Peat's penalty save boosts Berwick

Published on Sunday 9 August 2009 23:13

THE restricted nature of the Third Division's opening day ended with Berwick Rangers on top of the table thanks to their 2-1 win over Annan.

Paul Currie put the Borderers ahead in just three minutes after a fine passing move, but Bryan Gilfillan equalised 16 minutes later with a 20-yard drive. Defender Graham Guy notched the winner (49) when he bundled the ball home, although goalkeeper Mark Peat was the home hero when he saved David Cox's late penalty.

Berwick manager Jimmy Crease said: "You could say we got out of jail with the penalty save but I thought we put in a tremendous effort and deserved the three points."

A disappointed visiting manager Harry Cairney said: "We should have earned a draw although Berwick are turning out to be our bogey team since we joined the SFL."

Forfar scored the first goal of the new league season with Martyn Fotheringham netting after only 100 seconds in their 2-2 draw at Hampden with Queen's Park. Ian Watt equalised with a thunderous 18-yard shot after 28 minutes before the home side's Jamie Brough was harshly dismissed midway through the second half.

Forfar manager Dick Campbell must have thought his sons had supplied the winning goal when Ross picked out Iain to shoot home from the edge of the box with 14 minutes to go, but Giuseppe Capuano fired a late leveller for the home side.

Queen's Park head coach Gardner Speirs said: "Overall I thought the players were magnificent, but we need to lose a goal before we come awake and that has to stop."

Montrose and Elgin City drew 1-1 with Chris Hegarty's penalty for Montrose (67) cancelling out Craig Frizzell's opener (50) to leave both dugouts happy enough with the outcome.

Montrose's assistant Jim Moffat said: "Full marks to our youngsters. They were trailing by a goal but stuck to our passing game and got things level again."

Elgin manager Ross Jack said: "A draw was about right and I think we look a much better team this season."

Stranraer and Albion Rovers also drew 1-1, with recent signings Paul McInnes and Paul Tyrrell netting for their new clubs at Stair Park. Former Kilmarnock midfielder McInnes put Stranraer ahead just before half time with ex-Stenhousemuir midfielder Tyrrell firing in a fine leveller in the second half.

Stranraer manager Keith Knox said: "I am a bit disappointed as we created four other really good chances and never took them."

Rovers manager Paul Martin was happy with his side's second-half improvement, and said: "It was a game of two halves for us, poor in the first and much better in the second."