Gala Fairydean Rovers 2

Newton Stewart 1

David Morrison

at Netherdale

AN injury time goal from substitute Phil Addison gave Gala Fairydean Rovers a hard-fought victory in the second round of the South Challenge Cup at the Netherdale 3G Arena on Saturday.

Visitors Newton Stewart from the South of Scotland League put up a spirited display and looked like taking the tie to extra time only to be foiled right at the death.

Niall Kelly split the Newton Stewart defence with a through ball and Addison kept his composure to lob the ball over advancing keeper Grier McGarva and into the net.

The goal now earns Gala a tough away trip to face BSC Glasgow in the third round of the tournament on October 12.

The early kick off time to accommodate a wedding for one of the visiting players could have contributed to the somewhat flat first half as the home side failed to settle into any sort of rhythm.

During the opening 45 minutes Marc Berry saw his shot flash across the face of the goalmouth.

But Newton Stewart had their chances as well with Gala keeper Fraser Morton producing a fine save from an effort by Robert Middleton.

The game burst into life shortly after the hour mark when Middleton unleashed a 20 yard shot which gave Morton no chance.

A cup shock looked on the cards as Gala struggled to break down the visitors but the equaliser eventually arrived in the 72nd minute.

Alex Chingwalu burst down the left flank and his cross was met by captain Scott Taylor-McKenzie who stooped low to head past McGarva.

The visitors appeared to tire at this stage and had their keeper to thank for a couple of saves to keep them level.

But in the 91st minute Gala got the winner through Addison and book their place in the next round.

However, the victory came at a price with another couple of injuries to add to thee already casualty list with Ross Aitchison and Allan McRitchie both having to go off.

The pair are now doubts for this Saturday's trip to Dalbeattie for the opening round of the William Hill Scottish Cup.

Gala Fairydean Rovers. F Morton, L Grant, A Chingwalu, R Aitchison, B Herdman, N Kelly, L Kinchant, S Taylor Mackenzie, A McRitchie, M Berry & J Cowan. Subs. Y Mendes, P Addison & K McRitchie.