Stirling Albion 2, Peterhead 3: Blue Toon seal comeback win with late spot kick
SPFL League Two
Stirling Albion 2, Peterhead 3
It was a first defeat in six for Stirling Albion as Peterhead mounted a stirring comeback from two goals down in a fiery encounter at Forthbank.
Veteran forward Rory McAllister repeated his party trick from the sides' first meeting by clipping a late spot kick into the net to seal the points.
The opening stages were cagey, with the best opportunity coming courtesy of a dangerous cross from Cammy Smith which flashed across the face of the Stirling goal with no takers.
Peterhead were given the golden chance on 20 minutes to take the lead when Alex Ferguson tripped Andy McCarthy in the box for a penalty kick.
However, Stirling keeper Derek Gaston proved his worth to the home side with a fabulous low save to his left to deny Max Barry's attempt.
And Albion made them pay instantly with a set piece of their own on 24 minutes.
Adam Brown stepped up for a free kick on the left side of the Peterhead box and curled a low finish beyond Stuart McKenzie's grasp.
The Binos made it two on 34 minutes with a fine team move and an even better finish.
Neat interplay in midfield released Josh Kerr and he stroked a classy finish in off the left post from 22 yards.
The visitors were shocked into action and threatened with ex-Aberdeen winger Peter Pawlett flashing a shot narrowly over the bar from the edge of the box.
The Blue Toon did get that crucial third goal of the contest with two minutes until the break, Barry's corner falling to the feet of Jason Brown who powered home at close range.
Peterhead came close to a leveller in the early minutes of the first half, home defender Erik Sula's clearance trickling just wide of Gaston's post.
Barry fired another snapshot straight at Gaston on the hour mark as the visitors pressed to bring themselves on terms.
McCarthy was next to try his luck, slicing a volley over after a Binos corner was half-cleared, with Stirling struggling to make an impression in the second half.
Stirling had the ball in the net on 65 minutes, but ref Duncan Nicolson spotted Dale Hilson had put the ball into the goal with his hand and ruled out the strike.
The Blue Toon founded the leveller their second half display deserved on 69 minutes.
Another cross from the right wasn't dealt with by the Binos and Cammy Smith was on hand to rifle past Gaston.
The comeback was completed on 75 minutes when Aaron Weir upended Seb Ross in the box to offer Peterhead their second chance of the afternoon from the spot.
Weir was also given a second yellow by ref Nicolson for the challenge to add an extra salt in the wound for the home side.
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Sub Rory McAllister came straight on to the pitch and stepped up to send Gaston the wrong way and complete the Blue Toon's comeback from two goals down.
Cieran Dunne missed a sitter of a chance to make it four with the final action of the match, stroking his shot wide of the right post when clean through.
Stirling – Gaston, McGeachie, Sula, Kerr, Ferguson, Carrick (Roy 83'), Brown, Weir, Waugh (Wright 83'), Hilson (McKinley 72'), Crane (Davidson 62'). Subs not used – Smith, Cant, Knox, Graham, Howe.
Peterhead – McKenzie, Goldie, Jason Brown, McCarthy, Jack Brown (Seb Ross 67'), Scott Ross, Smith (Armour 85'), Pawlett (McAllister 75'), Forrest, Dunne, Barry (Shanks 75'). Subs not used – Oluyemi, Armstrong, Wilson, Jordon Brown, Duthie.
Referee – Duncan Nicolson
Att - 663