Match report: Gala Fairydean Rovers 6, Wigtown and Bladnoch 0

Callum Hall on the ball for Gala Fairydean Rovers against Wigtown and Bladnoch. Photo: Bill McBurnie

That second preliminary round victory over Dumfries and Galloway’s Wigtown and Bladnoch also landed the Galashiels side a plum home tie on Boxing Day against League Two’s Annan Athletic.

Gala boss Neil Hastings was able to shuffle his pack for the arrival of the South of Scotland League visitors, resting Scott-Taylor Mackenzie, Ross Aitchison and the returning Zander Murray.

Goalkeeper Fraser Morton didn’t have a save to make, with Gala dominating for the entire 90 minutes.

Gala Fairydean Rovers manager Neil Hastings watching his side beat Wigtown and Bladnoch. Photo: Bill McBurnie

The only surprise was that the scoreline got no higher than six as Rovers hit the woodwork four times and also had a penalty saved.

Hastings said: “Today was all about reaching the next round and we’ve done that.

“We have a few boys with little niggles so we rested them and gave others the opportunity to show what they can do.

“Wigtown made it difficult at times but we kept possession well and deserved the goals when they came along.”

A Jacob Campbell strike in the 11th minute set the tone for the remainder of the game, with the home team well on top throughout.

Both Ben Herdman and Phil Addison struck the woodwork as Gala continued to keep Wigtown pegged back.

Captain Danny Galbraith added a second from the penalty spot on 39 minutes after Leeroy Makovora was tripped in the area by William Clay.

Just two minutes later, Campbell smashed home his second of the afternoon to make it 3-0.

Gala Fairydean Rovers central midfielder Archie Roue in action against Wigtown and Bladnoch. Photo: Bill McBurnie

Galbraith had an opportunity to add another from the spot before the break after Callum Hall was fouled, but Dale Leith made a terrific save to deny him a double.

Wigtown continued to work hard after the interval to prevent further chances, but Herdman found enough space in the 50th minute to smack a shot against the bar.

Just a minute later, the same player controlled a cross well on his chest, only to drill a low shot round the wrong side of the post.

Addison also weaved his way through Wigtown’s tiring defenders in the 65th minute to blast inches wide.

The former Hibs striker only had to wait a few more minutes to add to his tally, though, as he raced on to Campbell’s pass to slot beyond Leith.

Herdman finally got his deserved goal in the 80th minute as he steered Marc Berry’s corner over the line.

And there was still time for St Johnstone loanee Aiden Walsh to produce a great finish to make it 6-0.

American striker Campbell, now topping this season’s Scottish Cup goal-scoring table with his brace, said: “I went to the museum at Hampden when I first moved over here and understand the significance and history of the Scottish Cup. “I have scored in the two previous Scottish Cup games I’ve played in as well as today, and I’m thrilled that we are through to the first round.”

Gala Fairydean Rovers: F Morton, L Grant, C Hall, C McBride, G Rodger, B Herdman, L Makovora (M Berry 46), A Roue, P Addison, D Galbraith (A Walsh 65), J Campbell (L Campbell 75).