After winning their opening two games – away to Preston and Vale – confidence was growing at Netherdale over their team’s Lowland League prospects.

And for 85 minutes that mounting expectation amongst the majority of the 253 spectators was being realised as Steven Noble’s team deservedly had their noses in front.

But the city side snatched a late equaliser and with almost the last kick of the game they snatched victory.

Manager Noble told us: “I thought at the very least we deserved a point.

“We had plenty good chances to win that game so it is really disappointing not to have taken something.

“Spartans aren’t the champions for no reason and they will always keep going to the end.” The Fairydean Rovers suffered a blow before kick off with regular keeper John Dodds failing a fitness test.

Stevie King was a late call up in to the starting line-up – and he had a debut to remember with a penalty save and several other good stops.

Noble added: “Stevie hasn’t played a lot of football for a while but I know he is one of the best keepers in the Borders.

“He was excellent out there and didn’t show any nerves. I don’t think he deserved to concede those late goals.” Following a midweek defeat Spartans flew out of the blocks on Saturday.

But for all of their early pressure the closest they came to scoring was an ambitious effort from Kevin Motion which Darran Thompson headed clear from under his own bar.

Gala took the lead with their first real attack, on 14 minutes, as Thompson’s cross was steered towards Stuart Noble by Sean Paliczka.

The former St Johnstone striker squeezed the ball in off the post.

Keith McLeod, who was making his 400th appearance for Spartans, was constantly frustrated by the impressive defensive pairing of Andy Cosgrove and Paul Hossack.

And on the odd occasion when the ball was played beyond the home defence King looked assured.

Paliczka weaved his way towards shooting range on the half hour but Kevin Swain saved his powerful effort.

The visiting keeper was beaten 10 minutes later but Ross Aitchison’s 30 yard screamer rattled the underside of the crossbar and bounced out.

Spartans enjoyed plenty possession without causing too many problems.

But on 54 minutes King had to be alert as McLeod raced onto a long through-ball. The striker’s attempted header was well-blocked by the outrushing keeper.

Aitchison tested Swain with another shot from distance before Noble powered his way to the byline on the hour only for his cut-back to be smothered at the feet of Daryl Devlin by the keeper.

The loss of Cosgrove through injury was to prove crucial in the closing stages.

And a controversial decision almost led to the equaliser on 73 minutes. Michael Herd, who was being flagged for offside, was upended inside the area.

Referee David Doig over-ruled his assistant Alastair Wright and awarded a penalty.

King produced a wonder save to prevent McLeod’s spot kick finding the far corner.

But Spartans continued to push for the goal – and it came in the 85th minute. John Grant’s glancing header, from a Jack Beesley corner, flew beyond King and his goal-line defenders.

Neither team was content with a point.

And as play raced up and down the park, Devlin almost grabbed a late Gala winner as he smacked the post from 15 yards with a powerful shot.

But deep into stoppage time Craig Stevenson fought his way to the byline and his low cross was met by Sean Muhsin at the back post.

Gala Fairydean Rovers: S King, L Stephen, D Thompson, P Hossack, A Cosgrove (G Robinson 53), D Devlin, R Aitchison, D Bonnar, S Noble, S Paliczka (J Gibson 79) & D McColm (B Miller 65).