olive Bank, themselves in need of points with their current tally only one greater than Burgh’s.