But the scoreline will be a hard one to take for the Fairydean Rovers who, like their hosts, are preparing for this weekend’s Scottish Cup.

Gala had arrived on the back of an encouraging midweek victory over Edinburgh University, but they were always second best.

And it was the Souters who stole the show to end a three-match losing run.

Selkirk manager Steve Forrest said: “The last couple of weeks have seen us deteriorate and drop short of the high standards we expect.

“We had a bit of a shouting match after the Spartans defeat and that seems to have cleared the air.

“We weren’t at our best in the first half today but we deserved the lead – once we got in front we were good and we got better as the match went on – we could have had a few more in the second half.” Garry O’Connor bagged four goals in an incredible 13 minute spell as Stevie Forrest’s team romped to a 7-0 victory over the Fairydean Rovers.

The ex-Scotland international won a penalty in the 12th minute which was converted by skipper Darryl Johnston.

It was a deserved lead for a team who have been on the ropes in recent weeks.

And after the break Selkirk ran riot.

O’Connor was gifted an open goal just on 48 minutes after a poor throw out by Gala keeper John Dodds.

That was followed by a header from a long throw-in in the 55th minute and a tap-in 60 seconds later.

On the hour mark O’Connor was gifted another easy finish to make it 5-0.

Gala’s Craig McBride was sent off for dissent after the visitors were denied a penalty when Stuart Noble went down in the box.

To rub salt into Gala’s wounds Jon McInally drilled home the sixth and the pick of the bunch was a delightful 20 yard free kick from Julio Tonelle which sailed into the top corner.

Gala manager Steven Noble described the defeat as 'humiliating’.

He said: “It was a bad day at the office. We now need to pick ourselves up for next week’s Scottish Cup tie at Gretna.” Selkirk: A Bal, B Milven, S Guiney, M Samson, J Oraine, B McKenzie, D Johnston, P Addison, G O’Connor, J McInally & B Huteau. Subs K Scott, J Tonnelle, R Scott, D Battle, J Harley, L Henderson & J Newman.

Gala FR: J Dodds, L Stephen, C McBride, G Robinson, A Cosgrove, A Common, C Jardine, A Langford, D McColm & B Miller. Subs J Gibson, R Noble, D Bonnar, S Noble, C Pinnons & S King.