Coldstream 2

Gala Fairydean Rovers 3

Robert Fairburn

at Home Park

GALA Fairydean Rovers continued their build-up to the new season with a 3-2 win at Coldstream on Saturday.

For the first hour, the visitors dominated and raced into a three goal lead.

But after making a string of substitutions their rhythm was disrupted and Coldstream came storming back to make it a tight finish.

The East of Scotland League outfit started brightly and had a couple of long range efforts which were not far from the target.

But Gala eventually took a strong grip of the game in midfield with skipper Danny Galbraith, David Bonnar and Niall Kelly dictating the play.

However the visitors only had one goal to show for their efforts in the first half.

Right back Lewis Grant sent over a cross which took a wicked deflection off Coldstream defender Matt Corfield which left keeper Elliot Turnbull helpless.

Gala extended their lead in the 53rd minute when Ryan Mayer robbed a defender of possession and set up Ross Aitchison to score from close range.

The visitors made it 3-0 in the 65th minute when Galbraith’s free kick picked out the unmarked Craig McBride who sent a bullet header into the far corner of the net.

Coldstream were thrown a lifeline in the 71st minute when they were awarded a penalty which was converted by a triallist.

And with six minutes remaining another triallist pulled a second goal back after Gala were caught on the break.

Gala manager Neil Hastings said: "It was a good work out but for us but we made it a lot harder for ourselves at the end than it should have been.

“But it is another game under our belt and we now look forward to some big matches coming up.”

Celtic are paying their first visit to Galashiels in 30 years when they line up against Gala Fairydean Rovers at the Netherdale 3G Arena on Thursday kick off 7.30pm

Admission is £10 for adults and £5 concessions with children under 16 free but they must be accompanied by an adult.

Then on Saturday Cumbernauld Colts are the visitors to the Netherdale 3G Arena for the opening match of the Lowland League campaign.

Premier Club cards apply for this match, otherwise the admission prices are £7 for adults and £4 concessions. Kick off is 3pm.

Gala’s first away match is at Innerleithen on Tuesday when they face Vale of Leithen.

Kick off at Victoria Park is 7.15pm.