Gala Fairydean Rovers vs Caledonian Braves

The Braves had a disappointing weekend down in Netherdale falling to a 3-1 defeat to Gala Fairydean Rovers.

Braves again started this game brightly, the gaffer had returned to a 3-5-2 formation bringing back the likes of Blair Docherty to the starting XI. The first chance came after two minutes when Ben Daily found himself with an on rushing keeper, the young attacker attempted to chip the keeper but it landed just wide of the target.

Following this Gala started their strong performance of the first half, they had the ball in the net but for it to be called for offside after 14 minutes. After a 2 yard miss and a great save from Alex Marshall, Gala were knocking down the door and the first goal did come.

A long ball over the top beat the Braves defence as Zander Murray smashed home off the post. Soon after Murray made it three, A quick free kick was taken by Alan Reid towards Raffi Krissian, the big French defender tracking back found the ball intercepted by Gala as they raced towards the goal. Marshall made the save but it found its way to Murray to tap home his second of the afternoon.

Into the second half which saw much the same despite a formation change from the Braves. Docherty had the ball in the net to claim one back only for another goal to be chopped of that afternoon. Efforts from Neil McLaughlin and Krissian brought the Braves into the game but a penalty was awarded when substitute Serge Makofo was to deemed to bring down the Gala player.

Murray stepped up to complete his hat trick but rattled the bar as the Braves were saved for a few moments. Gala would go three up though, Slattery was disposed of the 25 yards from goal, the cross came in, the initial shot was saved by the post but the rebound was powered home.

Braves would grab that consolation goal following a dominant last 10 minutes of the game. A Sinclair corner kick was headed into the top corner by top goal scorer Ross McNeil who goes up to 21 for the season.

A tricky couple of weeks lie ahead, Braves are involved in the Southern Counties Challenge Cup next week against Dalbeattie Star before our next Lowland League fixture Saturday 25th when BSC Glasgow are the visitors to Alliance Park.