A large crowd of 1,032 gathered at Balmoor Stadium for this eagerly anticipated clash. There is always an air of excitement against our Northern rivals and this game was no exception as Peterhead occupied second position and Elgin in third position. It felt like whoever wins this would have a massive say on the title.
Both teams had an early grip on the match but without any precision it remained goalless. Dylan Forrest had the first chance but he stood and watched his shot rifle past the right hand post and out for a goalkick. Elgin were creative in midfield but found it difficult to gain any extra space needed in the final third with the home defence holding firm. Peterhead went ahead through a rare goal by Andy McCarthy on the stroke of half time. The midfielder netted only his seventh goal in Blue Toon colours but this one was a beauty. As half time approached an outswinging free kick was taken by Max Barry, whose loopping ball into the penalty area was headed against the post by Scott Ross. The ball rebounded out into the path of McCarthy who, first time on the volley, hit an unstoppable shot into the back of the net.
In the second period Peterhead were quick out the traps and the half was only 8 minutes old when they doubled their lead. Seb Ross came on for Peter Pawlett and the little striker made an excellent run into the penalty area, cut it back straight into the feet on the onrushing Kieren Shanks who scooped the ball into the net past the helpless Glavin in the Elgin goal. 2-0 and the home side were in the driving seat. Further chances fell to Shanks and Oliver Colloty and despite a good chance by the dangerous Golding, towards the end, the defence held firm to see the game out and collect the points.
