PETERHEAD 2 Lyle (20), Mcallister (pen 39) COVE RANGERS 1 Masson (pen 14)

This eagerly-awaited north-east derby started at cup-tie pace and it was the home side who threatened first in the fourth minute as Scott Brown fired over from 12 yards.

Back came Cove and, six minutes later, Mitch Megginson broke clear after cashing in on a slip by Cameron Eadie and his cross picked out Jordan Brown who was denied by Greg Fleming.

But, after 14 minutes, it was advantage Cove. A Megginson shot at ground level was handled by Jason Brown, and Jamie Masson smashed home the spot-kick.

Peterhead were level after 21 minutes, though, an out-swinging corner from the left by Jack Leitch met by downward header at the back post by Derek Lyle. The Blue Toon should have taken a lead into the break with Rory Mcallister racing clear but his shot was stopped on the line by Harry Milne.

They weren’t to be denied, though, as Mcallister was chopped to the ground by Darryn Kelly, with the striker doing the needful himself from the spot.

There was almost a stunning start to the second half. Cove’s Milne whipped over what was surely a cross but ended up crashing off the face of the crossbar.

Five minutes later, unbelievably, Milne did it again, this time with a shot from close range hitting the woodwork.

The visitors continued to pose the bigger threat and a slide-rule pass forward by Connor Scully into the area saw Blair Yule fire the ball just wide.

Lyle headed wide following a corner kick as the match headed towards its conclusion.