Gala dent Preston’s push

GALA gave their Premier Division promotion hopes a massive boost and, at the same times, dented those of managerless Preston. Heriot-Watt remain top of the First Division, but this result closed the gap between Preston and Gala to just two points with Gala having two games in hand.

Preston had their chances in the first half, but were dealt a hammer blow just before the break as the Borderers scored twice. The first was a penalty which Scott Nightingale hit powerfully into the bottom left hand corner. Then, on the stroke of half-time, the in-rushing Jack Hay clipped home a sweet cross.

Gala extended their lead on the hour when Jack Hay left defenders for dead before sliding the ball home. Preston got on the scoresheet when Paul Young’s cushioned header to his goalkeeper was well short and Sean Martin nipped in.

Gala Fairydean: Turnbull, G Hay, Brown, Young, Lothian, Tyson, Wilson, Gass, Rossi, J Hay, Nightingale. Subs not used: Hewitson, Hunter, Shepherd, Fairburn, Lynch (SG).

Preston Athletic: Gilpin (Thomson, 45 mins), Morrison, Kennedy, Stewart, Scott, McGlashan, Cairnie (Henderson, 45 mins) (Hobbins, 73 mins), McColl, McCormack, Martin, Wilson. Subs not used: Innes, Black.