KELTY assistant manager Bob Malcolm believes striker Nathan Austin can fire his team to glory this season.

The 25-year-old netted another hat-trick in Kelty’s 6-1 win over Vale of Leithen to reach the third round of the South Challenge Cup.

The former Caley Thistle striker has now reached 20 goals so far this season.

Malcolm said: “Nathan will admit it himself that he didn’t have a good game today yet he still scored three goals.

“He has shown already this season what a big player he is for us.

“We have a lot of tough games coming up and to have Nathan scoring the way he is just now certainly gives us an advantage.”

Chris Dodd, Murray Carstairs and Scott McBride also scored for Hearts at Victoria Park with Alex Imlah netting Vale’s early goal.

Ross Lindsay and Declan Hughes were on target as BSC Glasgow edged past Bo’Ness United at Carmuirs Park.

Mark Mooney scored a late consolation for the home team.

Ruari Paton and Sean Winter both grabbed braces as East Kilbride left Leith Athletic with a 5-1 victory to reach the third round.

Kieran McGrath also scored for Stuart Malcolm’s team.

Phil Addison spared Gala Fairydean Rovers’ blushes as they came from behind to beat Newton Stewart 2-1 at Netherdale.

Robert Middleton had fired the South of Scotland team in front before Scott Taylor Mackenzie levelled.

Berwick Rangers were knocked out by Tranent at Foresters Park.

Andy Jones and Stephen MacDonald scored for the home team with Grant Rose netting a penalty for Berwick.

Gretna also crashed out of the cup, going down 5-1 at Linlithgow Rose.

But Spartans are into the third round with a 3-0 victory over Kinoull, and Civil Service squeezed past Sauchie 2-1.