Gala Fairydean Rovers 2

Edinburgh University 3

David Knox at Netherdale

UNDER the gaze of Lisbon Lion Bobby Lennox there were hopes around Netherdale that some of the magic from the Estádio Nacional 50 years ago would rub off on the Fairydean Rovers.

However, what the 74-year-old former Celtic striker, along with the rest of the packed stand, witnessed was another disappointing defensive display from the home team.

And the Students from Edinburgh took full advantage with a late winner to claim the points.

Gala gaffer Steven Noble was quick to point out his side’s defensive woes.

He said: “We twice fought back well and we looked like we would go on and win the game but more calamitous defending allowed them to win.

“We didn’t defend well the whole game.

“If you want to do anything in this league you need to beat teams like Edinburgh University.

“We’ve lost far too many home games already this season and it’s bitterly disappointing.”

Only a tremendous save from keeper Lewis Muir prevented Uni taking the lead on seven minutes as the ball bounced kindly for Joe Boyle just 10 yards from goal.

Muir also did well to push away a Jack Guthrie effort on the quarter hour as the Edinburgh players continued to find gaps in the home defence.

It had been a cold start from the hosts, but once they warmed up they began to cause Uni problems.

Adam Watson and Rhys Craigie tormented the defence with their pace and angles.

Watson smashed the ball a foot wide as the tide began to turn, and on 20 minutes Callum Davidson finger-tipped a Craigie effort over the bar.

Jamie Gullan was slipped through by Craigie approaching the half hour but he pulled his shot wide.

The on-loan Hibs striker did find the target five minutes later but Davidson was alert enough to gather.

The breakthrough came just two minutes into the second half as early Uni pressure led to Nathan Evans volleying home from 12 yards out.

Gala responded well with Craigie’s through ball being driven low and hard into the net by substitute Stuart Noble on 58 minutes.

Neither defence looked assured as chances continued to come at both ends.

And it was Uni who were to edge back in front on 75 minutes.

Rafa Calbacho’s back post looping header was nodded into the net by Evans.

But back came the home team just four minutes later with Noble enjoying a wicked deflection to wrong-foot Davidson from 25 yards.

Both teams threw players forward in search of a winner.

And it came for the Students in the 85th minute with an Evans shot from distance deflecting against Ross Aitchison and falling kindly for Boyle to slot home from 10 yards out.

Gala Fairydean Rovers. L Muir, B Miller, S Main, R Aitchison, S Guiney (G Rose 87), C Heugh (F Neave 81), D Smith, A Watson, R Craigie, J Gullan & S Paliczka (S Noble 52).

David Knox