Forfar Athletic bounced back from a home defeat seven days ago with a win that takes them back to just a point off top spot in League One.
The 3-1 win over Peterhead should have been more comfortable than it was, the points only finally wrapped up in stoppage time when Gavin Swankie added his second goal on top of Chris Templeman’s first half opener.
“I thought Peterhead did well and they didn’t half go for it,” Forfar manager Dick Campbell said.
He added that Swankie’s double would have boosted the striker’s confidence.
“There were questions asked before the game about him but that answers it,” he said.
Forfar made the breakthrough in the 33rd minute. A blistering shot by Chris Templeman was batted away by keeper Graeme Smith, but Gavin Swankie picked up the rebound and centred for Templeman to side-foot home from eight yards.
Peterhead self destructed as Rory McAllister picked up two bookings in four minutes, both for needless off the ball incidents, seeing red in the 40th minute.
Forfar doubled their lead eight minutes into the second half.
A brilliant solo effort from Swankie saw him weave his way past a couple of challenges and slot a great shot between goalkeeper and post.
The visitors hadn’t given up hope entirely, however, and they pulled one back in the 59th minute, Cameron Kerr slamming home a low Steven Noble centre from three yards out.
Peterhead pressed for an equaliser and committed themselves for a 90th minute corner but paid the price as Forfar broke upfield and wrapped up the points.
Dale Hilson slipped a ball to Swankie and he ran unmarked from the halfway line to slot the ball past the keeper from 12 yards.