The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Peterhead Stranraer
Peterhead were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by League 1 strugglers Stranraer at Balmoor last night.
The match could have been abandoned with the Balmoor floodlights partially failing in the second half, which made for difficult conditions for players and spectators.
CraigMalcolm had given Stranraer an early lead from the penalty spot after 13 minutes but RoryMcAllister equalised in the final minute of the first half with a well-struck free kick for his 19th goal in 19 games.
The result moves the Blue Toon up to sixth position the table.
Stranraer made an enthusiastic start and carved out the game’s first real opening, with Dale Keenan almost connecting with an enticing delivery from formerHibs and Partick Thistle midfielder Paul Cairney.
The visitors had an even better chance to break the deadlock after 13 minutes when Peterhead’s onloan Dundee United defender Jassem Sukar was penalised for a foul inside the box on Argentinian forward Luciano Nequecaur.
It looked a harsh decision but Stranraer forward Craig Malcolm converted the spot kick to give the away side the advantage.
The goal prompted Peterhead to up the ante after their slow start and they almost restored parity through a well- worked move but Cammy Kerr’s left- footed effort from the edge of the area flew wide.
The Blue Toon’s top scorer McAllister went even closer nine minutes before the break with a powerful free kick that found the side-netting.
But the Peterhead forward found his range just before half-time from another set-piece 20 yards out, which he drilled low into the corner of the net beyond the despairing David McGurn.
There were fears the match could be abandoned after the break when the Balmoor Stadium floodlights began to flicker and dim but, after consulting both managers, referee Craig Charleston decided play could continue.
Peterhead went close to taking the lead soon after when Kerr whipped a delicious cross into the penalty area but neither Rodgers nor McAllister could apply the finishing touch.
Blue Toon midfielder Kevin Dzierzawski should have scored just before the hour mark but blasted over from 12 yards with the goal at his mercy.
The game was temporarily halted after 74 minutes with the conditions becoming farcical but after further consultation with both managers the game continued.
Nathan Blockley went agonisingly close for Peterhead nine minutes from time with a stunning effort from distance that struck the crossbar.
The game was stopped after 82 minutes when the game was plunged into further darkness but play eventually resumed and the match was played to a finish, despite the diminishing light.