[Click on pictures to see video of the goals]

Stranraer finally won their first match of the season, after 4 tries, with a convincing 3-1 win over Challenge Cup finalist Brechin City. The Blues also added two new faces to the team, in the form of Harry Curran (ex-Alloa) and Andy Kane (ex-Clyde).

From kick off Stranraer went at Brechin. Paul Kerr shot went wide of the far post just after 26 seconds.

Ex-Dumferline defender Justin Skinner was able to run free and hit a fierce low drive wide of Hillcoat's goal.

Michael Moore had the best chance to score in the early stages of the game. A Harty pass let in the towering forward who unleashed a bullet of a shot that David Hay saved at a comfortable height.

Harty for once missed a sitter. Moore unselfishly passed the ball to Harty instead of shooting himself. However, Harty found the wrong side of the goal post.

At this stage of the match Jenkins, Sharp and Aitken were all working well together. Neat, controlled passing lead to low shot which was cleared off the line. Moore rushed in, but couldn't get the touch it needed.

Stranraer opened the scoring in the 37th minute through an Ian Harty penalty. Lee Sharp fired a cross into the Brechin penalty box and the ball struck Harry Cairney on the hand. Referee Clyde had little hesitation pointing to the penalty spot. Last season's top scorer Harty sent in the ball low and hard to the right of the 'keeper.

Ian Harty opens the scoring against Brechin from the penalty spot © G. Hedley

Only 57 seconds after the restart Stranraer found themselves another goal up. A long ball found Harty who heads on the Kerr who then crosses the Moore who makes no mistake from 2 yards.

Michael Moore (on pitch) scores Stranraer's second goal from a Paul Kerr cross © G. Hedley

In the 60th minute Ian Harty intercepted a pass and ran half the length of the pitch, and passed the ball to Finlayson. Finlayson's shot is blocked, but Harty scores from the rebound.

Harty (9) slips the ball past Hay for goal number three © G. Hedley

Brechin almost pulled one back when their free-kick hit the post. The ball then ran right along the goal line, until Hillcoat finally collected it.

Brechin pulled one back in the 71st minute through Fotheringham. Campbell raced down the wing to the edge of the penalty box, where new signing Harry Curran felled the player. With his extra momentum Campbell managed to convince Mr. Clyde that the offense had occurred in the Blues box and won the penalty. Fotheringham beat Hillcoat with a shot which went to the 'keeper's left.

Fotheringham pulls one back for the visitors from the penalty spot © G. Hedley

Harty went in search of his hat-trick in the last twenty minutes, but unselfishly passed the ball to Moore when he could have taken a shot himself. With the keeper nowhere in sight, Moore misses the open goal from 7 yards out.

In the dying minutes Brechin bought the best out of Hillcoat. A powerful header by Gibson (a late substitute) was acrobatically saved by Hillcoat.

OVERALL SUMMARY- The best performance by far this season. Harty, Kerr and Moore look like a good combination and the addition of Harry Curran has tighten up the defence. The team can still play better though.

STRANRAER MOM- Allan Jenkins, worked his socks off. Ran for the ball. Harty, Hillcoat get a mention. Harty scored vital goals and Hillcoat made a couple of fine saves.

Attendance: 340