Spartans 3

Gala Fairydean Rovers 1

Kenny Paterson at Ainslie Park

GALA missed a golden chance to end their woeful record against Spartans by conceding three second half goals.

Fairydean Rovers have yet to claim even a draw against the Ainslie Park side since the formation of the Lowland League but looked set to break their duck after taking the lead through Dean McColm's goal.

But headers from Keith Murray and David Greenhill and a stunning strike from substitute Ewan Saunderson sent Gala to another Spartans loss.

Manager Stevie Noble said: "This was a great chance to beat Spartans for the first time but the players didn't seem to believe they could do it.

"We lost a really poor goal for Spartans equaliser and never recovered. I am really disappointed as we had won our last two games and I wanted to end the season on a high."

Gala's hopes of a historic win were hindered before a ball was kicked as Jack Hay - who had scored four goals in their two victories over Vale of Leithen and Threave Rovers - was missing, along with the impressive Scott Main.

But playing with Lee Stephen and Billy Miller as wing backs, Gala troubled Spartans with their width in a first half of few chances.

McColm had Gala's best opening but fired his volley into the side netting while Keith Murray was denied twice by a fine Taylor Hope block and Mark Wilson's fingertip save.

Murray smashed over a superb chance after half time as Spartans searched for an opener.

But instead it was Gala who hit their hosts on the break as a misplaced pass allowed McColm to race through on goal. He appeared to overrun the ball but just managed to poke the ball through the legs of Spartans' Blair Carswell, and the goalkeeper was unable to stop the ball squirming over the line for a 54th minute lead.

Gala needed to play with composure to ensure they held onto their lead. But instead they conceded within two minutes as Jack Beesley's cross was headed in by Murray for his first goal at the fourth attempt.

Spartans were now controlling possession and went ahead with 15 minutes left thanks to Saunderson, who hit a sweet 25 yard shot with the outside of his right foot.

And when Greenhill headed in Murray's cross with eight minutes left, Gala were left ruing another Spartans defeat.

Gala Fairydean Rovers: M. Wilson, L. Stephen (R. Clapperton 83), B. Miller (R. Lamb 83), T. Hope, M. Allan, B. Herdman, A. Scott, D. Bonnar, S. Noble, D. McColm (H. Steele 76), R. Aitchison.