Section 97. Trial of issues and appeal

The issues raised by any such answer
  shall  be  tried  in  the  same manner as issues are tried in a court of
  record without a jury, before such justice at a time  and  place  to  be
  fixed  by  him, or they may be referred by such justice to a referee, to
  hear and determine. An appeal may be taken from  the  decision  of  such
  justice  or  referee  as in a civil action in a court of record. On such
  appeal the decision upon  the  law  and  the  facts,  may  be  reversed,
  modified,  or a new trial ordered. Costs, upon appeal, shall be allowed,
  as in the case of an appeal from a judgment in a court  of  record,  and
  judgment may be rendered therefor.