Peterhead v Falkirk

Recap

Peterhead 0

Falkirk 0

Att 1513

Peterhead are up and running in League 1 after a hard-fought goalless draw against Falkirk.

Two tiers separated these sides last season but the Blue Toon were competitive throughout and gave as good as they got.

While the Bairns enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the first half, Jim McInally’s men shaded the second period and were certainly worthy of their point.

The unfurling of the flag, to mark last season’s title triumph, was the highlight for the big crowd but there was still much to admire from the hosts after kick-off, notably their organisation, discipline and determination.

Falkirk struggled to create a clear opening.  In fact, their only real chance came from an 11th minute set-piece when Gregor Buchanan glanced a header from Michael Tidser’s free-kick just wide.

The Blue Toon, who were forced into a late change after Willie Gibson pulled up injured in the warm-up, contained their opponents well and, in an attacking sense, grew in confidence as the game wore on.

That was by no means a shock given that Peterhead managed to hold both Inverness Caley Thistle and Dundee in the Betfred Cup last month.

Although neither goalkeeper had to make a serious save in this curtain-raiser, the Blue Toon took the plaudits for how they matched their opponents, fancied by many  to make a swift return to the Championship.

Fleming, J.Brown, Eadie, Dunlop, Boyle, Ferry, Fraser (Stevenson 65), S.Brown, Leitch, Lyle (Armour 73), Smith (Norris 83)

Unused. Willox.