Gala Fairydean Rovers 0

Civil Service Strollers 2

David Knox at Netherdale

FRUSTRATED Gala boss Dean Shanks admitted his team didn't deserve to make it three wins in a row on Saturday.

Leaking a first-minute goal and failing to break down a sturdy defence left the manager reeling at full time.

Shanks told us: "It was really disappointing to lose a goal so early.

"They were set up well and we were unable to create much - we need to be better with the ball to beat teams like Civil.

"We were throwing players forward towards the end and there was always a chance of getting caught with a sucker punch like we did.

"It has been a frustrating afternoon all round but we have a free week now to regroup."

It was former Selkirk winger Jordan Hopkinson who opened the scoring after only 80 seconds with a powerful, low freekick which deflected into the far corner of Gregor Amos's goal.

Only a hand-ball decision against Keith Murray saved Gala from going further behind in the fourth minute after Steven Froude had stripped Scott Main of possession to cross for his strike partner in front of goal.

Civil's high pressing forced the home team into long balls being fired out from defence which rarely troubled the visitors.

As half time approached Gala did start to create with a Darren Smith freekick being scrambled clear by Scott Clapperton.

And a Rhys Criagie effort during a corner was deflected a foot wide.

Josh Morris also made one of his trademark bursts into the area but there was nobody in support to meet his low cross.

Civil forced a few early chances in the second half with Hopkinson scuffing a shot just wide and Cameron Muirhead's angled cross clipping the bar on its way over.

But the introduction of Sandy Cunningham made an immediate impact for Gala.

The former Stenhousemuir midfielder rifled a shot into the side netting on 63 minutes after turning well inside the area.

And he also teed up Morris a few minutes later, but the striker's shot deflected kindly into the arms of Kyle Rankin.

With Gala players pushed forward Civil began to capitalise on the gaps.

Amos saved well from Froude in the 70th minute.

And with 10 minutes remaining the striker raced onto Alioeu Faye's flick on to score a second.

Gala Fairydean Rovers: G Amos, B Miller (T Patterson 78), S Main, R Donaldson, R Miller, D Smith, R Craigie, K Watson, J Morris, K Mitchell (S Cunningham 53) & D Baxter.