Debutant’s strike not quite enough for Gala FR

Gala Fairydean Rovers.......1

On-loan signing from Hearts, Sean Ward, grabbed a debut goal for the Borders men but it failed to prevent a friendly defeat in Midlothian on Saturday.

The 18-year-old – a Scottish internationalist at under-16 level – slotted home Jacob Campbell’s cross on the half-hour mark to bring Gala back on level terms.

But two goals from Penicuik midfielder Callum Connelly proved to be enough to give the home side victory.

He broke the deadlock after 15 minutes and, despite Ward’s equaliser, volleyed home what proved to be the winner in the 55th minute.

Gala had chances to level, particularly when Campbell was felled in the box with a rash challenge but no penalty was given. Callum Hall also narrowly failed to get on the end of a precision Phil Addison cross.

However, from a personal point of view, Ward was pleased to get off to a scoring start and is looking forward to the season ahead.

He said: “Obviously, I was pleased to get a goal but the main thing for me is getting games under my belt. Hearts Reserves will only be friendly games this season, so competitive games are important and I’m delighted to be at Gala.

“Playing against men will be a massive challenge for me but I like the set-up at Gala and, if I can get a few goals, then that will help the team. Like everyone else, I just hope the season gets under way.”

GFR lost 5-1 on Tuesday at Dunbar United but have a closed-door friendly at Broxburn on Saturday before the opening Lowland League game against Bonnyrigg Rose at the Netherdale 3G Arena on Saturday, October 10.