BSC Glasgow 3

Gala Fairydean Rovers 1

GALA Fairydean Rovers departed from the South Challenge Cup at the third round stage but only after a battling performance at Alloa Athletic's Indodrill Stadium on Saturday.

BSC Glasgow – who had been reduced to 10 men – were left hanging on in the closing stages as Gala pushed to take the tie into extra time.

But after passing up a couple of gilt-edged chances, BSC broke away deep into injury time and scored the killer third goal through Lewis Bell.

After winning at Netherdale on Lowland League business the previous week, BSC were strong favourites to win the tie especially as Gala were missing seven players for a variety of reasons – including Yrik Gallantes away on international duty with the Philippines.

But the visitors started brightly and Phil Addison nearly gave them the lead as early as the fourth minute only to see his header strike the crossbar.

BSC also had their chances with a goal chalked off for offside and Gala keeper Fraser Morton producing two fantastic stops when faced with one-on-one situations.

However it was Gala who took the lead in the 26th minute.

Debutant Jacob Campbell burst down the left flank and his cross was played by Addison into the path of left back Alex Chingwalu.

His shot was blocked but Niall Kelly pounced on the loose ball and fired it into the roof of the net.

Shortly afterwards Gala were forced in to a major reshuffle when attacking midfielder Ryan Mayer limped off with Kieran Ainslie coming on as centre half and Scott-Taylor McKenzie filling Mayer's position.

The home side forced a series of corners and eventually got back on level terms in the 40th minute as Ainslie, trying to clear his lines from a dangerous inswinging corner, could only head the ball into his own.

BSC took the lead shortly before the hour mark with a stunning strike from Dave McKay which gave Morton no chance.

Gala dominated the final 20 minutes as they pushed for the equaliser but could not break down the BSC defence.

A second yellow card to BSC striker Tom Orr for simulation in the box reduced the home side to 10 men which made them sit in deeper and restrict Gala to long range efforts from Campbell and skipper Danny Galbraith.

With so many players committed, BSC took advantage by breaking away in the 92nd minute and Bell steered the ball past the helpless Morton.

Gala: F Morton, L Kinchant, A Chingwalu, D Leddie, S Taylor Mackenzie, F Mendes, N Kelly, R Mayer, D Galbraith, J Campbell, P Addison.