Kelso Thistle 1

Gala Fairydean Rovers Amateurs 0

Graeme McIver

at Runciman Park

A STUNNING strike by Alex Gibbs just after the hour mark was enough to win the Forsyth Cup for Kelso Thistle in a hard fought final against Gala Fairydean Rovers Amateurs at Runciman Park in Earlston.

There was little to choose between the two sides as the young C-Division Gala side more than matched their B-Division opponents.

But ultimately they could not do enough to prevent their third cup final loss of the season.

Kelso Thistle, who had defeated Biggar United in the semi-final, started brightly and former Fairydean Rovers man Shane Bonnington was proving to be a threat.

For Gala the experienced Welsh Curran was in fine form as he had been in his sides’ semi-final win over A-Division side Jed Legion.

The Fairydean Rovers had previously lost in the finals of the Collie and Sanderson Cups this season.

In a match of few clear cut chances,Gibbs latched onto a headed clearance to smash the ball high beyond Gala keeper Michael Fenton with a goal fit to win any game.

Fairydean Rovers boss Mike Riddell was full of praise for his young team despite more Cup final heartache.

He said: "That was a hard one to take because I felt that we were the better team at the time Kelso scored.

"We kept trying to get the ball down and play and create chances.

"They have scored a superb goal to win it and congratulations to them.

"I told my players after the game that we have enjoyed a fantastic season.

"They are a predominantly young side and to have narrowly missed out on promotion as well as making three Cup Finals is a tremendous achievement.”