Formartine United were made to fight all the way by Strathspey Thistle in Saturday’s Highland League match at North Lodge Park.
Strathspey took an early lead and also had two goals disallowed for offside.
United manager Steve Paterson said: “Strathspey gave us quite a hard game although we were poor on the day.
“But, unfortunately, I suppose you don’t get good performances every week.
“When they got the first goal that gave them a big lift and, over the 90 minutes, we didn’t make it particularly easy for ourselves. We did get the win in the end, though, which was the main thing.
“They were strong and competitive and did themselves and their manager proud on the day.
“I was happy to pick up all three points, but if we play like that on Wednesday against Fraserburgh we certainly won’t get anything.”
Jags manager Brian Grant said: “I was happy with the performance but not the result.
“I honestly thought we deserved at least a point, I suppose that shows how far we’ve come.
“We were pushing for an equaliser when they broke away in the 88th minute to make it 4-2, but we showed we can compete.
“I feel sorry for young Josh Peters – he scored twice but both were chalked off for offside.”
Jags went ahead in the ninth minute through James McShane, only for Marek Madle to level in the 19th minute.
Stuart Anderson fired Formartine ahead from 18-yards in the 28th minute and right on the stroke of half-time Graham Hay added another.
Strathspey pulled one back in the 54th minute with a Jordan Wardrope header, but any hope of a Jags comeback was dashed two minutes from time when Calum Dingwall raced clear to make it 4-2.