PENICUIK ATHLETIC 2
GFR 1
PRE SEASON FRIENDLY | PENICUIK PARK
ON-LOAN signing from Hearts,Sean Ward grabbed a debut goal but it failed to prevent a friendly defeat at Penicuik on Saturday. The 18-year-old - a Scottish age internationalist at under-16 level - slotted home Jacob Campbell's cross on the half hour mark to bring Gala back on level terms.
But two goals from Penicuik midfielder Callum Connelly proved to be enough to give the home side victory. He broke the deadlock after 15 minutes and despite Ward's equaliser volleyed home what proved to be the winner in the 55th minute.
Gala had chances to level particularly when Campbell was felled in the box with a rash challenge but no penalty given and Callum Hall narrowly failing to get on the end of precision Phil Addison cross. A bit of humour was injected into the proceedings with a Penicuik supporter, from out with the stadium grounds due to COVID-19 restrictions, sounding a fog-horn to greet both of the their goals. However, from a personal point of view, Ward was pleased to get off a scoring start and is looking forward to the season ahead.
He said:"Obviously I was pleased to get a goal but the main thing for me is getting games under my belt.
"Hearts Reserves will only be friendly games this season so competitive games are important so and I am delighted to
be at Gala.
"Playing against men will be a massive challenge for me but I like the set-up at Gala and if I can get a few goals then that will help the team.
"Like everyone else, I just hope the season gets underway ."
GFR have closed-doors friendlies against Dunbar on Tuesday and Broxburn on Saturday, both away, before the opening Lowland League game against Bonnyrigg Rose at the Netherdale 3G Arena on Saturday, October 10.