Brian Fairley's first game in charge of Dumbarton was spoiled by an early goal by Dexi Wingate at the floodlit Strathclyde Homes Stadium. Former Warriors boss was appointed by the Dumbarton board following the sacking of David Winnie last month.

Stranraer were playing against a strong wind in the first half and it was Dumbarton who had the first effort on goal after 6 minutes. Gary McCutcheon hit a ferocious swerving 30 yard shot that John Hillcoat did well to palm away to safety. A few minutes later Ian Harty was maybe a little fortunate to stay on the field when he retaliated to a tackle with an off the ball kick at a Dumbarton midfielder. The ref decided that a yellow was sufficient. Stranraer started to come into the match and an Allan Jenkins through ball found John Fallon in space but his angled shot was easily saved by Stephen Grindlay.

Dumbarton's best chance to open the scoring came in the 15th minute when they were awarded what looked to me a soft penalty. Ian Russell's pen came crashing off the bar down onto the line and bounced wide for a goal kick.

Stranraer scored after 18 minutes through a Dexi Wingate free-kick form 25 yards. The big defender smashed the ball low into the left hand corner of the net to send the small number of Blues fans wild.

A moment of comedy followed when two of Strathclyde's finest arrested Dumbarton's mascot much to the bemusement of him, only to be told in the tunnel that it was an April Fool.

Stranraer were looking more dangerous now and after a flowing move Aitken's low cross was just nicked away for a corner with John Fallon waiting to pounce. At the other end Allan Jenkins nearly gifted Dumbarton an equaliser with a header that drifted just wide of the upright. At this stage Stranraer were under a fair bit of pressure mainly due to the wind and a driven cross clipped the top of Hillcoat's bar before going over. Stranraer had a good chance to go two up in the 35th minute when Michael Moore blasted over from 6 yards. The half finished with both sides having the odd half chance but it was the Blues who would have been pleased to be 1-0 up against the wind.

In the second half the wind appeared to drop so Stranraer lost some terratorial advantage straight away. Although the Blues should have extended their lead in 55th minute when John Fallon was put clean through on goal only to denied by a good save by Grindlay. Dumbarton brought on Emeka Obidile after 60 mins and he created a good chance for Gary McCutcheon. The low cross by Obidile somehow was missed by everyone with Cutchy the main culprit. The equaliser came in the 64th minute when a corner wasn't properly cleared and Barry Ronald hit a lob volley over the despairing Hillcoat from 20 yards. A good goal if you're a Dumbarton fan but a poor one for the Blues fans as why was Hillcoat so far off his line and also the guy was given to much time too shoot.

Billy McLaren brought on Paul Kerr for John Fallon after 65 minutes and the big striker was involved almost immediately. Fraser Wright went on one of his surging runs from the back and laid a nice through ball to Kerr who had just the Goalie to beat but his weak shot was well saved. Andy Kane got booked for a foul in the 73rd minute and Stevie Aitken for dissent. Lee Sharp came on after 80 minutes but it was too late as the game fizzled out with a few chances at either end.

Overall Summary - Stranraer are now in the all too common end of season relegation battle which the Blues seem to be making a habit of. Missed chances was the order of the day again. Why does the manager play Harty behind the front two? He is more effective when he's playing right up front alongside Michael Moore.

Man of the Match - Has to be Derek Wingate. The big defender scored a great free-kick and also his tackling and passing were excellent the whole match.

Attendance: 596