Peterhead 1-1 Ross County

Mar 2 2008 David Gray At Balmooor

FRUSTRATED Derek Adams refused to criticise his stuttering side's dull display and insists keeping their unbeaten run intact will see them all the way to the Second Division title.

The Ross County boss watched his league leaders stumble to a solitary point against the 10-man Grampian battlers but believes the result keeps their promotion dream on track.

Sean Higgins put the visitors ahead within 19 minutes before Martin Bavidge fired home the leveller on the half hour.

Peterhead saw Stuart Anderson sent off late on as they held out to clinch a deserved draw.

Adams said: "We came here to win and went away with a point so I'm a bit disappointed.

"But our aim is promotion and we're unbeaten in our last 11 games with 31 points from 33, which is a run any side would be happy with.

"Peterhead made it difficult for us. The conditions were tough and we had chances to win it but we're happy with a point."

The Balmoor men started brightly with Bavidge picking up on a loose pass from County defender Alex Keddie to force Alan Creer into an early stop.

Blue Toon midfielder Anderson also had an early effort, volleying wide from 18 yards with a powerful looping volley.

Despite their pressure the home side failed to find the net and would pay the price in 19 minutes with the visitors' first real attack.

A quick break from County saw Andy Barrowman flick the ball into the path of Higgins who rifled a half-volley from 20 yards out past Mical Kula into the net.

But Peterhead responded well and on the half-hour forced a deserved equaliser through in-form hitman Bavidge.

On-loan Aberdeen midfielder Neil McVitie crossed from the right and the striker was well placed to volley past Creer from close range.

Both sides went at it in the second half with Bavidge at the heart of the home side's efforts.

But Peterhead fans were left biting their nails with 10 minutes left when Anderson saw red for a kick at Daniel Moore.

The Victoria Park side failed to take advantage despite their best efforts as both teams passed up late chances to snatch full points.

Peterhead gaffer Neale Cooper said: "It was disappointing not to win but we played some great stuff. I can't fault anyone's display."

HERO

PETERHEAD'S Martin Bavidge was in fine form, levelling the game and a constant threat to the County defence. Led from front and unlucky to only get one.

VILLAIN

REFEREE Alan Muir was harsh in sending off Stuart Anderson. He also booked a few Peterhead players while County's physical play went unpunished.