Peterhead manager Jim McInally was proud of the way his side held on for victory against Stranraer after going down to 10 men.
A first-half double from Scott Brown had the Blue Toon on course for a comfortable victory at Stair Park before Rory McAllister was sent off for dissent after 72 minutes.
David Dangana, the on-loan Aberdeen forward, came off the bench to pull one back for the hosts but McInally’s side held on for the three points.
David Ferguson, 23, made his first appearance for the Blue Toon as a second-half substitute after joining the Blue Toon on Saturday after being released by Ayr United.
McInally, whose side are fifth in League 1 but only one point adrift of leaders Raith Rovers, said: “Raith lost here recently and Stranraer are a good side.
“Before we went down to 10 men, I felt we might have picked Stranraer off again as they were pushing on and leaving spaces at the back.
“It is hard to do that when you are a man short.
“I was really proud of the players for how they played after we went a man down.
“Aside from the goal and when they hit the post, I don’t think we were really opened up at any time and our goalkeeper didn’t have a lot of saves to make.
“It was a great effort from the players.
“Stranraer were huffing and puffing but when Rory got the red card it was backs to the wall.
“We lost Scott Brown with a knock just after half time, who was a big loss.
“Simon Ferry was struggling a bit with his hamstring.
“We had others who were short on match fitness so I’m delighted.
“Some of our football in the first half was fantastic.”
McInally refused to criticise referee Lloyd Wilson for sending off McAllister.
He added: “It is foul and abusive language.”
“The frustration came from not getting the foul.
“As I said to Rory, it was maybe not so much what he said but it might have been because he ran up to him.
“I don’t really have any criticism of the referee if he swore at him.
“It looked like he was fouled. If he doesn’t give the foul then he should stop the game and book him for diving.
“He is a good young referee, who is learning his trade. I have no problem with it.
“Rory knows he can’t swear.
“I don’t think he was overly aggressive with his swearing but if the referee makes the decision then that is the way it has got to be.
“Rory is playing with an injury that is frustrating him but he has been getting back to his best in recent weeks.
“I have sympathy for the referee and Rory.”
