High five delights Bollan

PETERHEAD’S three-year stay in League 1 came to an end as they were comprehensively beaten by an impressive Forfar who thoroughly deserved to take their place 7-2 on aggregate.

Forfar manager Gary Bollan said: “We knew it was going to be tough and we were up for it from minute one. It helped scoring early and put pressure on Peterhead. We looked a real threat throughout the game and cut them open and deserved to win but I certainly wasn’t expecting it to be so convincing.

“We managed to kick on after going in front. I’m not usually emotional but they [the emotions] are getting the better of me at the moment. It’s a moment I will savour as we should have won promotion automatically weeks ago. The players were determined that disappointment wouldn’t get the better of them and that showed today.”

Peterhead boss Jim McInally admitted: “It was a horrific way to end a horrific season. I carry the can for that as we have defended like that all season and I haven’t been able to change it.”

Lewis Milne gave Forfar an early lead when the ball bounced over the head of Blue Toon defender Ryan Strachan from a throw-in and he scored from the right side of the penalty area.

Forfar doubled their lead after 17 minutes and inevitably it came from a Peterhead old boy, David Cox, cutting into the left side of the area and scoring with a shot smashed between goalkeeper Graeme Smith and the post.

Danny Denholm made it 3-0, finishing with a curling a shot and the humiliation continued when substitute Aiden Malone backheeled the ball in.

Twelve minutes from the end Peterhead did manage a consolation, Scott Brown sending a bobbling effort into the net after bursting forward from midfield for a rare moment of joy for the remaining home fans.

In the 83rd minute Forfar made their final substitution and within seconds Josh Peters hammered in for goal No 5.