Gala Fairydean Rovers 4

Gretna 1

By Callum Hodgson

at Netherdale

NEIL Hastings admitted he was disappointed with elements of his team’s performance on Saturday – despite securing a 4-1 win.

But the Gala gaffer was "delighted" to get back to winning ways.

The Fairydean Rovers had to come from behind to beat Gretna at Netherdale.

However at the final whistle, Hastings insisted his side played better football in last week’s defeat to Kelty Hearts.

He told us: “Today’s performance was one that we were disappointed with, but ultimately we are here to win games of football.

“We’re delighted to get three points and get back to winning ways, but I believe our performance was better last week.

“Elements of our game have got to be better next week. We just need to keep working hard.”

Gretna opened the scoring on three minutes, when Daniel Smales slotted home from close range.

But it didn’t take long for the home side to respond.

Just seven minutes later Zander Murray linked up with Mark Berry, who converted at the back post to level the scoring.

And the pair were at it again on the half hour mark.

Murray again picked out Berry and his neat flick put the Braw Lads in the driving seat.

Gretna tried to respond, but Robbie Hogg’s overhit ball into the box defected off Smales and out of play.

Both Berry and Gareth Rodger had excellent games for the Fairydean Rovers all afternoon.

The latter controlled the game from the back.

And he was also involved in the build up the Netherdale side’s third goal.

The former Stirling Albion man launched a direct pass from his own half, which was latched onto by the in-form Murray.

He calmly knocked the ball past Aaron Taylor.

The visitors came out stronger for the second period.

And they nearly pulled one back on 67 minutes.

Joseph Jackson’s effort rattled the crossbar and the rebound by Hogg subsequently deflected wide.

Both teams created a handful of chances in the closing stages.

But Gala wrapped up the game six minutes from time through substitute Levi Kinchant, following a quick break by Berry.

Gala travel to South Lanarkshire next week to take on reigning champions East Kilbride.

Gala: F Morton, L Grant (U Koroma 85), A Chingwalu (L Kinchant 61), B Herdman, G Rodger, R Aitchison, M Berry, N Kelly, A Murray, D Galbraith, J Campbell. Subs not used: S Taylor Mackenzie, K McRitchie