The Stan played Scottish Lowland League opposition for the 2^nd Saturday in a row but this time travelled over the border to Netherdale in Galashiels, the 3G home of Gala Fairydean Rovers. There was a home touch though as the ground had a number of posters advertising ‘Gazza Live in Galashiels’ in September.

The sun came out for the start as the Stan started positively with Wright and Salim leading the attack although Brook made a clearance at the 2^nd attempt after 5 minutes. A Gala free kick on the edge of the box on 10 minutes was tipped over by Brook with the resulting corner eventually cleared. 3 minutes later a Stan counter attack saw Salim cynically brought down. A minute later though Gala scored when Imray passed to a Gala player which allowed them to attack and volley the ball into the net from the edge of the box. 2 minutes later and Brook had to get down to save.

Wright shot wide under pressure in 21 minutes and nearing the half hour mark the Stan were back in the game although Gala had most of the ball and the Stan were doing some sloppy passing. Gala put the pressure on again and it paid off in 38 minutes when a striker broke free and rounded Brook who should have saved. A Gala forward broke free again 2 minutes later but Brook saved. The half finished with the Stan on the backfoot.

The 2^nd half started with Salim shooting just wide and in 49 minutes the Gala keeper caught from a Wright shot. In 51 minutes Gala had a free kick on the edge of box which went around the wall but Regan, who came on at half time, made a great stretching save. A Sayer free kick was then caught but there was a lot of poor defending by the Stan.

Wright got a couple of shots in and there was a period of Stan pressure but it came to nothing. The Stan were then under pressure again with Regan punching clear although Salim shot over in 68 minutes. Gala forced another save before Bailey shot just wide but on 75 minutes it was 3-0 to Gala. Morris advanced and shot at close range beating Regan and a defender.

In 80 minutes Wright, who was getting increasingly frustrated especially with ‘dirty’ Doanaldson, bumped into him and was booked and was then substituted. Kerridge (2), Mason, Salim and Holland all had late efforts as the Stan put on some late pressure but it was too little too late.

On reflection, the game was more stand, given Gala’s impressive 500 seat 1964 listed concrete one, than Stan.

As with against Whitehill, the opposition benefited from more matches and better fitness and sent the Stan relatively quietly (after a brief stop in Jedburgh) back over the border.

Stan Team: Brook, Lowes, Miler, Middleton, Sayer,Holland, Mason,Imray, Kerridge, Wright, Salim

Subs (all Used): Regan, Hall, Bailey

Kevin Mochrie