The 21-year-old, who progressed through the Fairydean youth system, came of age to cap his fine all-round display by getting on the scoresheet three times.

But clutching the match ball afterwards, Miller just wished the season was getting under way as the Braw Lads hit five goals for the third home match in a row.

He said: “It was a brilliant feeling to get the hat-trick.

“I have been pleased with my form recently and the team is really starting to click.

“The problem is we are running out of games just when we are going on a good run.

“We are aiming to finish up the league table as high as possible and we also have the quarter finals of the League Cup to look forward to.” Miller broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute with a delightful 20 yard free kick which he curled over the wall and into the corner of the net.

But Threave hit back when referee Gavin Thomson awarded an indirect free kick in the box and Ian Miller rifled his shot high into the net.

Grant Robinson restored Gala’s lead 10 minutes after the re-start with a 25 yard strike which sailed into the top corner.

And Miller made it 3-1 in the 66th minute.

Lee Stephen, Robinson and Sean Paliczka were all involved in the build-up with Miller heading home from two yards out for his second.

Sub Ashley Langford made it 4-1 when he tucked away a cross from Paliczka before Miller’s crowning glory came with four minutes remaining courtesy of a fantastic 20 yard shot which gave the keeper no chance.

Gala manager Steven Noble said: “The second half was a lot better and we deserved the win in the end.” Gala Fairydean Rovers: J Dodds, L Stephen, D Thomson, G Robinson (Hossack 85), D Devlin, S Pyda, B Miller, K Collins, K Lough (A Langford 70), S Paliczka, & S Noble (C Anderson 70).