Gala Fairydean Rovers 2

Edusport Academy 1

Rob Fairburn at Netherdale

A LATE double from striker Stuart Noble gave Gala Fairydean Rovers all three points from Saturday's Lowland League clash against Edusport Acaemy.

The visitors are an unknown quantity being a Scottish-based residential football academy for young French players.

But they posted their intentions early on at Netherdale by taking the lead after just six minutes.

Left back Maxime Oulaitah was allowed to run unchallenged all the way to the by-line and send over a cross which was volleyed home by Louis Babel.

The the home side responded by creating a series of chances.

But a combination of bad luck in front of goal and good goalkeeping by Ilies Belkacem thwarted their efforts.

The longer the game progressed Gala became more frustrated at their inability to break down the visitors, who looked dangerous on the break and could have added to their lead.

But just when all looked lost, Noble popped up with three minutes left when Edusport failed to clear their lines from a corner to smash the ball into the net from eight yards.

Confidence soared throughout the home side following the equaliser as they surged forward looking for the winner.

And it came in the 89th minute when Scott Main cut in from the left and fired in a powerful shot which Belkacem could only parry and Noble slotted the ball home from a yard out for his 13th goal of the season.

The former St Johnstone, Airdrie and Alloa striker said: "I never get tap-ins so it was really pleasing.

"But overall I thought we deserved the victory because we had a number of chances throughout the game.

"It looked like it was going to be one of those days but the boys kept driving forward and we got our rewards in the end."

Manager Steven Noble was delighted with the victory which lifted the Braw Lads into ninth spot in the highly-competitive Lowland League.

He said: "Edusport are a good side and they knocked the ball around well.

"They might be on a bad run in the league just now but they beat Spartans recently in a cup tie and we knew they would be dangerous opponents.

"They got the early goal but we kept going at them and were unfortunate to be behind at half time.

"All credit to the players for keeping going and it all came good.

"Stuart is having a fantastic season and is certainly our talisman at the moment."