CHRISTMAS came early for Gretna FC 2008 players, staff and supporters as they claimed a 2-0 away win against Gala Fairydean Rovers on Saturday.
Black and Whites gaffer Vinnie Parker knew it was absolutely vital his side picked up all three points in Galashiels in order to put some distance between themselves and the bottom of the table.
And they did just that thanks to a great team performance which contained two early goals from Robbie Ivison and Reece Paterson.
Speaking after the victory, a delighted Parker said: “It was probably one of the best performances this season. It was a cracking game of football and I thought we were absolutely brilliant.
“I thought as a group the leadership was outstanding, because they came after us in the second half after making four changes at halftime.
“We probably could have won four or 5-0.”
He added: “Right from kick off we’ve put the ball on top of their right back and went after them. We knew we had to win today.
“It was a big game. If we lost we would have been dragged back into that battle where we don’t want to be.
“They’re a good side. We did loads of research and analysis on them, so we had to stop them playing, first and foremost.
“We had to come up here and be hard to beat. That was the message before the game.
“Reece up front was absolutely brilliant. I think it’s probably down to him how we started so well. He pressed and chased and got his goal.”
Tomorrow afternoon the Anvils entertain second from bottom Broomhill at Raydale Park. Parker knows the visitors will provide a tough challenge despite their lowly position in the table.
He said: “The support was brilliant today. The bus was full and you could certainly hear the fans supporting us, especially in the last 15 minutes.
“We would like to see everybody returning next Saturday for the home game and supporting us.
“The league is so tight. Nobody is getting cut off at the bottom and everybody is capable of beating everybody.
“Every manager that I’ve spoken to recently has said they can’t believe how Broomhill are sitting so far down the league.”
