Thomson wields the dagger

Thomson struck a dagger into the home side’s heart in injury time with a well-placed shot from the centre of the edge of the box to grab all three points for the promotion chasing students. In truth, the Heriot-Watt team shaded this encounter and will feel worth their reward, but Gala had chances.

The students scored in the first minute when Burke drifted into the penalty area and was able to collect, turn and shoot. They then kept the ball easily at the back and passed it around themselves to deny Gala any opportunities. The closest Gala came in the first half was from a Gass free kick from fully 40 yards which was over-hit but still clipped the crossbar.

Gala got back on terms early in the second half when Greg Hay crossed from the right and Rossi headed home and that looked liked the end of the scoring until . . . Thomson struck.

Gala Fairydean: Turnbull, G Hay, Brown, Young, Lothian, Hunter, Wilson, Gass, Rossi, J Hay, Hewitson (Nightingale, 45 mins). Subs not used: Jeffrey, Gow, Lynch (SG).

Heriot-Watt University: Saunders, Spiller, Main, Travis, Forbes, Ferrie (R Napier, 63 mins), Burke (Donnelly, 61 mins), Thomson, B Napier, Mushin, Webster (Watson, 83 mins). Subs not used: Connor, Koya.