Gable Endies off the mark after goal blitz

MONTROSE 4 PETERHEAD 3

Montrose picked up their first league win of the season by edging out old rivals Peterhead in a seven-goal thriller.

Delighted Montrose boss Stewart Petrie said: “I’m over the moon. We played really well in the first half and were brave on the ball.

“In the second half we lost two quick goals and could have buckled, but our character was great in the last half hour.

“I hope we don’t have to score four to win every week.

“We scored some good goals and that will breed confidence in the lads. Credit to them for the way they took the game by the scruff of the neck.

“Joel MacBeth scored his first senior goal, Graham Webster scored two crackers and Paul Watson scored a cracker as well. It was like a competition for goal of the season.

“We need to tighten up a bit but the win will take a bit of the pressure off.

“We have not done it this season and every game is difficult. We are not the finished article, but the three points give us a platform.”

Montrose took the lead on 13 minutes. A Cammy Ballantyne corner was flighted beyond the far post and MacBeath scored from what looked an impossible angle.

Peterhead levelled on 20 minutes when a Scott Brown shot took a big deflection on its way in.

Montrose were back in front on 29 minutes. Webster controlled the ball on his chest, went past two players and curled a beauty inside the post.

The home side made it three on the stroke of half-time. Watson collected the ball 35 yards out and fired home a low drive.

On 48 minutes, Montrose failed to clear a free-kick and Mick Dunlop shot home.

Four minutes later, Montrose looked to have survived a frantic goalmouth scramble, but Jamie Stevenson volleyed home.

On 66 minutes, Montrose won the ball in midfield and Webster drilled home from 30 yards.

Two minutes later a mistake gave Webster the chance of his hat-trick, but Greg Fleming blocked with his feet.