An efficient performance in Galashiels ensured that Spartans FC Youth maintained their five point lead at the top of Division 1B.

They were in control from as early as the 12^th minute when a Sean Burrell rocket opened the scoring, and Cole McKay added another with a similar strike eight minutes later.

Ryan Turner tapped in a third early in the second half, and Elliot Miller rounded it off with a penalty.

Gala goalkeeper Paddy Beatty was kept busy and he had already denied Keir Foster before Burrell emphatically broke the deadlock. The striker picked up the ball to the right of the box and unleashed a fierce, dipping left foot drive high into the net.

Beatty kept out another Foster effort but was unable to do anything about McKay’s shot from 20 yards.

Further saves from Foster, Craig McBay and Miller kept the score at 2-0 at half time. Foster’s was the best of the chances, Beatty saving from point blank range after Miller had cleverly passed to Foster in front of goal.

The capital side almost added to their tally seconds after the second half’s kick off but Joe Charlton did exceptionally well to get back and clear off the line.

And shortly after that respite, Gala were nearly on their way back into the fixture. Jack Niven’s low shot had every chance of finding the corner until Adam Cooper dived across to tip it round the post.

The next save was the best yet and it came from Beatty. Miller was through but the Gala keeper produced a terrific instinctive block to prevent him.

The all-important third arrived on 44 minutes, engineered by Foster. The forward thought he was the one about to find the net but his shot came back off the post with Turner reacting quickly to knock in the rebound.

Only three minutes later a penalty was awarded when Miller was tripped in the box, and he dusted himself off to tuck the spot kick away low to the keeper’s left.

Oscar Macintyre cut through the Fairydean Rovers defence with a thrusting run but Oliver McGrath-Badrena could only scramble the cut back into Beatty’s hands.

Gala were much more of a threat in the second half and they began to push more towards the end as they looked for a consolation.

Tor McGillivery had a go from a free kick and then flashed another shot just past the post.

Niven was next to have a go and he got a bit closer, only for Cooper to get down and make a top save.

And the goalkeeping heroics continued at the other end when Beatty had to make a saving tackle at the feet of Miller.

The win turned out to be an important one with second placed Hutchison Vale Colts also winning, so Spartans remain five points clear having played a game more.