Blairgowrie record back-to-back victories with a closely contested 2-0 win over Montrose Roselea at Davie Park. Callum Kelly and Stuart Heenan’s goals in rapid succession were enough for the Berrypickers to move within a point of Montrose at the summit of the bottom half Midlands League split.

A lively start saw an early chance fall for Blairgowrie’s Heenan, who turned in from the left to shoot across goal, with his effort glancing wide of the post. The home side took control and once again Heenan found himself through on goal, with his shot finding the side netting.

Blairgowrie’s persistence would pay off on the half hour mark when Kelly collected the ball on the edge of the box. The winger danced past the Montrose defence and dispatched a curling effort into the bottom left corner.

Moments later Kelly turned provider, drilling a low cross from the byline for Heenan to bundle home his 25th goal of the season from close range.

Montrose almost clawed one back before the end of the half, but Euan Duff’s unmarked header was blocked on the line by Blairgowrie captain Cameron McManus.

Into the second half and Blairgowrie looked to end the contest with more chances falling to Kelly and Heenan, but Zak Simpson made a series of good saves to keep Montrose in the game.

Tiring legs prevented an action-packed finish with Blairgowrie collecting the three points with ease.

Blairgowrie boss Marco Notarangelo said: “I’m delighted with the result; we had an excellent first half to see us two goals up and a mature performance in the second half to see the game out. It’s a great three points.

“Callum Kelly was untouchable today, Montrose really struggled to deal with him and had to change their approach which pleases us. Stuart Heenan has been flying all season, and he fully deserves to be top of the goal standings. They both deserve all the credit they receive.

“It’s our aim to be top of the split table; it’s tight between us and Montrose and I’m eager to see us finish the season on top. We were disappointed not to be in the top half before the split, but the reaction has been positive from our players.

“We look forward to hosting Dundee St. James next week; they’re a tricky team who will work hard and make things difficult for us. If we’re at our best, then we’ve got every chance.”