The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Petrie keeping feet firmly on ground
MONTROSE: Hard work the key as boss looks to maintain momentum and pile on the points
Stewart Petrie watched his side beat Elgin City 3-0 to go six points clear at the top of League Two, but the extremely focused Montrose gaffer is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.
“That was a great win. We have now had back-to-back home wins by 3-0 margins and I am over the moon,” he said.
The most controversial moment came two minutes into the second half when the referee gave a penalty against Sean Dillon for what he saw as an off-the-ball foul on Chris McLeish.
Allan Fleming was the home hero when he dived to save Brian Cameron’s spot-kick and keep his side ahead.
Petrie added: “The boy struck it well but it was a great save by Allan, who has been outstanding for us, and we got a second goal just after.
“It was another clean sheet and our confidence is growing. We were excellent but we actually played better a week ago against Berwick.
“I have my own opinion as to whether it was a penalty. The referee made his decision and no doubt Sean will dispute it. There is always debate about refereeing decisions.”
Montrose look like going into the new year top of the pile, but Petrie says league position is irrelevant this early.
“We just want to get points on the board and build some momentum.
“We have a strong squad with competition for places, and happily we have not picked up any more injuries.
“The second goal settled us and we could have had one or two more with a better final ball.
“We will keep our feet on the ground and continue to work hard.”
Montrose opened the scoring on six minutes. Matty Allan burst forward and set up Terry Masson, who buried a leftfoot drive.
Two minutes later Fleming saved at the second attempt from Jordan Allan.
Montrose looked for more, and Jamie Redman had a shot blocked and Martyn Fotheringham had a strike saved by Marc Waters.
On 33 minutes Montrose had an escape when a Thomas Reilly free-kick came off the head of Iain Campbell and hit the post.
On 47 minutes Dillon was penalised for impeding McLeish as Fleming kicked the ball clear.
However, the big keeper pulled off a superb save from Cameron.
Eight minutes later Andrew Steeves let fly with his weaker right foot and the ball somehow evaded the diving Waters, who should have done better.
On 73 minutes a Craig Johnston cross was pushed out by Waters, and Redman followed up to complete the scoring.
“It was another clean sheet and our confidence is growing. STEWART PETRIE