Stranraer maintained their third place in the league with a hard-fought win over a stubborn Forfar Athletic. In the first match between the two sides at Stair Park only 285 fans passed through the turnstiles. This time the attendance was barely better with an official attendance of only 290.

On a pitch that can't really be described much more as a mud bath, Stranraer were one goal down after only two minutes. Good play from Stewart Greacen, who was able to cross the ball after Jon Crawford's bad mistake, gave Kevin Milne the simplest of chances to score from 5 yards out

A few minutes later, Stranraer were under pressure again. This time a 30 yards swerving and dipping shot from Martin Bavidge had Hillcoat beaten, but fortunately the ball brushed the outside of the side netting.

Stranraer got their equaliser in the 13th minute. Kevin Finlayson skill and magic was able to beat Kevin Milne and supply a cross for Paul Kerr. The forward glanced the ball firmly past Neil Ferrie.

The Blues then took control of the of the game, but they had to wait until the half hour mark before there pressure could show. An Ian Harty cross, come shot at goal was parried by Ferrie, but Allan Jenkins was on hand the fire the ball into the net. Silver boots are working!

Just before half time, Jenkins had another shot at goal, but his shot blocked and Stevie Aitken struck the rebound. However, Aitken shot straight at the 'keeper, and a foot either side, in my view, he would be celebrating a goal.

Stranraer couldn't have asked for a better start to the second half. Sandy Hodge's deep cross to the back post was dummied by Harty, and excellent ball control by Finlayson saw the winger's shot effortlessly hit the back of the net.

At this stage of the game, Stranraer were playing the best football in several games. Big Paul Kerr put Hodge through, but to give the keeper his dues he stood up well the block the shot from the sweeper.

Just after the hour mark Forfar got right back into the game. Kevin Byers was able to keep the ball and then he chip the ball over Hillcoat into the back of the net.

Forfar were trying really hard to go home with at least one point, with Kevin Byers being the catalyst. His accurate inswinging cross found Alan Rattray, but it was headed against the bar unchallenged.

OVERALL SUMMARY- The best performance so far this year considering the pitch. In my opinion this was one of the best game that I have seen at Stair Park for a long time.

STRANRAER MOM- ??? A very hard choice. Jenkins, Aitken and Finlayson all played really well. I let all you Stranraer fans the decide for yourself.

Attendance: 290