GAMBLERS ACROSS the world were toasting Peterhead last night, after the Blue Toon struck eight goals past hapless Forfar.

The match at Balmoor Stadium had become the focus of a multi-million pound betting extravaganza after Forfar lost eight key players through injury.

The global spree was launched on Friday when Forfar’s fruitless attempts to have the match postponed appeared in the media.

On the Betfair website alone, more than £450,000 was staked on the game, more than four times the sum on yesterday’s three SPL matches put together.

One Scottish punter based in Canada won more than £5000 after placing £10,000 on Peterhead to win at odds of 8/13.

Peterhead fan Graeme Milne gambled a more modest £100 after reading of Forfar’s injury woes.

“I usually put a few bob on a coupon on a Saturday but yesterday all my money went on Peterhead,” he said. “I couldn’t resist. I was delighted with the result and the £50 winnings although I’ll probably lose it all at the bookies next week.”

Bookmakers William Hill dramatically lowered their odds on Peterhead winning on Thursday after Forfar’s request to have the game called off was rejected.

“We became aware of the situation so we adjusted our prices,” said a spokesman. “Only a modest amount was staked on the game through ourselves. Normally we would take notice if unusually big sums were staked on a Scottish Division Two match. But it was obvious what was happening so we had no problem with the level of gambling.”

Peterhead secretary George Moore said the players were aware of the huge sums staked on the match.

“Everyone had heard what was happening but the players were professional enough not to let it bother them. The attendance was no more than 700, which was disappointing. The added interest didn’t extend to more people coming.”

He expressed sympathy for Forfar’s predicament.

Forfar did manage to field 11 fit players and four substitutes, including manager George Shaw (37), and finished the match with only nine men due to two late red cards to Darren Gribben and Alan Rattray.