Kelty Hearts claim first leg advantage in SPFL League 2 play-off against Brechin City who are fighting to avoid the drop to the Highland League
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
HIGHLAND League football beckons for Brechin City next season if they cannot overturn a first leg deficit against Kelty Hearts.
The Angus side, who finished bottom of League 2, lost 2-1 in Fife against Lowland League winners Kelty on Tuesday night.
Kelty had defeated Highland League champs Brora Rangers 6-1 on aggregate in the play-off semi-finals.
They are strong favourites to win over two legs and end the Glebe Park outfit's 68-year history in the Scottish League.
However, Brechin, bossed by Michael Paton, have given themselves a fighting chance of survival if they can win Sunday's rematch on home soil.
Kelty, who are managed by ex-Scotland and Rangers star Barry Ferguson, took the lead on 15 minutes in front of a 250 crowd inside New Central Park.
Former Dunfermline, Falkirk and Huddersfield forward Kallum Higginbotham repeated his first leg goal against Brora by firing the Fifers in front.
Five minutes later Jonathan Page scored from a Brechin corner to level the scores.
Kelty regained their advantage through sub Cammy Russell on the stroke of half time, and there was no further scoring.
If the Fife men hold on to their lead at the end of the second leg, they will gain promotion to League 2 next term and dump Brechin down to the Highland League.
