Match Report - By Steven Mew

City took on the Blue Toon on Saturday hoping to get back on track after a poor start to the season. Having been defeated in the league opener and in the first round of the CIS Cup, this was the perfect opportunity for the team to put things right.

Everything was all going to plan at half time, with City two up and looking comfortable. However, in the second half, City seemed to stop and Peterhead picked up a bit, which allowed the visitors to leave with a deserved share of the spoils.

City manager Michael O'Neill welcomed back David White, Scott Walker and Stuart Callaghan from suspension for the game. Though he had to do without 1st choice keeper Craig Nelson, who was suspended after picking up a straight red in the game against Queens Park last Saturday and John Ward, who was serving the second of his two match ban.

The home side started well and they took the lead as early as the 9th minute. Scott Walker played the ball out to Martin Johnston out on the left hand side and the former Peterhead man's cross found Iain Russell unmarked at the back post, and last season's top scorer stooped to head home.

The visitors served notice of how dangerous they could when David Murie kept out a Steve Istead shot, while Chris McLuskey produced a couple of fine saves to keep City's lead intact.

Just as Peterhead were threatening to equalise, City doubled their advantage with 27 minutes on the clock. City skipper Darren Smith sent Iain Russell clear and followed up to be in the right spot to head home into the unguarded net after Jim Will in the Peterhead goal could only parry Russell’s initial shot.

Instead of signaling a spell of confident home play it brought on the gitters and before half time the writing was on the wall as City lost their rhythm and were stretched in defence.

The surprise was that it took 76 minutes for Peterhead to open their account when Martin Bavidge went clear on a neat pass through a ruck of players from Polish trialist Conrad Kominski.

City almost hung on to the points, but could not complain when Bavidge again burst clear and with the last meaningful kick of the game clipped the ball past McCluskey.

After the game, City manager Michael O'Neill said: "We played well for 25-30 minutes, were 2-0 up and comfortable and then stopped—we have to rectify that. Give teams like Peterhead half a chance and you will pay for it. We caused our own problems, we threw it away and we need to learn from it. I could see it coming from the start of the second half.

“We looked decent then let Peterhead back into the game. They deserved to get something out of it. We have not got going yet."

Next up for City is a trip to Borough Briggs tonight (Tuesday) in the first round of the Challenge Cup to take on 3rd division side Elgin City. Both Martin Johnston and Adam Nelson, should they be selected, with be up against their former employers.

Other Results - Irn Bru 2nd Division

Alloa Athletic 0 Airdrie United 6

Talk about a turn in fortune for the Wasps...

Ayr United 2 Queen's Park 2

Two players sent off as Queens edge out Ayr.

Cowdenbeath 2 Ross County 2

Cowden fight back from 2 down against the Staggies.

Raith Rovers 3 Berwick Rangers 1

Raith's good start to the season continues.