Civil Service Strollers 2

Gala Fairydean Rovers 2

David Morrison

at Christie Gillies Park

GALA Fairydean Rovers twice came from behind to earn a vital league point against Civil Service Strollers on Saturday.

It was a match packed with incidents and a draw was the fair outcome, although both teams had chances to snatch the victory at the end.

The home side could have been in front as early as the third minute when Jack Downie seemed certain to score from close range only to be foiled by a Fraser Morton scrambling save.

But Strollers were not to be denied and took the lead five minutes later.

Connor Muirhead, albeit looking suspiciously offside, was sent to the by-line and his cut back was tucked away at the far post by Downie.

Gala gradually adapted to the pace of the game and started to take a strong grip of the midfield.

The pace and trickery of Hibs loanee winger Yrik Galantes was Gala's biggest threat and he helped the visitors get back on level terms in the 37th minute.

His run and cross looked certain to be finished off by Fernando Mendes only for ex-Gala defender Scott Main to lunge in and get the final touch.

Minutes later Galantes almost got on the scoresheet himself with his 20-yard drive blocked by the foot of Strollers keeper Stuart Burnside.

Strollers regained the lead on the hour mark when Mark McConnell won the race to a cross against keeper Morton and headed the ball over the line.

But in the 78th minute Gala drew level again when keeper Burnside inexplicably dropped the ball under no pressure and skipper Scott McKenzie nipped into bundle the ball over the line.

That set up a grandstand finish with Gala doing most of the pressing at the end.

Ross Aitchison's close range header was tipped over the bar by keeper Burnside and the visitors had two penalty claims during an almighty goalmouth scramble but the referee waved play on.

But Strollers were dangerous on the break with Muirhead hitting the post and with the final kick of the match seeing his shot land on the roof of the net.

It was a decent all-round performance by Gala with keeper Morton and central defenders Ben Herdman and Dino Leddie the stand-outs.

Gala Fairydean Rovers: Morton, Kinchant, Chingwalu, Herdman, Leddie, Taylor-McKenzie, Mendes, Mayer, Bonnar, Berry and Galantes. Subs: Ainslie, Cowam, Aitchison and Kelly.