Goals galore at Netherdale but East Kilbride take the points

Rovers twice held two goal leads but four unanswered goals in 20 second-half minutes was enough to secure the points for the visitors.

Zander Murray had the ball in the net after two minutes but his effort was ruled offside.

Gala Fairydean Rovers players celebrate against East Kilbride (Image: Thomas Brown)

Then after an evenly fought opening period, Gala took the lead in the 35th minute when Quinn Mitchell’s superb through ball found Gregor Nicol and his cross was fired into the net by Murray.

Then moments later Ciaren Chalmers added a second with a contender for goal of the season. A Callum Hall effort was blocked and the ball fell to Chalmers who fired a powerful first time effort into the net from 35-yards.

Zander Murray in action for Gala Fairydean Rovers against East Kilbride (Image: Thomas Brown)

But with Gala seemingly in control, Neil McLaughlin pulled one back with the last kick of the first half.

Gala regained their two-goal advantage shortly after the restart when Gareth Rodger headed home a Danny Galbraith free-kick.

But the visitors responded in style and Ronal Hughes pulled one back from an acute angle in the 52nd minute.

Cameron Elliot equalised three minutes later after a good cross from the right then East Kilbride took the lead with a freak goal when Jamie Docherty’s 30 yard effort was deflected high into the air and looped over the diving Ryan Goodfellow.

Gala lost Mitchell and Murray to injury before McLaughlin added his second of the day, getting on the end of a cross from the right.

Gala continued to fight to the end and managed a consolation goal in time added on courtesy of an own goal from the visitor’s Dylan MacDonald.

Ciaren Chalmers won the sponsor’s man of the match award which was presented after the final whistle by Chris Bell of SB Knackery St Boswells.

The full match report including the views of manager Martin Scott will be in this week’s edition of the Border Telegraph.