FORFAR proved too hot for Stranraer at stifling Station Park as they opened the new campaign in winning style.

Close-season signing Craig Lumsden made his mark in his first league outing with the Sky Blues, sealing the 2-1 victory with a second-half header to cancel out David Hamilton’s leveller.

It capped a solid performance for the homesters who made all the early running under the wing of gaffer George Shaw who enjoyed his competitive debut in charge.

“I couldn’t have asked for any more commitment and effort,” he said. “I thought the players were outstanding and I thought they created enough chances to win two games.

“There was a bit of slackness when Stranraer came back into the game and scored, but the players responded and gave a fantastic display.

“Every one of them won every battle they had to. I’m over the moon with the way we played, it was a first-class performance.

“I’d love to see more of the same, but I hope they’ll take more of the chances so my heart can slow down.”

Forfar paid a heavy price for the win, though, with Alan Rattray, who nodded home the opener, requiring hospital treatment for a serious head knock he suffered when he put the Loons ahead.

He is now sporting eight stitches in his head, which looks likely to have ruled him out of tomorrow night’s CIS Cup clash at home to Alloa.

But one man Shaw will definitely be able to count on is Lumsden, who was handed a role to create havoc in the Stranraer defence, a move which paid immediate dividends when he came close to scoring twice within the first 10 minutes.

“I was told that I shouldn’t be frightened to put him up front,”the boss continued. “I needed a bit of height because Stranraer are quite big.”

Shaw, struggling with a tight pool, played trialists Gary Fraser and Fraser Coyle who impressed him and who he hopes to have signed before tomorrow night’s cup clash.

He added, “They did well and they give me more options.

“Hopefully I can get them tied up.”

Gary Lynn is now back from suspension after having to sit out the season opener and Gavin Beith is available for selection.

BRECHIN CITY'S players felt they were worthy of a victory, but had to settle for a 1-1 draw away to Peterhead.

And their reaction to the single point from their campaign opener is just what boss Michael O’Neill had hoped for.

“Afterwards, the feeling in the dressing room was one of disappointment,” he explained. “They were disappointed they didn’t come away with a win and three points.

“To me that shows a lot about their attitude and shows a lot of positive signs for the rest of the season.

“To be honest, I felt in the second half we looked more capable of winning the game out of the two teams.”

Keith Gibson opened the scoring for the Blue Toon soon after the restart at Balmoor, the leveller coming from trialist Richard Walker.

His strike took the pain off the early departure of captain Steven Ferguson, who limped off with a calf injury, compounding the loss of six players before the game owing to injury and suspension.

“Everybody played their part in what was as difficult a fixture we will face on league duty,” the manager continued.

“Craig Nelson had to make two good saves to keep us in it, but we had our chances, including at least one clear-cut penalty that wasn’t given.

“It was a very encouraging performance and solid start by players who are showing there is healthy competition in the squad for places.”

Walker’s goal caps a remarkable footballing fightback for the player after suffering a broken shin bone last season, before being released by Alloa.

O’Neill took him on board and was fully aware of his capabilities even before his goal which rescued City at Peterhead.

The manager said, “There are a lot of encouraging signs there. In relation to other players, his fitness isn’t the same because of his injury. But I think he could be a valuable asset. He proved that by scoring the goal.”

With the league effort under way, the manager is now looking ahead to tomorrow night’s CIS Cup duel at home to Morton.

“We must take all the positives from Saturday’s game into what will be a tremendously difficult test against a full-time team,” added O’Neill.