Match report: Gala Fairydean Rovers 3, Spartans 1

Gala Fairydean Rovers produced another fine performance to see off capital opposition for the second game in a row and by the same scoreline at the Netherdale 3G Arena last night, October 28.
By Sports Desk
Published 28th Oct 2020, 09:08 BST
Updated 28th Oct 2020, 09:10 BST
Gala Fairydean Rovers skipper Danny Galbraith, pictured here playing against Civil Service Strollers on Saturday, was sent off last night. Photo: Bill McBurnieGala Fairydean Rovers skipper Danny Galbraith, pictured here playing against Civil Service Strollers on Saturday, was sent off last night. Photo: Bill McBurnie
Gala Fairydean Rovers skipper Danny Galbraith, pictured here playing against Civil Service Strollers on Saturday, was sent off last night. Photo: Bill McBurnie

It was a feisty clash against Spartans but the Galashiels side always looked to be in charge of the game and deserved the three points in the end despite having skipper Danny Galbraith controversially red-carded.

It was Galbraith who gave the Braw Lads an early lead when he was brought down in the box after eight minutes and slotted home the spot kick.

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Spartans levelled in the 39th minute when winger Archie Meekison evaded the offside trap and slipped the ball past the advancing Fraser Morton before finding the corner of the empty net.

Gala responded immediately, with Phil Addison cutting in from the right and curling a glorious 20-yard left-foot shot into the corner of the net.

The home side continued to look the likelier side to win, but on 70 minutes they were reduced to 10 men.

Galbraith was manhandled to the ground by an opponent and tried to take a quick free kick. The defender attempted to stop him and Galbraith pushed him aside, only for referee George Calder to decide it was a punch and flash a red card.

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It was Galbraith’s first sending-off in his career and he looked mystified as he trudged off the pitch.

The club will study video evidence before deciding on whether to lodge an appeal against that decision.

With a manpower advantage, Spartans piled on the pressure and there were several near things in the Gala box, but the home defence was brilliantly marshalled by Ben Herdman and Gareth Rodger.

In the final minute, Gala broke away and Jacob Campbell was wiped out in the box by a covering defender’s challenge, prompting referee Calder to point to the spot.

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Up stepped Scott-Taylor Mackenzie to smash the penalty into the roof of the net for his fourth goal of the season and to wrap up another three points for Gala.

It was their second 3-1 win against Edinburgh opposition in five fdays, having seen off Civil Service Strollers on Saturday, thanks to goals by Taylor-Mackenzie, Zander Murray and Ross Aitchison.

Rovers’ next match is away to Cumbernauld Colts on Saturday, November 7.

Related topics:Danny GalbraithGalashielsArchie Meekison