First win of the season for Blair against hard-working rivals
Blairgowrie got their first win of the season against a hardworking Coupar Angus side on Wednesday last week.
This was a typical local derby with plenty of endeavour, and a strong second half saw Blair through in the end.
Blair might have been ahead early on.
Cammy McManus intercepted a poor backpass but his shot smacked off the Coupar post.
Then the same player saw his shot brilliantly saved by Lewis Coutts.
Coupar Angus broke away to score with their first serious attack.
Allan Cruickshank found himself in space at the edge of the Blair penalty area and the former Davie Park striker coolly steered the ball past Cammy Johnstone.
Blairgowrie equalised shortly afterwards.
Gary Axworthy cut in from the left to score from a tight angle after his initial cross had been blocked.
Blairgowrie stepped up a gear after the break.
Substitute Darren Neave gave them the lead after 55 minutes, rifling home a low shot from eight yards with what was his first touch.
McManus had started the move with a clever header to Ben Middleton, who raced to the byeline and produced a perfect cross.
Chances followed before McManus tied up the points in the 75th minute when an Axworthy cross was blocked, with the Blair striker lashing home the rebound.
A Matty Adam shot struck the outside of the post as Blair pressed forward in the closing stages.
Coupar were dangerous on the break, but they could not fashion a chance that might have brought them back into the match.
Coupar Angus: Coutts, Cruickshank, McCluskey, J Black, P Tracey, C Tracey, Smith, McWilliam, Duncan, Woodcock and S Black.
Subs used: Lawson, Stewart and Hamilton.
Blairgowrie: Johnstone, Gray, Beedie, Geddes, Middleton, Henry, Law, Adam, Scott, Axworthy and McManus.
Subs used: Neave, Plenderleith and Simpson.