Peterhead 1 Forfar Athletic 2

Forfar claimed a much needed early Christmas present with victory over high flying Peterhead at Balmoor. The game had a wintry festive feel to it and it took a monumental effort from all parties to clear the snow to get the pitch playable.

Once the playing surface had been cleared and the game kicked off, Forfar were on the front foot. Josh Skelly passed up an early opportunity for the Loons, volleying wide after just two minutes and Callum Moore’s deflected effort forced Peterhead keeper Stuart McKenzie into a good save shortly after. After a promising high tempo start the Loons took a deserved lead after 13 minutes, Seb Ross converted Finn Robson’s ball from a narrow angle after rounding the keeper for his second in as many games.

Unfortunately the match was suspended shortly after the Loons took the lead. Seb Ross again sprung the offside trap and was almost through on goal however a nasty collision between Keeper McKenzie and defender David Wilson meant the latter was badly hurt as they thwarted Ross' effort. The referee took the players off the pitch during the half hour delay allowing the necessary treatment of the injured player before being taken away in an ambulance and all at Forfar hope he makes a speedy recovery.

Once the game got restarted, Forfar were back on the front foot and doubled their advantage after 32 minutes with Seb Ross in similar fashion to his first was played through and rounded the keeper to slot home into the empty net, much to the joy of the travelling support.

The Loons two goal cushion was short lived however, straight from the restart a high ball played over the Loons defence hung in the wind which the Forfar defence didn’t anticipate and Jack Brown found himself through on goal and gave an instant reply for the hosts to halve the deficit. There was a let off for the Athies shortly before the half time whistle eventually came when Connor O’Keefe struck the crossbar with a lobbed effort. Unfortunately Callum Moore was substituted with a groin injury which is a worry as the young midfielder has been a key player for the Loons this season replaced by Kieran Inglis.

The second half was a more stodgy affair but there were still half chances for both sides. Joe McKee and Kieran Inglis both came close from range but neither could find the respectives nets to make their chances count. The Athies quest to hold on for three points got more difficult in the 70th minute when Roberto Nditi picked up a second booking for a challenge which seemed very harsh to be considered a bookable offence. The ten men did well to soak up the Peterhead pressure in the dying stages and see out a much needed three points. Bodies were put on the line and blocks were ricocheting around the penalty area as the Loons stood strong in defence with Marc McCallum dealing with anything that did get through.

Overall it was a great performance from everyone in the away mint green strip and the now Loons return to the Alpha Projects Stadium @ Station Park next Saturday to see out the year with a visit from East Fife.