Danny Galbraith volley secures home victory for GFR

Manager Martin Scott made one change to the starting line up that lost to Berwick Rangers on Saturday with Ethan Dougal replacing Zander Murray. 

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The visitors had the better of the opening period with Gala’s keeper Ryan Goodfellow called into action on a couple of occasions before Rovers took control of the game.

Kyle Wilkie attempted to lob the Student’s keeper from 40 yards and Ciaren Chalmers almost took advantage of a slack pass back as the home side mounted attack after attack.

Action from Gala Fairydean Rovers v Edinburgh University (Image: Newsquest John Hislop)

Long ranger efforts from Chalmers and Danny Galbraith kept the keeper busy and Alan Smith passed up a great chance following a back-post cross from Quinn Mitchell.

The opening goal eventually arrived shortly before the break when the keeper was unable to hold a Mitchell cross from the left and the ball fell to Chalmers who fired the ball into the net from close range.

The Borderers continued to dominate in the second-half but a combination of good goalkeeping and brave defending kept their lead at one goal.

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Wilkie’s sublime pass set up Lucas Stenhouse who went down inside the area following a challenge but the referee waved away Gala’s penalty appeals.

Then with 20-minutes remaining Calum Hall’s cross from the right was cleared to the edge of the area and Galbraith fired a superb volley into the net, his second goal in two games.

The Students rallied and had the better of the closing period of the game but Gala managed the game well and the points remained in the Borders.

Ethan Dougal won the Precision Windows and Doors Man of the Match aware.

Gala are back in action on Saturday January 7 with a home game against Caledonian Braves.