Aiming to halt a highly-concerning losing run, out-of-form Kelty Hearts will welcome promotion-chasing Alloa Athletic to New Central Park on Tuesday night in Scottish League One.
The Hearts suffered a narrow defeat to Cove Rangers on the weekend, whilst the Wasps recorded a handsome victory over League Two-bound Edinburgh City.
Match preview
Kelty Hearts' losing streak in Scottish League One extended to a highly-worrying five matches on Saturday afternoon at New Central Park against Cove Rangers, who returned home with maximum points to boost their promotion efforts courtesy of a second-half strike from Mitchell Megginson.
Since Valentine's Day, the Hearts have failed to collect a single point in the third tier, making the net ripple on just two occasions and failing to score in four-straight fixtures following the six-goal thriller at Montrose on February 17, meaning that Tuesday's hosts are in the midst of a serious rut.
After possessing a 16-point gap over the relegation places at the end of last season during their maiden campaign back at this level, Kelty's third-tier status is under greater threat this time around, with the Hearts currently sixth but only four points ahead of ninth-placed Annan Athletic.
Following some fleeting appearances for Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership over the past two terms, Alfie Bavidge is enjoying his experience of fully-fledged first-team football at New Central Park, with the 17-year-old netting seven goals in 19 league appearances so far.
Michael Tidser's men have earned only 15 of their 31 League One points in front of their own supporters in 2023-24, but Kelty's most-recent victory arrived at New Central Park on February 13, when a Joe McGlynn braced helped the hosts overcome bottom side Edinburgh.
Recording their biggest victory of the season in terms of scoreline on Saturday afternoon, Alloa Athletic kept the top-three chasing pack at bay with a 5-2 success over basement dwellers Edinburgh, although it was not the routine victory that the majority of the visiting fans were anticipating.
First-half strikes from Malik Zaid and Frankie Deane allowed the hosts to take a shock lead into the half-time interval, but the Wasps rallied in the second period to deny City a first win since November, confirming Michael McIndoe's side's relegation to the fourth tier of Scottish football.
After failing to escape into the Scottish Championship via the playoffs last season, Alloa will be hoping for a different result this time around, with Tuesday's visitors currently occupying third place in the third-tier standings, four points ahead of fifth-placed Cove Rangers.
Similar to opponents Kelty, the Wasps have a young attacker who is cherishing regular game time on loan at League One level, with 19-year-old Taylor Steven leading his side's Golden Boot race with eight goals in 23 matches, whilst also providing six assists.
As expected due to the relative history of both sides, Alloa have fared better in matches between the clubs overall, although Kelty were victorious in the most-recent meeting at New Central Park in August 2023, when a brilliant Ross Cunningham brace secured all three points for the Hearts.
Team News
With Brad McKay set to keep his place in the side despite defeat on the weekend, the 30-year-old could be joined by either Thomas O'Ware or Lewis Owens in Kelty's centre-back pairing.
Heading towards the twilight of his career, Craig Johnston has netted four goals in 25 League One matches since moving from Montrose in the summer, and the striker should start up front with Hamilton Academical loanee Joe McGlynn.
Manager Tidser could continue in the engine room as he seeks to help his men turn their woeful form around, with Lewis O'Donnell also set to feature in the midfield.
Alloa will be without the services of joint-top goalscorer Bobby Wales for the next two matches, as the youngster goes away on international duty with Scotland Under-19s.
The 18-year-old's absence means that a new man will need to act as the focal point of the Wasps' attack, with the likes of Conor Sammon and Ally Roy respectable candidates for the position.
Kelty Hearts possible starting lineup:
Gourlay; McCluskey, Owens, McKay, Paterson; Moore, O'Donnell, Tidser, Bavidge; McGlynn, Johnston
Alloa Athletic possible starting lineup:
Morrison; Taggart, Neill, Devine, Sutherland; Scougall, Roberts, Steven, Donnelly, Coulson; Sammon
We say: Kelty Hearts 1-2 Alloa Athletic
Surely it is a matter of time before Kelty end their barren spell in front of goal, and Tuesday night's home clash represents a good opportunity to do so.
Alloa will be without leading marksman Wales at New Central Park, but the Wasps should have enough quality regardless to record another away victory.
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