GALA Fairydean Rovers manager Martin Scott believes that the influx of local players in the first team has helped build a connection with the community.

Gala’s captain Danny Galbraith led the club to their first ever trophy winning the East of Scotland Cup in that never to be forgotten day at Rosewell.

And It was fitting that the late equaliser was scored by fellow Borderer Ciaran Greene.

The pair have now been joined in the first team squad by 16-year-old Sam Ostle.

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Scott has also praised the volunteers at the club who help out at grass roots level and is keen to see the youngsters at Netherdale supporting the first team.

He said: “Football within the Borders and the local catchment area is so important.

“I think at Gala Fairydean Rovers if you look at our first team and the connection within that to the community it’s really apparent when you see the amount of local players taking a pathway from the amateur football into the first team, playing in the Lowland League on a weekly basis.

“Two younger players that spring to mind are Ciaran Greene who is doing exceptionally well at the moment and young Sam Ostle who came from the Amateurs.

“So it does show that there is a link there between the first team and the local community.

“And there is a lot of good work that goes on in Gala from people that volunteer in the local grass roots football.

“You can see in recent matches, we’ve tried to encourage the younger generation to come across and support the first team and bring a parent along to the game.

“It’s massive for the community and I think it’s an area that we can certainly continue to utilise and improve and grow as the club grows and improves on and off the park.”

GFR are back in action this afternoon away to Caledonian Braves.