FRASERBURGH 2

Harris (pen 19), Barbour (22)

MONTROSE 4

Mochrie (2), Webster (31), McLean (69), Milne (90)

Montrose boss Stewart Petrie was delighted his team wore down the resistance of brave Highland League Fraserburgh at sunny Bellslea.

“We started the game very well – probably too good a start – and we were wakened up after falling out of the game,” he said. “A dodgy penalty, but that’s football, and our opponents were worthy of their lead.

“It was a real battle in the second half on a bumpy pitch, but it’s the same for both teams and a piece of brilliance sees us through.”

The Gable Endies got off to a great start in the second minute, with Chris Mochrie side-footing into the corner of the net after a well-worked move on the left.

Two goals in four minutes turned the game.

In 19 minutes, Scott Barbour won a penalty after the ball struck the arm of Cammy Ballantyne, with Gary

Harris converting. Then it was Barbour tapping home for the lead after Ryan Cowie squared the perfect ball.

However, prolific scorer Graham Webster levelled again after the ball broke free to him, with home defenders trying frantically to clear.

There was little between the sides in the second half, but a superb overhead kick from big Russell McLean put his side in front again.

Right on full-time, Lewis Milne put the icing on the cake with a final counter as the homesters threw caution to the wind.

Home boss Mark Cowie said: “It’s a mix of pride and disappointment we are feeling.

“We were the better side in the first half, but a brilliant goal is what effectively wins it. I felt we laid more than a glove on them.

“Now we have a long wait until we get to play again.”