TEN man Gala Fairydean Rovers clawed back a two goal deficit to lift their first ever trophy at Ferguson Park this afternoon.
Linlithgow Rose opened the scoring in the first minute when captain Connor McMullan headed home from a free-kick.
And things got worse for Gala just before the break when keeper Ruaridh Adams was shown a straight red card for a foul on Mark Stowe just outside the area.
Then in the 57th minute Alan Docherty doubled Linlithgow’s lead with a deft lob and the East of Scotland Cup looked destined for West Lothian.
But Martin Scott’s men refused to accept defeat and in the 67th minute Danny Galbraith pulled one back for the penalty spot after he had been brought down.
From then on it was all Gala and with three minutes remaining local lad Ciaran Greene headed home a Quinn Mitchell cross from the left, sparking wild celebrations both on and off the pitch.
No extra time was played and the game went to a penalty shoot-out.
Linlithgow sent four penalties over the bar while their keeper Lewis McMinn saved three Gala efforts. Then with the score tied at 3-3 substitute Ciaren Chalmers stepped up to fire the winning penalty into the net and create history.
Following Zander's announcement club chairperson, Ryan Cass, said: "Everyone at the club is fully supportive of Zander and we are delighted for him that he feels comfortable to come out.
"Zander has shown great bravery and he has the club's full support and I am certain that he will get the support he deserves from all across the football family in Scotland."
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