Gala have ‘promotion potential’

Gala FAIRYDEAN are on the verge of a return to the Premier Division for the first time since they were relegated at the end of the 2004-05 season.

Tomorrow they face their closest rivals for a promotion spot when they entertain manager-less Preston Athletic on their new state-of-the-art surface at Netherdale.

Preston currently occupy second spot, five points ahead of Gala, although the home side has two games in hand and wins in these outstanding games would put the Fairies in a commanding position for a step up.

Fraser Lothian, the Gala manager, said: “The potential is definitely there for us to get promoted. We are defending very well and have the second best defensive record in the First Division. Defending is very important for us because at the other end we are always liable to score goals as we showed on Wednesday night when we beat Peebles Rovers 5-0.

“Andrew Brown, Gary Lothian, Paul Young and Greig Hay are all playing very well in defence, while Jack Hay is scoring goals. He scored one against Peebles and could probably have had eight!

“We are quite a young team and I can honestly say that in my time as a manager this is the best togetherness I have ever seen in a dressing room. Everyone gets along really well which I believe is very important.”

Gala have a full squad with the possible exception of Jay Wilson who was sent off against Peebles, but Gala have appealed to the SFA against this decision.

Preston Athletic are under the temporary charge of coaches Ian Houston and Billy Byrne following the departure of Stevie Myatt.