Civil Service Strollers got their Lowland League campaign off to a flyer with a 2-1 win over Rangers ‘B’ last night thanks to two stunning strikes from Euan Valentine.
A crowd of over 450 packed into Christe Gillies Park to watch Gary Jardine’s new look side take on the Gers youngsters.
The visitors started brightly but Civil almost took the lead after just 15 minutes when a perfectly placed cross found Aleau Faye but his header went just wide of the target and into the side netting.
A few minutes later and the visitors took the lead when Lewis MacKinnon got on the end of a free-kick and his shot caught strollers keeper Mac Whyte off guard and ended up in the net.
Robbie Ure then had a chance to double the Gers lead when he broke into the box but Whyte pulled off a terrific save from close range.
Strollers levelled the match when they were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box and Valentine stepped up and fired the ball low into the corner of the net to level the match.
Just as it looked like the sides were going into the interval level, Strollers were awarded another free-kick on the edge of the box after Faye was fouled.
Valentine again stepped up and his rocket of a strike found the top corner from a full 25-yards out leaving the Rangers keeper with no chance.
Both sides had chances in the second half but the game ended 2-1 for Civil and they picked up all three points.
