Stenhousemuir FC v Peterhead

Match Report

MATCH REPORT

Stenhousemuir v Peterhead at Ochilview Park, Stenhousemuir on 19.8.17

SPFL Ladbrokes League Two             Att 220

Stenhousemuir 3 [McGuigan6, Blockley 53, Longworth 81] Peterhead 1[Robertson 29]

Stenhousemuir – Smith, Meechan, M.Dunlop, R.Dunlop, Ferry [b32], Blockley [N.Paterson 82][t], McGuigan [McMenamin 76], Paton, Longworth, Ferns [Scott 67] and Donaldson. Subs not used – Gilmour, McMinn, Halleran

Peterhead – Fleming, Jason Brown, Robertson [b3][Diboko h/t], Leitch, McCracken, Smith [Ross 71], Stevenson, S.Brown, McLean [Adams 78], Cairney and Gibson. Subs not used  Gabriel, Ferry, Lawrence and Hobday.

Referee – Grant Irvine           Assistants – Brian Templeton and Chris Gentles.

After the disappointing performance against Cove in midweek it was another Aberdeenshire opponent in this game as we met fellow relegated side Peterhead. The Blue Toon unlike ourselves had an excellent start to the season and were sitting top of the table after back to back wins.

There were several changes to the Stenhousemuir starting eleven, as well as a trialist on the bench Nicki Paterson ex-East Fife, and there was a general change in tempo as well as the Warriors took the game to Peterhead from the early stages. The home side got off to the perfect start as they opened the scoring in the sixth minute after Mark McGuigan lifted the ball over the advancing Greg Fleming after good link work with Nathan Blockley. Two minutes later Blockley rifled a shot just past the post as Stenhousemuir continued to make chances. Despite the Warriors having the best of the play Peterhead could never be written off and Jack Leitch and David McCracken were both to be denied by Chris Smith.

In the 29th minute the visitors drew level when a Willie Gibson free kick was met by Mason Robertson at the back and from a tight angle the ex-Warrior headed home.  Peterhead were to have the last effort of the first period when Russell McLean had a decent strike saved by Smith after he created an opening for himself.

Jim McInally made a substitution at half time with Robertson replaced by Mikael Diboko. This didn’t have the desired effect though as Stenhousemuir took the lead once again in the 53rd minute when ex-Peterhead player Blockley scored against his old club when he fired home from close range after Peterhead made a mess clearing their lines. This goal caused confusion to one press agency who gave the goal to Peterhead but luckily this was not the case.

Scott Brown had a chance to equalise for Peterhead in the 55th minute but mishit his shot and it failed to hit the target. The Warriors missed an even better chance in the 62nd minute when Jamie Longworth dispossessed McCracken and Greg Fleming did well to cut out the cross to McGuigan but he could only knock it towards Harry Paton who blasted over the bar.

Peterhead looked to make the most of this lifeline and Gibson came close with a trademark free kick that Chris Smith did well to push out and this was followed by another save a minute later after a run and shot by Ross Brown.

Stenhousemuir were creating the better chances though and should have extended their lead in the 73rd minute when Martin Scott shot wide after being picked out by Longworth. On another day he would have scored but was still showing signs of rustiness after his return from injury.  Nevertheless he did contribute to Stenhousemuir’s third goal when his cross caused McCracken and Diboko problems and this gave Longworth the chance to score from close range.

The game ended without further incident as Stenhousemuir ran out deserved winners on the day and hopefully they will grow in confidence after this win against the bookies favourites to win the league title.