Fraserburgh manager Mark Cowie was pleased with how side fared against higher level opposition as they beat Peterhead 2-0 in the Buchan derby.
The Broch won the behind-closed-doors friendly at Balmoor courtesy of goals from Scott Barbour and Ryan Sargent.
It was their first friendly as they gear up for the Highland League starting on October 17 and Cowie said: “It was a good run-out for us, it’s always good to play Peterhead, who are a couple of levels above us.
“I felt our play was on a par with Peterhead’s, which was the pleasing thing.
“I just asked the boys to enjoy it because it’s been a while since we last played.
“We worked on a few things during the close season and it’s looking good.
“The players have got good fitness as they worked really hard during lockdown and pre-season.
“I think that showed in the game because even at the end they were still going.”
Summer signing Lewis Duncan made his first Fraserburgh appearance and Cowie was impressed with the 18-year-old former Aberdeen midfielder. He added: “I think he’ll do really well and he showed his attributes. He’s got a good touch and lots of ability.”
The Broch started better and led after 19 minutes when Paul Young linked with Paul Campbell, whose cross was turned home by Barbour close in.
Campbell hit the right post with an angled effort before half-time, while after the break Isaac Layne did likewise with Peterhead’s best opportunity.
Summer signing Layne went close with another second-half effort and Broch striker Sean Butcher rattled the Blue Toon’s crossbar, but the second goal arrived a minute from time with Aidan Combe slipping in Ryan Sargent to score.
Peterhead manager Jim McInally gave trialists Lewis Bell, Gregor MacDonald, Thomas Isaac, Hashim Bakar and Derryn Kesson opportunities but was disappointed as Bakar appeared to injure his shoulder badly in an awkward fall within five minutes of coming on, while midfielder Simon Ferry also suffered a minor groin injury.
McInally said: “It’s unfortunate for Simon, we don’t think it should be too bad.
“The season is a few weeks away and he’s such a fit boy if he’s out for a couple of weeks he won’t miss anything.
“It’s so disappointing for Hashim, even for the incident where he gets injured he showed great pace and energy to get into that position.
“When it’s a trialist and that happens it’s horrible really, but we’ll see what he can do to help him.”
Meanwhile, Formartine United inflicted another 2-0 defeat on Peterhead at North Lodge Park yesterday thanks to early goals from Conor Gethins and Scott Lisle.