GALA Fairydean Rover’s Borders Disability Squad have got their new season off to a winning start.

After finishing runners-up in last season’s PAN Disability National League Division 2 the squad have set a standard that coaches Terry Patterson and Callum Malone are keen to maintain and hopefully build on.

With the bulk of the team remaining and with some additions including Gregg Sharpe and Keegan Smith this looks achievable.

Last week saw the squad travelling to the Toryglen Regional Football centre in Glasgow for the Scottish Disability Sport 7 a-side tournament.

The GFR squad found themselves being put in a group above their Banding Class and it looked like it would be a tall order for the lads, but some great displays resulted in the team collecting silver medals after they made it all the way to the final before losing their only game of the day against eventual winners Blantyre SA.

Coach Patterson told us: “I was once again very proud of the whole squad.

"The team lost only one goal on the way to the final, due to a solid display by the back line of Davie Smith, Matty Roebuck and the man mountain that is our keeper, Nathan Jones. Meanwhile upfront, eight goals from Ryan Napier and two from Jordan Shepperd saw the team win four and draw one enroute to the final.

“A special mention goes to Bryn Cross who worked tirelessly up front and Darren Thomson who battled hard in the midfield. Overall it was a great team effort.”

The squad which contains players from across the Borders is now officially part of the Gala Fairydean Rovers award winning community engagement programme joining the successful walking football team and junior, youth, girls and women’s sections.

Training takes place every Thursday at the 3G Arena Netherdale between 6pm and 7pm, and new players are always welcome.