Peterhead won on and off the park in their game against visitors Falkirk with the positive backing of the home crowd helping the Blue Toon to a 1-0 success over the Bairns.
Jack Brown, who was recruited by manager Jim McInally in January from Highland League side Rothes, was the hero as his first goal for the club won the points with many at the game convinced that he had scored his second as well.
Boss McInally brought Simon Ferry, Niah Payne and Jack Brown into his starting line-up with Owen Cairns and Russell McLean, who had picked up a knock, dropping to the bench which for the first time this season had nine players sitting on it.
Ryan Duncan dropped out due to Scotland under-19 duties with Danny Strachan the unfortunate player to miss out totally however he joined his colleagues for the warm-up ahead of meeting a Falkirk team who were looking to keep Queen’s Park in site in the race for promotion.
The visiting Aaron Taylor-Sinclair had an early glimpse of goal when a Leigh Griffiths free-kick landed in his path at the edge of the box however the defender fired high over Brett Long’s goal.
Peterhead’s first effort on the visitors’ goal met the same fate with Andy McDonald, who was cleared to play after last weekend’s red card at Alloa was over-turned, firing over Robbie Mutch’s crossbar.
The support from the home crowd grew louder when Hamish Ritchie created space for a shot on 16 minutes however his effort was also off target.
The experience of Ferry was seen in 27 minutes when he halted the progress of Charlie Telfer as he threatened to break clear with the Peterhead player/ coach picking up a booking in the process.
The hosts were passing the ball around confidently and they got their noses in front on 36 minutes. Grant Savoury cut in from the left and curled a dipping shot towards the far corner of the Falkirk goal that Mutch saved however as the ball slipped from his grasp Jack Brown was onto it in a flash and he stroked home from eight yards out.
Having taken the lead Peterhead were keen to ensure they went in at half-time still leading and they were able to do that without Long being troubled.
Ritchie and Scott Brown had chances early into the restart and on 55 minutes it looked like Jack Brown and Peterhead had grabbed a second goal. A delightful flick from Ritchie sent the striker free and he did everything right as he lobbed Mutch however Brad McKay raced back and a combination of his boot and the bar stopped the ball going in although plenty in Balmoor were convinced it had.
Eight minutes later a reminder of how slender Peterhead’s lead came when Long had to come out of goal and touch a Steven Hetherington cross out for a corner.
Jason Brown reached a Peterhead corner shortly afterwards however he nodded over with Long called into serious action on 77 minutes.
A long pass upfield found Griffiths and the former Scotland striker back-heeled the ball into Hetherington’s path 20 yards out and his low drive looked in until Long stuck out a hand to save.
Skipper Scott Brown looked to ensure his side established a two-goal cushion however his shot with 10 minutes left was saved.
Visiting substitute Aidan Nesbitt fired a shot wide with Falkirk reduced to ten men in injury time when substitute Jaime Wilson, who had was booked shortly after coming on with 21 minutes left, clattered into Jason Brown and was booked again.
McInally’s side remain eighth in the table however a four-point gap has been opened up on Dumbarton who sit ninth with bottom side East Fife a further four points behind.
Peterhead – Long, Quitongo, Want, Jason Brown, McDonald, Ferry (Cook 83), Scott Brown, Ritchie (Jordon Brown 83), Savoury, Jack Brown (Fraser 74), Payne (Lyle 88)
Unused substitutes – Conroy, McLean, Cairns, Duffy, Cullen (G/k)
