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Quarterback Ricky Ray hopes Edmonton's gutsy win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Friday will signal a turning point for his underachieving Eskimos.

"This is huge for this team," said Ray after Edmonton (1-1-1) got its first win of the season with a 19-15 decision over Winnipeg.

"Last year, it seemed like we lost a majority of these close games. For us to get the win tonight, in a tough ball game, on the road, does a lot for this team's confidence.

"That kind of stuff just snowballs. You start to get a little bit of confidence, guys start feeling better about themselves and things get going in the right direction."

One thing that didn't go right for the capacity crowd of 29,533 at Canad Inns Stadium was missing out on a piece of history.

Winnipeg (1-1-1) scored one TD and it wasn't through the hands of slotback Milt Stegall, who remains tied for the CFL all-time TD record at 137 with former running backs Mike Pringle and George Reed.

"We're not talking about the TD right now," said Stegall, who was upset about the offence's mistake-filled performance.

Stegall finished with six catches for 61 yards.

The Bombers had taken the lead midway through the fourth quarter when defensive lineman Jon Oosterhuis joined an offensive package and caught a five-yard TD pass from Kevin Glenn.

Kamau Peterson gave the Esks the winning TD at 11:40 of the fourth quarter, hanging onto a nine-yard pass from Ray that capped a seven-play, 82-yard drive that included a 47-yard run by Ron McClendon.

Edmonton receiver T.J. Acree hauled in a TD reception and Sean Fleming booted a field goal and two singles for the rest of the Eskimos' scoring.

Winnipeg's other scoring came from a safety Fleming conceded and a pair of Troy Westwood field goals that brought cheers from the crowd.

Westwood was a healthy scratch last week against Montreal following a 1-for-4 showing in a 39-39 tie with Edmonton June 28. The 17-year veteran was replaced by rookie kicker Rob Pikula, who still punted Friday night.

Peterson's catch was challenged by Bomber head coach Doug Berry, but officials ruled he was inbounds.

Like Ray, Peterson viewed the victory as a confidence-booster.

"One tie, one win, one loss, it's not that bad," said Peterson, who played with the Bombers from 2004-05.

"It doesn't look nearly as bad as having no wins at this point. It was kind of a must-win for us."

Edmonton head coach Danny Maciocia was proud of his team's efforts, particularly with the shifting that had to take place because of injuries.

Edmonton defensive back Jonte Buhl broke his wrist and offensive lineman Dan Comiskey injured his calf.

Winnipeg lost slotback Chris Brazzell (calf), defensive lineman Gavin Walls (shoulder), long snapper Chris Cvetkovic (elbow) and defensive end/long snapper Brian Guebert (hamstring) during the game.

Ray completed 25 of 40 passes for 214 yards. Glenn was 26-of-41 for 294 yards and one interception.

The first quarter had a number of twists and turns.

During a sudden downpour, Edmonton recovered its own kickoff, but couldn't capitalize on the second chance.

When the sun returned just as quickly, Esks defensive back Jason Goss intercepted a Glenn pass, but it only led to a single after what looked like an Acree TD catch was ruled incomplete and Fleming missed a 28-yard field goal attempt.

Edmonton then recovered an onside kick and two plays later Acree hung on to a five-yard TD pass from Ray.

As the clock ran out on the first quarter, Bomber running back Charles Roberts fumbled and Esks linebacker Siddeeq Shabazz recovered.

Taking an 8-2 lead into the second quarter, Edmonton used the turnover, but only notched a Fleming 18-yard field goal.

Westwood booted field goals from 32 and 19 yards in the second quarter, one following an Eskimo fumble.

The third quarter's only scoring was Fleming's 40-yard punt single after the Esks blocked a Pikula punt.

Notes: A number of notable guests were on hand in case Stegall broke the TD record, including CFL chief operating officer Michael Copeland and Stegall's wife and son, who flew in from Atlanta. a Edmonton is now 2-7 in visits to Winnipeg since 2000.