Gable Endies boss relieved as hosts fend off fightback

MONTROSE 4 PETERHEAD 3

Montrose boss Stewart Petrie was a relieved man at the final whistle after his side held on to edge out Peterhead in a sevengoal thriller.

Petrie said: “We were never comfortable in the game. We were fortunate to be 3-0 up just before half-time as they missed two good chances before they scored. An individual error then gave them a lifeline before the break.

“We scored at a great time in the second half to make it 4-1, but we didn’t show the composure necessary. We didn’t pass the ball enough and we were hanging on at the end for a big three points.

“Too often we have played well and got nothing from a game, so when we get a few breaks of the ball we will take it.

“Cammy (Ballantyne) was outstanding and scored his first senior goal, then Blair (Lyons) scored two.

“We got the victory but there are things we need to work on as that was not the Montrose we are used to.”

Montrose made a flying start with a goal on two minutes. Graham Webster found St Johnstone loanee Cammy F. Ballantyne and he drilled the ball home.

On 15 minutes a through ball from Webster found Lyons and he rounded Greg Fleming before scoring.

The Montrose purple patch continued and on 27 minutes, Craig Johnston fought for the ball and it broke back for Lyons to hit the bottom corner.

Alan Cook pulled one back for the Blue Toon before half-time but Montrose made it 4-1 on 60 minutes. Webster chalked up his third assist when he flighted in a free-kick which was headed home by Matty Allan.

Derek Lyle made it 3-2 on 678 minutes before Fleming saved with his foot to deny Lyons his hat-trick.

Scott Brown shot home with 10 minutes left to bring Peterhead within a goal.

Fleming saved with his foot again from Mouhamed Niang on 82 minutes, then Peterhead had two spot-kick claims refused.

Blair Lyons grabbed two first-half goals for the Gable Endies.