FOOTBALL administrators in Gala face a race against time to secure a new striker ahead of Saturday’s Scottish Cup trip to Dalbeattie Star.

It is understood a deal has been agreed to bring Pumpherston forward Zander Murray to Gala Fairydean Rovers.

And it is hoped the paperwork will be completed in time for to him to lead the attack at Islecroft on Saturday.

With thousands at stake for the Lowland League club, this weekend’s first round fixture is the biggest game so far this season.

Chairman Ryan Cass told us: “We haven’t had many options in attack this season and we are keen to bring in another striker ahead of the cup match.

“We do have a player lined up and if everything goes to plan we should be able to announce his signature before Saturday.

“The Scottish Cup is huge for both us and Dalbeattie – it should be a tremendous cup tie.

“The winner is guaranteed a few more thousand and also the chance to meet a league team in the second round.”

Gala will be without injured duo Danny Galbraith and Craig McBride, and both Ross Aitchison and Allan McRitchie face fitness tests, but Phil Addison has recovered from a knee injury.

Vale of Leithen are also spending much of this week trying to bring in two new players ahead of their trip to Fort William.

Chris Anderson has been in talks with Heart of Midlothian about the pair of loanees coming to Victoria Park.

Chris said: “We hope to have all the paperwork through on time for one or two players to come in on loan.

“The Scottish Cup is massive for us and is probably the biggest game I’ll have been involved with as a manager.

“This could make or break our season.”

Paul Thomson and Gerry Rossi will both return to Anderson’s squad following injuries, but Tommy Patterson faces a late fitness test following a groin problem.

Both Scottish Cup ties kick off at 3pm on Saturday.