Two-goal Shane Sutherland helped Peterhead close in on the leaders Dunfermline and Ayr United in League 1 but insisted he is happy for the Balmoor men to go about their business quietly.
The Pars and Ayr remain the favourites to be jousting for the title when the season reaches its climax. However, Peterhead’s pedigree is beginning to look increasingly impressive and their recent run of 10 games unbeaten, including consecutive victories in their last four matches, has hoisted them into third place, just two points behind Ayr.
Sutherland said: “It’s great we have been off people’s radar because we would prefer to keep a low profile and do our business on the pitch which is where it matters most
“Beating Stranraer away by 5-1 is a great result. I was delighted to score a couple as we have great competition for places.
“Leighton McIntosh came off the bench to score and Andy Rodgers was left on the bench and that shows our strength in depth.
“They are all quality players and we all know we have to play well to keep our place.”
This was the only fixture in the division to go the distance with three games postponed and Stenhousemuir’s match against Brechin City abandoned in the second half as the winter weather took its toll.
The Blue Toon took full advantage of the opportunity to close the gap on the top two while pulling away from fellow play-off hopefuls.
They had put the issue beyond doubt before the break by which time they were already three goals to the good after a sparkling first-half display.
Rory McAllister, so often the finisher, was the creator for the opener which Sutherland tucked away in style on 17 minutes.
The visitors continued to press and earned a further reward when a searching cross from Steven Noble found Sutherland who doubled his tally with a powerful header.
McAllister again played the role of provider to pick out Jamie Stevenson who scored four minutes before half-time.
Craig Malcolm got one back for the Blues midway through the second half when he got on the end substitute Ryan Thomson’s cross.
However normal service was resumed as Jim McInally’s men finished off the game in devastating fashion.
First Ally Gilchrist headed home from Noble’s corner then Leighton McIntosh rounded the goalkeeper after a Nicky Riley pass to complete the rout.
Sutherland believes maintaining a low-key approach could enhance Peterhead’s promotion prospects.
He added: “Dunfermline and Ayr are big clubs but we have closed the gap. Next up for us we have a great game against Dunfermline at home and we have nothing to lose as they are big favourites for the league.”