St Peter’s blew off the winter break cobwebs to twice fight back and earn a point against title hopefuls Finnart.
The Paisley club’s first match of 2022 was supposed to be a clash against Broomhill, which fell foul of the snow as the game was postponed.
They finally got back into action against Finnart at New Western Park at the weekend.
It wasn’t going to plan early doors for manager Paul McTaggart’s side as the visitors took the lead.
But skipper Ciaran Friel guided home a header from a pinpoint Calum Bateman free-kick to draw the Paisley club level.
In a dogged contest Finnart retook the lead and looked like they would be taking all three points back to Glasgow.
But St Peter’s youngster Jamie Menzies had other ideas.
Bateman again turned provider, with his excellent cross picking out Menzies at the back post who nodded underneath the keeper to secure a share of the spoils.
The draw moved St Peter’s two points clear of Paisley rivals Glenvale, who currently sit in fourth place, with the Glenburn-based club still with two games in hand on John Kelly’s side.
Glenvale meanwhile picked up a dramatic late 3-2 victory over BSC Glasgow at the weekend.
The clash also looked to be heading for a 2-2 draw, with Gav Naismith and Ross Stevenson having scored for the Ferguslie team.
But deep into extra-time substitute Stewart Perry produced a huge long throw to set up Jamie Sidebotham, who slammed in from close range to seal all three points.
Kelly said: “It was our first game back after the break and it showed in spells.
“However, I thought we controlled most of the game and created the better of the chances.
“Big credit to the boys for going all the way to the 95th minute to get the winner.”
This weekend sees St Peter’s take on Craigmark Burntonians in the first round of the Kilmarnock Pie West of Scotland Cup.
Kick-off at Craigmark’s Station Park is at 1.30pm on Saturday.
