The Blues gave S. Johnstone a tough time in the second round of the competition, but in the end St. Johnstone's match fitness which won the game in extra time thanks to a Chris Hay double.

Stranraer opened well, and in the 7th minute Kevin Cuthbert pulled-off a great save to deny a goal-bound volley by Kevin Finlayson.

St. Johnstone opened the scoring against Stranraer after only 17 minutes with a powerful strike by Marc McCulloch. A short backpass by Farrell to Hillcoat was picked off by Ryan Stevenson, and the midfielder kicked a low cross into the box that was slammed high into the net from a narrow angle by Marc McCulloch.

Only ten minute later it was again McCulloch who scored, but for Stranraer! Kevin Finlayson did well down the wing with a tremendous 40-yard run and eluded several Saints players in the process. His shot at goal took a deflection off Marc McCulloch and sailed past a helpless Cuthbert.

Former Blues player John Roberston had a chance at goal from long range before half time, as did Ryan Stevenson, but both efforts were stopped by some great goalkeeping by Hillcoat.

The second half lacked the sparkle of the first-half, with most of the chances, if any, falling to St. Johnstone.

Again, St. Johnstone were reduced to taking shots from long range, such as those by Harley and Riley. Hillcoat was able to deny both strikes. At the other end Cuthbert was barely troubled by Stranraer's forwards.

With extra-time looming Stranraer replaced Hodge by Fallon and Kerr for Kane, but neither substitution could make a critical influence.

After only eight minutes of extra time the Saints took the lead again through second-half substitute Chris Hay. Hay fired in a shot from the edge of the box which ricochet off a defenders leg and went beyond the reach of Hillcoat.

In the 103rd minute Ian Harty should have leveled the score. The forward nipped into the box and found himself with only the keeper to beat, but somehow managed to shot wide when it looked easier to score.

Stranraer fate was sealed in the final minute of extra time when Hay scored again. Mark Riley crossed the ball from the left and Hay was on hand to fire the ball into the goal.

The forty or so St. Johnstone supporters who had made the long journey down from Perth left the ground happy, but knowing full-well that the match was tougher than the 1-3 scoreline suggested.

STRANRAER MOM: John Hillcoat- He pulled off some great saves and was rewarded with the CIS Insurance man of the match award.

OVERALL SUMMARY- The Blues played well and were certainly a credit to Second Division football. The outcome of the match could have been different had Ian Harty converted his clear-cut chance in extra time, but in the end it was the level of durability and lack of depth in the midfield which proved to be the deciding factor.

Attendance: 510