Gala Fairydean Rovers 1, Cowdenbeath 2

A FIRST-HALF brace from Daryl Healy at Netherdale on Saturday ensured a second successive away win for the Blue Brazil.

Although remaining in 11th place in the Lowland League, Calum Elliot’s side made ground on 10th place Albion Rovers who dropped points in a goal less home draw with Bo’ness United.

The first chance of the afternoon saw Andy Rodden float a free kick into the box which was held by Gala ‘keeper Jay Cantley.

With eight minutes gone Craig Donald fouled Danny Galbraith on the edge of the Cowden box but saw his resultant penalty kick saved by the legs of Blues ‘keeper Josh Blair.

Healy then sent an 18 yard shot over the bar before he opened the scoring in 15 minutes, when a cross from Greg MacPherson was played into his path by Aiden McLaughlin, before he fired home his first Cowden goal.

Minutes later Robbie McNab won the ball from Ethan Dougal 20 yards out, and ran in on goal but his shot was blocked by Cantley.

Gala’s Liam Watt then sent a long range shot over the bar, while at the other end Healy saw a shot saved by the ‘keeper.

As the first half drew to a close Jamie Docherty was denied by Cantley, while Gregor Jordan headed just wide from a Rodden corner.

However, three minutes from the break they got a second goal when Healy broke through on goal and slotted past Cantley from 16 yards.

Eight minutes into the second-half Gala’s Ben Lamont saw a shot come off the post after being set up by Watt.

They did however pull a goal back with 20 minutes to go when Liam Watt fired home a powerful shot from the left into the far top corner of the net, after the ball had been cleared into his path following a corner.

Minutes later Zac Butterworth won the ball off a Gala defender and raced in on goal, but was denied by Cantley as he attempted to round the ‘keeper.

Both teams kept seeking another goal but the defences held firm.

Gala Fairydean Rovers: Cantley; Ferguson (Boyle 43) (Nicholson75), Hunter (Kazoka 43), Bone, Lyons, Lamont, Greene, Reilly, Dougal, Watt, Galbraith. Subs not used – Kidd, Semple and Scott.

Cowdenbeath: Blair; G MacPherson, Rodden (Tait 82), McNab, Donald, Jordan, Docherty (Berry 82), McLaughlin (Chalmers 75), Healy, McDonald (MacDonald 82), Butterworth. Subs not used – Hepburn and Denham.

Referee: Andy Gamble.

Attendance: 150.