Gala Hotspur 3
CFC Bowholm 2
BAL DIVISION C
GALA Hotspur need eight more points to secure the Division C title after a hard-fought win over rivals CFC Bowholm.
Depleted by injuries and suspensions, the home side enjoyed the perfect start when they were awarded a penalty after just 54 seconds, as Luke Geirus’ shot hit the arm of Ian Hall. Captain Rob Young dispatched the spot kick past Robert Murray.
The rest of the first half saw plenty chances at both ends, with Bowholm hitting the post, before keeper Murray picked up a pass back from Chris Stewart on 40 minutes, and Stuart Harkness send the indirect free kick high into the net.
The visitors replied five minutes after the break with a stunning 30-yard strike from Euan Stainthorp, and Bowholm threatened to find an equaliser, but Richard Ramage at centre half and Scott Crawford in goals for Gala were in superb form to deny the Canonbie side.
Spurs restored their two-goal lead on 70 minutes as great play by brothers Stuart and John Harkness saw the former set up John to slide a shot past Murray.
Mickey Dawson grabbed a second Bowholm goal in the 89th minute and the visitors piled on the pressure with a series of corners, but Hotspur hung on for victory.