Gary Jardine explains Civil Service Strollers defeat as former Hibs winger inspires Gala Fairydean Rovers

Confidence was high in the Christie Gillies Park camp following Friday night's 2-1 victory over Rangers B in the Lowland League curtain-raiser.

But Gary Jardine's men were never at the races against the Borders club and, after a goalless opening 45 minutes, Gala opened the scoring within a minute of the restart, Galbraith's corner causing mayhem in the six-yard box and Allan Smith claiming the final touch.

Nine minutes later it was two for the visitors as skipper Gareth Rodger got his name on the scoresheet with a neat finish. But the best strike of the night arrived on the hour when Galbraith, who was the best player on the park, pinged a 25-yard effort into the top corner.

Danny Galbraith (No.10) appeals for a foul during the game at Christie Gillies Park.

Strollers huffed and puffed with Jardine making a raft of changes from the bench in a bid to mount a late comeback.

And although substitute Jonathan Moffat did find a consolation with a couple of minutes to spare, the hosts got what they deserved.

Jardine said afterwards: "The guys were a bit leggy after the Rangers game but I'm not using that as an excuse as Gala were the better side.

“I didn't think they looked like they were going to score in the first half, so I'm really disappointed with a lot of aspects of the first goal. The second goal was a good finish and then the third one is a bit of magic.

Strollers boss Gary Jardine.

"Galbraith played really well. As much as Marc Laird is a good player, his work was done a lot deeper. They've both played at the highest level. We just lacked that bit of quality in the final third.

"But all in all, it was a disappointing night. We've just got to get ready for the weekend now."