Lothian dedicates win to youth coach

Ally McGilvray • Published 4 Sep 2010 18:32 0 Comments

Gala Fairydean 2 - 1 Berwick Rangers Reserves

GALA Fairydean gaffer Fraser Lothian watched his side continue their unbeaten run with a win over Berwick Rangers Reserves at the weekend - and then dedicated the victory to the club's youth coach and his son who were killed in a motorcycle smash just hours before the game.

The Netherdale side, who maintained their position at the top of the East of Scotland League First Division table, had considered postponing their match on Saturday.

It followed the deaths of under 17s coach Colin Rafferty and his 15-year-old son Keir in a road accident near Galashiels on Friday evening.

However, while all youth games at the club were cancelled as a mark of respect, the 'Dean's senior side, after much deliberations, decided to play their match and the players responded with their own personal tribute by netting all three points.

The game kicked-off with a minute's applause in a celebration of their lives. And a bumper crowd, including many friends and family, turned out to show their support.

Former Berwick striker Chris Anderson scored both goals for the home side as Gala passed the visitors off the park in the first half.

However, he was denied a hat-trick when Rangers keeper Connor Wood saved his penalty 30 seconds after the restart.

And, in the end, the Gala were made to sweat for their victory after Ryan Somerville pulled a goal back for Berwick with 13 minutes remaining before referee Duncan Smith, who turned down the visitors' claims for a late penalty, blew for full-time.

Speaking to the Border Telegraph pitch-side after the match, Lothian said: "The major dilemma for the club was whether we were going to play the game but I think Colin would have wanted the game to go ahead and the players responded with a win which we would like to dedicate to him and his son."

For more on this match, pick up a copy of this week's Border Telegraph - out on Wednesday, September 8.

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