Gala Fairydean Rovers 3

Dalbeattie Star 2

Tommy Cass

at Netherdale

GALA claimed all three points in their final home league game of the season to cement a mid table finish.

But it took a late header from striker Ruari Paton to seal the win.

Centre back Pat Scullion opened the scoring after 10 minutes with a close range header after Sandy Cunningham and Phil Addison missed good chances to put the home side in front.

With the Fairydean Rovers dominating the early stages, they may have went further ahead but Ricky Miller's header hit the crossbar.

Cunningham limped off before half time and his replacement Charlie Green made an immediate impact setting up Paton for a glancing header to double the lead.

Dalbeattie rarely threatened Paddy Martin`s goal, but just before half time Star `s Lewis Todd gave the visitors a lifeline with a well taking strike from close range.

With Star coming more into the game after the interval home defenders Miller and Scullion had to be on form.

And on the hour there were strong claims for a Gala penalty after Tommy Patterson rounded Star keeper Vinnie Parker only to be tripped, but the referee waved play on.

With the home side passing up chance after chance, the visitors made them pay with an equaliser from Corey Thomson.

Gala introduced 16-year-old Declan Bell for the final 10 minutes.

And to the relief of the home crowd just a few minutes later Addison found Green on the right wing and his inch perfect cross was met by man of match Paton to head home the winner.

Gala Fairydean Rovers. P Martin, K Ainslie, T Patterson, P Scullion, R Miller, D Smith, D Baxter, S Taylor-Mackenzie, R Paton, S Cunningham & P Addison. Used substitutes C Green & D Bell.