Balmoor Stadium played host to its second match in as many weeks as Peterhead looked to extend their 100% record to start the season against a Stranraer side who caused the Blue Toon several problems in the previous campaign. The visitors were looking to grab a first win of the league campaign on the back of beating Bonnyrigg Rose in the SPFL Trust Trophy in midweek. Peterhead made two changes from the side that overcame Forfar with Jordan Armstrong and Rory McAllister being replaced by Seb Ross and Cammy Smith, who made his first start for Peterhead.
The opening chance of the game fell to the hosts – Max Barry darted down the right wing and crossed the ball to Seb, he then cut the ball back to Peter Pawlett and his deflected effort came back off the post. Stranraer ventured forward themselves and Dunlop had two chances for the visitors. His first was an effort from just outside the area which curled wide, before a deflected effort which was easily claimed by Stuart McKenzie. The Blue Toon hit the front around the half hour mark – Smith won the ball back high up the park before threading a pass out wide to Barry, his cross was headed goalwards by Seb and parried by Jacob Pazikas onto Seb’s back before the ball trundled into the net. Moments later Peterhead had a chance to double their advantage as Smith dribbled into the area but couldn’t get the ball out from under his feet, Stranraer half cleared their lines but Cieran Dunne fizzed a ball back into the area which ricocheted to Pawlett which Stranraer’s Craig Ross did well to get his body in the way and clear the danger. From the resulting corner, Andy McCarthy found Dylan Forrest on the edge of the area but his half volley was narrowly off target.
Half Time: Peterhead 1-0 Stranraer
The second half started with Peterhead once again on the ascendency, Danny Strachan flew down the right wing and cut the ball back to Smith but his effort was straight at Pazikas. More good play saw Seb pick out Smith but he failed to hit the target from 15 yards, albeit at a tight angle on his weaker foot. A training ground corner routine fell to Jason Brown at the back post, but he also couldn’t keep his effort on target. The visitors huffed and puffed for the last five minutes to try and force an equaliser but McKenzie had very little to do as the Blue Toon ensured they won their first 3 league games for the first time in 20 years.
Full Time: Peterhead 1-0 Stranraer (Seb Ross 29’)
Starting XI: McKenzie, Danny Strachan, Scott Ross (Ryan Strachan 44’), Jason Brown, Dunne, McCarthy, Pawlett, Forrest (Jack Brown 68’), Barry (Ward 77’), Seb Ross (McAllister 77’), Smith
