Gordonians edged to a 20-19 win over Falkirk at Countesswells to move off the foot of National League 2.
But they had to survive a last-minute scare when the visitors missed a penalty which would have won them the game.
In the late, gathering gloom it was difficult to see if Finnegan Call’s kick had gone over, especially as one of the touch judges had signalled that it had, leaving the referee to decide it had drifted wide of the right-hand post.
Gordonians coach Ryan Morrice said: “We put a lot into the game, but were not at our best. It’s a win and one we must build on if we are to pull clear of the bottom two.”
Gordonians were thankful full-back Graeme Crawford was back in great kicking form, slotting all four of his attempts at goal, giving him a 10-point haul for the afternoon. His two touchline conversions helped Gordonians to a 14-5 lead by the break and the Countesswells side had to rely on two long-range penalties from Crawford to stay in front in the second period.
The first-half try scorers for the hosts were winger Tristan Jones and captain Danny Usugo.
Despite being 17-5 down, Falkirk clawed their way back into the game, inspired by scrum-half Harry Russell, the brother of Scotland stand-off Finn.
Falkirk ran in three tries over the afternoon and, added to the late controversy, were unlucky losers.