A strong looking Montrose line-up with plenty of options on the subs bench started against a Kelty side which is well capable of scoring goals given the chances. The Mo lined up with Matthews in goal then a back three of Allan, Dillon and Steeves with Webster in an advanced midfield role on the right along with fellow midfielders Masson, Watson and Callaghan with McAllister, Brown and Johnston up top. Good to see Waddell back in the squad also.

Referee Chris Fordyce got the game started after a very heavy rain shower during the warm up, but it didn’t stay dry for long. The score didn’t stay level for long either as Kelty scored with the first attack of the game. Montrose had the ball in the Kelty half but a long clearance fell kindly to Jamie Barjonas in space on the left and he cut into the box and left keeper Matthews with no chance to make it 1-0 in the first minute. It was essential for Montrose to avoid a second goal and they had a succession of corners, in fact 14 in all throughout the game but the tall Kelty defenders were equal to them and quickly turned defence into attack where they had dangerous players in Austin and Agyeman lurking ready to pounce on any mistakes by the Mo defenders.

As the first half continued there was a great deal of Montrose possession and from a corner on 15 minutes Watson and Dillon combined to make keeper Jamieson concede another corner which was swept away downfield and tidied up by Dillon who got back in time. Watson was having a good game again in midfield but was fouled by Megwa who was yellow carded and soon after Watson himself was yellow carded somewhat harshly for what looked like a routine tackle. The rest of the first half saw Masson hit a shot just wide and McAllister with two shots wide both under pressure. Montrose had plenty of possession but were still 1-0 down at the break.

Change was needed and Manager Petrie made two changes for the start of the second half. On came young Mackinnon for Watson in midfield and Gardyne came on for Brown. The Gardyne change made a significant difference to the game as he slotted very comfortably into an attacking midfield role prodding and probing just behind the front two. Still no serious threat by Montrose however up top and Kelty had their moments to extend the lead. A cross from the right whipped across the area and the Mo were grateful for no takers as it went out at the far side. Then Montrose should have equalised from the penalty spot. Johnston was brought down from behind when in front of goal with only keeper Jamieson to beat on 10 yards out. It looked to be a straight red card but the referee gave a penalty and gave a yellow card to O’Ware when confronted by Mo players. However, McAllister’s spot kick was well saved, and the striker was yellow carded for dissent soon afterwards.

Into the last 30 minutes and Montrose just had to score with all the possession they had. Two more changes saw Lyons on for Webster and Machado on for Callaghan then a few minutes later Whatley replaced Masson.  A free kick centrally 30 yards out was scrambled away by Kelty who themselves brought Cardle on for Darge then Shearer on for Austin. Kelty had two more attempts which hit the woodwork as Montrose looked more menacing up front as well with Gardyne running midfield now with his great experience. Johnston was put through and only a last-ditch tackle thwarted him. Into the last 10 minutes and Montrose were well on top with Kelty wilting under almost constant pressure. Lyons was yellow carded for pulling back but then came the equalising goal in the 81^st minute. It was Michael Gardyne who broke through the defensive line and latched onto a through ball to hammer the ball into the net in style. At 1-1 with about 10 minutes to go including stoppage time one might expect a holding position could be put in place – but that’s not what Montrose do. Kelty hit the woodwork again and Montrose did even better from yet another corner which was cleared by Kelty but only as far as young Matheus Machado 25 yards out. He hit a stunning shot high into the Kelty net with keeper Jamieson well beaten to make it 2-1 to the Mo who played out the remaining minutes without too much difficulty.

The crowd of 498 was boosted by about 100 Mo fans and the man of the match was undoubtedly Michael Gardyne who made so much difference when he came on for the second half and looks to have found his best playing position where he can use his vast experience to good effect.

Report by Steve Doyle   

Pic by Phoenix Photography

Watch highlights here: https://youtu.be/YDa9Be0ZR5M