Third Division: Rory McAllister ‘the difference’ as Peterhead take top spot

Peterhead’s fine start to the season continued as a half-time pep talk by manager Jim McInally put them on track for a 2-0 win over Montrose and leadership of the Third Division.

It was the Blue Toon’s third win in a row and after a lacklustre first half, goalscorer Rory McAllister showed the good and not so good side to his game.

The striker curled home a fine opening goal on 51 minutes before blazing an easier chance over. However, he ensured the win when he beat David Crawford for a second time with just less than 20 minutes left.

McInally said: “The first half was disappointing as we did not work their goalkeeper at all. There were no shots at goal and the performance was not near the standards we have set recently.

“I told them at half-time that if they are not going to win then at least be able to say they had shots on goal trying to win. We dominated things in the second-half and whilst it was a good victory and another clean sheet, the first half remains disappointing.”

As for McAllister, the Balmoor manager said: “I called him before the game to tell him how good he is, just in case he was down after the transfer window closed and nothing happened for him. He goes out, scores a great goal, misses a shocker and then scores again.

“He is hard work but I love him.”

Links Park manager Stuart Garden said: “Rory McAllister was the difference between the teams.”

Clyde are also enjoying a fine start and they won their third league match this season by defeating Annan 2-1 in the first game played on the new artificial surface at Broadwood.

Kevin Watt took advantage of a knockdown by former Galabank midfielder Bryan Gilfillan to open the scoring for the Bully Wee in the first half, with Greg Thorburn lobbing in a leveller on 55 minutes. However, the points stayed at home after Annan captain Scott Chaplain headed into his own net.

Queen’s Park came from behind to win 2-1 away to Stirling 
Albion, who led early through Josh Flood’s header. Jamie Brough restored parity midway through the first half and Jamie Longworth shot past Mark Peat with seven minutes left to win the game for the Spiders.

Berwick Rangers put their 
exertions against Rangers the previous weekend behind them to win in the league for the first time as they saw off East Stirlingshire 3-0 thanks to goals by Darren Lavery and Fraser McLaren in the first half, and Dean Hoskins in the second.