Petrie relieved as Gable Endies hang on

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

Petrie said: “We were never comfortable in the game. We were fortunate to be 3-0 up just before halftime 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. It is never over in this division. Last week at Raith Rovers we were 3-0 down and roared back so I expected a reaction from Peterhead.

“At 3-0 up we might have kicked on and won comfortably, but our game management needed to be better.”

As time ran out, Peterhead had two claims for a penalty. The referee awarded a spot-kick, then changed his mind on the advice of an assistant and booked Jason Brown for diving, then deep in stoppage-time there was a shout for a hand-ball.

Petrie added: “The linesman had a better view and told the referee there was no contact. Sometimes you get them and sometimes you don’t.”

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 and Derek Lyle missed great chances for the visitors, then on 44 minutes Cook scored with a drive which Aaron Lennox seemed to get both hands to but couldn’t keep out.

Montrose, who have now lost just three of their last 16 league games and are only one point behind fourthplaced East Fife, 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.

On 68 minutes Montrose failed to deal with a throw-in and Lyle hooked the ball home.

Fleming saved with his foot to deny Lyons his hat-trick then on 80 minutes Scott Brown shot home to bring Peterhead within a goal.

Fleming saved with his foot again from Mouhamed Niang on 82 minutes. Montrose then hung on grimly for victory, with Peterhead having their spot-kick claims refused.