Premier League, Saturday 23rd April 2005

Gala Fairydean 0 Whitehill Welfare 1

A determined showing from a Whitehill side with several changes from the midweek win over Civil Service Strollers. Dropping out of the side were Jamie Birrell and Raymond Shanks with Johnny Baigrie and Brian Martin starting in their places. With the squad stretched through several other enforced absences, it was a deserted looking subs bench at Netherdale.

Early exchanges were committed on both sides with the home team determined to take something from the game to ensure their Premier League survival. A couple of half chances fell to both teams early in the game with shots scooped over the top from long range. Welfare’s main threat came from Ryan McGurk’s huge wind-assisted clearances up the park. The Gala defence did not look comfortable dealing with them and McDonald and Whyte found themselves presented with several chances to run at the Gala rearguard. Welfare’s clearest chance fell to Ross Johnston inside the box but his midweek composure was missing and he blasted the ball wide.

The best chance of the half fell to Gala just on the forty minute mark when their centre-forward was put clean through only to lift his shot over the bar from 12 yards.

Welfare came out more purposeful in the second half and McDonald was unlucky not to score after a good run and shot which went just over the bar. The near miss was an indication of Welfare’s intent and after 53 minutes they took the lead. Martin intercepted a stray pass from the Gala defence to their midfield and broke down the left. He played a one-two with Richie Johnstone to get to the bye-line and his flighted cross into the six-yard box was met by Colin McDonald who headed home from two yards.

Hogg and Johnstone found their way into the ref’s notebook for persistent infringements as Welfare tried to maintain their hold on the game. Curran replaced Faichney and Whyte dropped into midfield as the game entered the final quarter.

Gala’s urgency increased as they fought to secure at least a point and Welfare were thankful for three outstanding saves from Ryan McGurk as they held on to ensure they will finish at least fourth in the table.

Whitehill Welfare: McGurk, Baigrie, Lee, Johnston, Jamieson, Johnstone, Martin, Faichney, McDonald, Hogg, Whyte. Subs: Curran, Finlay.