28/07/2018  |  League

Gala Fairydean Rovers   1  v  2  Cumbernauld Colts

Saturday saw the Colts return to the scene of their League Cup triumph when they took on Gala Fairydean Rovers in their own back yard at Netherdale. Fortunately they picked up where they left off by emerging with a 2-1 victory and 3 precious opening day league points in the bag, a couple of their new signings being instrumental in the victory.

The game started at a decent pace with Gala having an early chance after a free kick into the box but it came to nothing. Colts were up next only this time it resulted in a goal when first choice striker Brown was persistent in winning a ball before delivering a cross into the box for debutant Fraser Team to score shooting across the keeper from 8 yards.

Another new signing Arnault Bembo then got involved in the action but his shot from distance didn’t trouble the Gala keeper. This seemed to spur Gala into action and it was then that another of the Colts new signings stepped up to the plate in the shape of 18 year old on loan Livingstone player Jordan Pettigrew in the Cumbernauld outfits goal. First he tipped a goal bound shot over his bar and then got down well to turn an angled shot round the post. Sheridan was then caught in possession leading to Pettigrew having to put the resultant shot round his post before being called into action again when he pulled off a great save from an angled shot from outside the 6 yard box. The Colts’ defence however, with Pettigrew in fine form, remained resolute and saw out the rest of the half without conceding.

Gala started the second half as they had finished the first but fortunately for Colts so did Pettigrew and he produced another great save tipping a close range shot over the bar. It was then the Colts’ turn to show their attacking flair with some great link up play between Brown and Team which lead to the Gala keeper saving the ensuing shot. The resultant Colts Corner led to a great header which appeared to be knocked off the line by a Gala defender’s hand although the referee did not agree despite protestations. More Gala pressure came to nothing and they were nearly made to pay dear when a flashing header by Davidson narrowly went wide. This spurred Gala into action and they received their just rewards on the 67th minute when a wonder strike from outside the box nestled beyond the finger tips of Pettigrew in the Colts’ net. Unbelievably, straight from the restart Colts were awarded a corner and from the Sheridan delivery, Davidson flashed another powerful header, this time into the back of the Gala net with their keeper rooted to the spot. A real sickner for the home support! The remainder of the game saw Gala attempt to get back on even terms and they nearly succeeded when first, a Colts’ interception in the box almost led to an own goal and second a Gala free kick scraped by the Colts post.

The Cumbernauld side held on however and managed to get the win over the line.
All in all, a fantastic day’s work by the Colts who are now looking forward to their first home game of the season on Friday night with a 7.45pm kick off against new comers Kelty Hearts. Promises to be a cracker!”