The spoils were shared in the first Dumfries and Galloway derby of the new decade on Saturday.
Dalbeattie Star and Gretna 2008 played out a 1-1 draw at Islecroft as the sides battle to beat the Lowland League drop.
Star boss, Ritchie Maxwell, said: “Looking back on the game I think it was a point earned for us.
“It wasn’t a game for football purists. There was plenty of workrate and endeavour from the players on both teams but there wasn’t a lot of quality on show. It was a typical derby game.
“We fell behind to a goal from a corner in the first half but we kept ourselves in the same, which is something we had spoken about in recent weeks, and we were able to get an equaliser.
“The discipline was a lot better, there was still commitment from the players but it was in the right manner.”
Gretna took an early lead when Jack Hunter was given far too much space to head past Star goalie Vinnie Parker.
Chances were few and far between for both teams and the closest Star came to equalising before the break was when Craig Fergusson shot just wide.
But with 10 minutes to go they earned themselves a point when Lewis Sloan’s dangerous cross flicked off Gretna’s Bryan Gilfillan and into the net.
Star are aiming to build on that result this weekend as they head to Cumbernauld Colts on Saturday.
And they’re looking to put right their dismal run of form in Lanarkshire.
Maxwell explained: “We’ve never actually scored a goal up there against them, let alone get a win, so
hopefully that is something we can put right.
“They are struggling a bit lately, we have played them twice already this season and were unlucky not to take anything.”
Meanwhile, youngsters Sam McConaghie and Lloyd Pipe have returned to Islecroft after spending the first part of the season on loan at St Cuthbert Wanderers.
