A close game at Netherdale was decided by two quality goals from Edinburgh South striker Kacper Michalak.

Gala Fairydean Rovers’ defenders probably didn’t feel Kacper was being as friendly as the animated ghost as he troubled them all morning. His forward play was ultimately the difference on the day.

Both sides played good football resulting in an entertaining match. Gala just couldn’t find the finishing touch that Michalak brought to the table for South.

There could have been more goals in the game and that is testament to the quality of defending and goalkeeping on display at both ends.

The capital men threatened first with Jayden Smith hurting himself in the process of diving bravely at the feet of Daniel Carson-Sangster. Fortunately, he was not forced into an early departure. Connor Fitzpatrick also had a decent try that was also saved by Smith.

Thomas Lockley had been cutting a frustrated figure as he felt that his team-mates had been overusing the right flank, leaving him redundant on the left. But the winger got Gala’s first opportunity after being played through by a terrific slide rule pass by Tyler Smith. Lockley's lobbed attempt went just over.

The first of many last ditch defensive blocks came from Gala’s Lewis Smith to prevent an Edinburgh chance, but they did score soon after.

Michalak picked up the ball just inside the Gala half and set off on a powerful charge towards goal. When he got there he buried the ball high into the net.

Fairydean Rovers came close to an equaliser from a corner when a Josh McGurk corner picked out Lewis Smith. A good header was well stopped by Ben Gormley.

It was South’s turn for a defensive intervention in front of goal with Rhys Anderson denying Matthew Murray.

The visitors went into the break with their narrow lead intact. But there was plenty to suggest that Gala could get themselves back into it after a very even opening period.

The fast-flowing action did not cool down in the second half, and neither did the heroic defending.

Lewis Smith was at it again to halt Fitzpatrick as he was about to pull the trigger to make it 2-0.

Not be outdone, Jayden Smith in the Gala goal made two good stops. The first from Michalak and the second from Fitzpatrick after a good through pass by Isam Mohammed. The goalkeeper’s namesake Lewis then threw himself in the way of a shot once again.

The Borderers ensured it was not one way traffic as Murray broke forward, showing good strength, but he blasted over.

They then had the perfect chance to draw level when they were awarded a penalty after 48 minutes. Aiden Bambrook won it by accelerating into the box and being tripped. Murray stepped up but sent it wide.

Just six minutes later they were made to regret that missed opportunity even more. Michalak raced clear of the back line once more and when he was faced by the keeper he displayed unbelievable composure to send a delightful chip over his head.

Anderson tried to catch up with Smith on the blocks front by denying the man himself in front of goal, with another committed challenge.

Other than that Gala failed to recover from the concession of the decisive second goal and couldn’t force themselves back into it. Edinburgh South had their big striker to thank for earning them a victory which keeps them round about the mid table places.