Big win for Montrose as title rivals stumble

Montrose manager Stewart Petrie hailed his side as they beat Annan to go joint top of League Two with Peterhead, who lost last night.

The sides meet at Links Park on Saturday and Montrose still have a game in hand.

Petrie said: “That was a big win for us considering results elsewhere. We are down to the nittygritty now and we will lose games.

“In the first half we were just a final ball away from being really good.

“We lost a sloppy goal at the start of the second half and looked vulnerable for 10 or 15 minutes.

“Credit to my lads for digging in. It was fantastic play by Gary Fraser to set up Chris Templeman for the winner.

“We were aware of the Peterhead score and when we went 2-1 up we tended to sit in.

“We didn’t look like losing a second goal and defended well.

“Matters are in our own hands, but I know there will be twists and turns before the end of the season.”

Montrose had a chance on 13 minutes when Fraser fired wide from the edge of the box and, 12 minutes later, Andrew Steeves fired a shot wide.

On 34 minutes a lovely chip from Fraser landed on the roof of the Annan net.

Montrose took the lead on 40 minutes when a Paul Watson free-kick was headed home by Templeman.

Annan equalised on 48 minutes when Blair Henderson cut the ball back for Scott Roberts to score.

On 58 minutes a Templeman header was cleared off the line by Scott Hooper.

Montrose went back in front on 64 minutes when Fraser crossed for Templeman to head home.

Terry Masson went close to a third for Montrose when his volley flew wide.

Cowdenbeath drew 1-1 with Edinburgh City last night to leave them 15 points adrift of the capital side and Berwick at the foot of the table with 10 matches remaining.