Gala Fairydean Rovers 4

Heston Rovers 1

Callum Hodgson at Netherdale

GALA gaffer Steven Noble is looking to build on recent performances after the Braw Lads demolished Heston Rovers in the South Challenge Cup at Netherdale on Saturday.

Rovers came into the match fresh from a 3-1 league victory over Preston and goals from Shane Bonnington, Dean McColm, Lee Stephen and George Windram ensured they progressed to the next round.

Billy Miller, Taylor Hope and Allan Nicol were all back in the side on Saturday and their returns provided a big boost for the manager.

Noble told the Border Telegraph: “You need to beat the teams you’re up against and we didn’t know a lot about Heston, but I think we dominated the whole game and created a load of chances.

“We probably should have won by more, but the boys played well and there were some really good spells of play and it was good to see Taylor, Allan and Billy back.

“We’re happy with the win and with the performance and hopefully we can have a good week in training and look forward to the Scottish Cup next Saturday.

“I’ve said to the players let’s build on this and on the last couple of performances and victories and let’s put a good run together.”

It took Gala 22 minutes to break the deadlock, in what was the first real chance of the half. Heston defender Ross Newlands did not deal with a ball on his own byline and was quickly pounced on by Bonnington who nicked the ball and smashed it past Kieron McCulloch.

Several minutes later Johnathan Boyd fired over the bar for the visitors, but that was the best they could muster in the first half as the home side showed their superiority.

Then in the 36th minute Fairydean got exactly what they deserved after some brilliant link-up play between McColm and Danny Simpson. Simpson’s beautifully weighted pass alluded Stephen McDill, allowing McColm to calmly slot home.

And there could have been a few more goals before the interval as Miller and Scott Main both came close.

Noble’s men finished where they left off in the second half. Simpson headed over from Stephen cross, and four minutes later the two were involved again as Gala extended their lead.

Simpson, who looked to be in an offside position, acted as decoy, leaving Stephen free to slot home. The Dumfries side did pull one back though in the 71st minute when Gary Tweedie connected with a Robson Halliday cross at the far post.

Not that it made too much difference, as Rovers always looked in control.

If anything it made them more determined to improve on the 3-1 lead.

Hibernian loanee Kevin Waugh came on and looked a real bright spark, as he was given the chance to bomb forward.

In fact, 10 minutes before the end he hit the upright after a nice pass from fellow sub Ross Aitchison.

Waugh then linked up with McColm who thought he had doubled his tally, only for it to be chalked off for offside, rather controversially as the pair claimed the ball was passed backwards.

But then in the 88th minute, Gala put Heston to the sword once more, this time from a set piece.

Substitute Darren Smith lofted in a corner and there was George Windram to head home for Gala’s fourth.

The South of Scotland league side surely travelled back to Dumfries disappointed with their performance, while the Braw Lads will be looking forward to their next assignment. A Scottish Cup tie with Fraserburgh on Saturday.

Gala Fairydean Rovers: K Wright, L Stephen, S Main, T Hope (D Smith 61), G Windram, B Herdman, B Miller (K Waugh 61), D McColm, D Simpson, S Bonnington, A Nicol (R Aitchison 61) Not used: S Noble