Gala Fairydean Rovers 1

Dalbeattie Star 2

A LAST-MINUTE freekick from Lewis Sloan stole the points for Dalbeattie Star at Netherdale.

The 28-year-old former Stenhousemuir and Annan Athletic striker fired a terrific shot beyond Mark Wilson and into the top corner to deny the home team a deserved point.

Gala Fairydean Rovers had bounced back from a half time deficit to look the most likely for victory in the second half.

Manager Steve Noble admitted the injury time goal left a sour taste. He said: “That's a hard one to take. I didn't think Dalbeattie played all that well and we were well on top in that second half.

"These are games we should be winning by three or four goals. Our ball in the final third wasn’t as good as it should be."

Dalbeattie had edged in front midway through the first half with Justin Nicholl poking home from 15 yards.

Only some courageous defending and a few good saves from Mark Wilson prevented Star extending their lead during a frantic 20 minute spell.

Gala ended the first half, as they had started, on the front foot with a Callum Jardine corner being headed off the line by Lewis Todd.

Just seconds before the break David Bonnar ran onto a fantastic Ben Herdman pass only to tamely cut the ball back into the keeper’s arms.

But the fightback continued after the interval, and they were rewarded with a Stuart Noble equaliser in the 68th minute.

Noble almost gave Gala the lead five minutes later but keeper Darren Martin made a great save as the former Airdrie striker attempted to round him.

Dean McColm and Jamie Gibson also went close for the home team as the second half wore on.

James McHarie almost grabbed a late winner for the visitors as he charged into the area but Herdman, who impressed after coming off the bench, made a great recovery tackle in front of goal.

But with 90 minutes on the clock, Lee Stephen conceded a freekick on the edge of his own area - and Sloan rattled in his fourth goal of the season.

Noble added: “The one positive to come out of today was the performance from Ben (Herdman). He’s only 18 yet looked assured and comfortable at the back.”

Gala FR. M Wilson, L Stephen, T Hope, C Galbraith, S Guiney (B Herdman 34), B Miller, D McColm, D Bonnar, S Noble, C Jardine (R Lamb 67) & J Gibson (R Clapperton 85).