Saints were missing no fewer than eight of their squad, notably Shand, Horne and Ogston but included new signings Matty Edmond from Buckie Thistle and Banchory lad Chris Garden from Echt, who backed up Greg Sim in goal.

The opening exchanges were fairly tame, but Kriss Downing's sprint to the byline and cut back was volleyed just over from Martin Brooks, which signalled Saints' attacking intent.

Lewis' first attempt on goal came from a corner on the left which was missed by the defender on the near post but was hacked clear by Magnus Barclay on his own goal-line.

Lewis did take the lead shortly after when Alan McRae overran the ball and from a dangerous Lewis counter Michael Skene made a great saving tackle at the expense of a corner.

From the resultant kick the referee spotted some pushing and immediately gave a penalty. It looked no more than a tussle for the ball but ex-Saint Ryan Smith smashed the ball down the middle to give his team the lead.

Saints huffed and puffed up to the half time whistle but didn't seriously trouble the Lewis defence.

Saints management made changes at half time, bringing on Neale Henderson into midfield, at the expense of Martin Brooks, and went with three at the back as Lewis were in no hurry to push men forward.

With Henderson adding some better passing in midfield Saints were beginning to control the match but they just couldn't find that final pass to their two hard-working forwards.

Saints started to push more and more men forward as the game progressed into the last 15 minutes. Neale Henderson's left foot volley fizzed over the bar as Saints battled to get something from the game.

With only five minutes left Saints thought they had an equaliser when Cammy Bowden hit a screamer from 30 yards which beat the goalie but flashed past the right hand post.

With just two minutes remaining Cammy Bowden left his "defensive" duties and made a great run into the box to be duly fed by Martyn Donald, and as Cammy cut back on his man, he was taken down and a second penalty was awarded.

There was no doubt who wanted to take the penalty as Martyn Donald ran 30 yards after the ball and made an expert job from the spot, sending the goalie the wrong way for a share of the spoils.

Team: Greg Sim, Michael Skene, Cammy Bowden, Darryn Kelly, Magnus Barclay (James Smith) Martin Brooks (Neale Henderson), Ian Cruickshank, Alan McRae, Kris Downing, Martyn Donald, Matty Edmond. Subs Andy Cooper,Chris Garden, Ryan Whelan.

Next week's match is at home in the first round of the Regional Trophy, against Turriff United. Kick off is at 2.15pm, played to a finish with penalties if the teams are level after 90 minutes.