MATCH PREVIEW - GALA FAIRYDEAN ROVERS (H)

This afternoon we welcome Gala to Central Park for the first time in over 40 years with a 3pm kick off.

On their last visit in January 1982, we drew 1-1 with the then East of Scotland League side before losing 3-2 in the Scottish Cup replay at Netherdale.

Back then most people would probably have expected to maybe meet in the SFL someday as the Borderers were one of the top non league sides back then, but such how Scottish Football has changed since then we now meet in the Lowland League.

Gala, managed by former Cowden player Martin “Jimmy” Scott, are playing their opening games away from home as work continues on their stand, one of only two with Grade One listing status in Scotland, the main stand at Ibrox is the other.

This hasn’t stopped Scott’s side from picking up four points in their opening two games and perhaps they were unlucky not to have maximum points. Last Saturday they drew 2-2 with Caledonian Braves at Alliance Park despite having captain Gareth Rodgers sent off. Marc Berry and Zander Murray twice had them ahead with Luke Main and Jamie Watson three minutes into injury time salvaging a point for the Braves.

Then on Tuesday night they went to Christie Gillies Park and ran out 3-1 winners over Cival Service Strollers. Danny Galbraith bagged a brace along with Rodgers who had his red card from the previous Saturday over turned on appeal. Jonny Moffat got a late consolation for the Strollers.

For us it has been a disappointing start to life in the Lowland League with only Gretna 2008’s inferior goal difference keeping us off bottom spot. On the positive side Cammy Graham made a quick return on Tuesday night after going off injured against Celtic B.

Jack Garrad returns to the squad after serving a one game ban after his red card against the young hoops although both Daniel Martins and Scott Sinclair remain on the injury list.

MATCH SPONSOR - Cowden 72
MATCH BALL SPONSOR – Michael McNeely



MATCH OFFICIALS

REFEREE – Terry Ormiston

ASSISTANT REFEREES – William McAleese & Scott Morris


ADMISSION

Adults - £10 (£11 PATG) | Concessions - £5 (£6 PATG) | 12 and under - FREE | Season tickets are valid for this game.

To save £1, you can buy your ticket in advance here.


PROGRAMME

Issue 4 of The Blue Brazilian will on sale inside the turnstiles at the cost of £3.



Previewer: Andrew Mullen.