East Kilbride demonstrate why they are title contenders

Gala went into the game on the back of a 5-1 victory over Glenrothes in midweek, but Martin Scott’s men were on the back foot from kick off.

Ryan Lockie opened the scoring in the 9th minute then added a second midway through the first half.

In the 27th minute Kilbie added a third on the break from striker Keir Samson.

Action from Gala Fairydean Rovers v East Kilbride (Image: Thomas Brown)

The same player added a fourth moments later after beating the Gala offside line.

Gala created a couple of early chances after the restart before a mistake by Jay Cantley handed Samson his hat trick.

But credit to Gala who continued to try and play their style of passing football but were let down by the referee who continually allowed the visitors to cynically break up potential attacks by unfair means.

In the 51st minute Ciaran Greene had the fans on their feet with a 70-yard run which led to a corner which culminated in Nicky Reid pulling one back from close range.

Gala Fairydean Rovers manager Martin Scott (Image: Thomas Brown)

But any hopes of a comeback were dashed when former Hearts player Callum Tapping added a sixth with 20-minutes remaining.

Cantley produced several outstanding saves as the visitors looked to add to their goal tally.

Gala have now played four of the title contenders and now face Linlithgow Rose on Tuesday August 22 in their next Lowland League fixture.

The full match report with reactions will be in the Border Telegraph next week