East Kilbride 2

Gala Fairydean Rovers 2

Callum Hodgson

at K Park

DEFENDING champions East Kilbride met their match on Saturday as Gala Fairydean Rovers returned from the trip to Lanarkshire with a deserved point.

The home side justified their favourites status when ex-Gala striker Ruari Paton finished off a slick move by drilling a low shot into the bottom corner of the net after just eight minutes.

But Gala came storming back and created three good chances which lacked the killer touch.

However, the visitors got a slice of good fortune in the 27th minute when they levelled the scores.

Marc Berry skipped past the full back on his way to the by-line and sent over a cross which took a wicked defection and ended up hitting the net at the far post.

But there was nothing fortunate about Gala's second goal on the half hour mark which cut open the Kilby defence.

Scott-Taylor McKenzie sent a piercing through ball to striker Zander Murray who looked as if he was about to pull the trigger but instead squared the ball to the on-rushing Danny Galbraith who picked his spot in the corner of the net to put Gala 2-1 up.

After the break Gala continued to threaten with Aitchison's head flick finding Murray who skipped past his marker and hammered in a shot which cleared the bar by centimetres.

And there was another opportunity to make it 3-1 when Galbraith unleashed a sizzling 25-yarder which keeper Matthew McGinley did well to turn round the post.

But East Kilbride had their moments when striker Connor Malcolm under fierce pressure from Gala defenders headed over from close range.

And Gala keeper Fraser Morton had to show some clean handling to deal with a couple of long range efforts.

However, in 57 minutes the hosts were back on level terms with Kieran Gibbons curling in a glorious effort from 20 yards.

There were chances at both ends for a winner with the best falling to Gala 10 minutes from time as Murray broke through down the left but his low shot was deflected agonisingly past the post by another fine McGinley save.

This Saturday's Lowland League fixture between Gala Fairydean Rovers and Bonnyrigg Rose has been switched from New Dundas Park to Netherdale.

Kick off at the G Arena is 3pm. Premier Club cards apply for this match. Otherwise admission prices are £7 for adults and £4 concessions.

Under 16s free of charge but only if accompanied by an adult.