Gala Fairydean Rovers 3

Whitehill Welfare 1

David Knox

at Netherdale

AFTER a disappointing start to his reign at Netherdale, Dean Shanks is finally getting some reward.

But his players aren't making things simple for the recently qualified UEFA A Licence holder.

On Tuesday evening Gala appeared to be playing their way towards a comfortable victory over struggling Whitehill Welfare.

But a rash challenge on the half hour led to former Hearts player Sean McKirdy being dismissed.

And for the remainder of the match, the result hung in the balance.

Shanks told us: "I thought we were in control before Sean was sent off - after that Whitehill came back into the game.

"I have no complaints with the sending off as his feet were up.

"We don't make things easy for ourselves.

"I thought we were still the better team with 10 men, especially in the second half and I'm delighted with the result."

McKirdy was instrumental in Gala's seventh minute opener as he drilled in a low cross for Craig O'Reilly to back-heel into the path of Dale Baxter - and the former Hearts winger finished well with a powerful low shot into the far corner.

The home team's dominance of possession and territory wasn't rewarded with any further goals before McKirdy's red card.

The former Hamilton and Hearts player lost control of a pass and his lunge towards Nikki Faulds was deemed a sending off offence by referee Kevin Lindsay.

Whitehill took full advantage with Kevin Keane rifling a tremendous shot into the bottom corner from 25 yards out just two minutes later.

And only a fine save from Gregor Amos approaching half time denied Scott Lucas firing the visitors in front.

Welfare continued to press after half time with Ryan Gay's diving header from a corner flying a foot wide.

But home team, with the impressive O'Reilly leading the line, began to gain the upper hand once more.

And it was the former Scotland age-group striker who fired the home team back in front on 56 minutes after connecting well with Ricky Miller's low cross.

Rhys Craigie's calls for a penalty were waved away by referee Lindsay after he was tripped in the area.

And O'Reilly's follow-up attempt was blocked on the line.

Welfare, with their one man advantage, were far from out of the game - and substitute Scott Main headed a curling freekick off the line to maintain Gala's advantage.

The points were wrapped up in the 84th minute after Baxter was hauled down by Liam McIntosh inside the area.

Darren Smith tucked away the resultant penalty.

Shanks added: "It is taking time for the players to get to know each other and adapt to the way we want to play, so you've not seen the best of us yet.

"We need that win tonight and hopefully we can build on it."

Gala FR. G Amos, C Watson (S Main 54), B Miller, R Donaldson, R Miller, D Smith, S McKirdy, S Conaghan, C O'Reilly (J Morris 88), R Craigie (K Mitchell 88) & D Baxter.