Stranraer lost their first match against Cowdenbeath in ten games, and the loss seens the Blues second bottom in the table, albeit after only two matches.

The Blues started off the game brightly with Fraser Wright making a interception in the midfield area, and passed it to Ian Harty who played it to Michael Moore. Moore's shot was well saved by Gary O'Connor.

Soon after, half a chance fell to Kevin Finalyson. A neat one-two with Finlayson and Grace, allowed Finlayson a shot at goal, but was deflected wide to the disappointment of the fans.

After only 8 minutes Ian Harty was taken off because of a strain, and was replaced by John Fallon.

Stranraer went a goal down due to a defensive mistake in the 12th minute. Kevin Gaughan had a long ball played over his head and when he went to head the ball back to the goalie he slipped. This allowed Kevin Gordon in, who rounded McCulloch and placed the ball in the far corner from an acute angle.

Things got worse in the 23rd minute when the Blues conceded another goal. Iain Mauchlen cross into the penalty area and a mix up between McCulloch and Gaughan allowed Hamish French to nip in. The veteran made no mistake from only 2 yards out.

Stranraer were looking to pull one goal back before half-time, and it came in the 41st minute. A Fraser Wright long throw was flicked on by John Fallon to Finlayson, who had all the time in the world and made no mistake by volleying the ball past the goalkeeper in the net.

Just before half-time, Lee Sharp swung in a free-kick which was met by Gaughan. The defender headed the ball wide when he could have done better, especially as he was unmarked.

After the restart Finlayson continued to cause problems. In the opening minutes he ran down the wing, crosses the ball to Moore, who in turn laid the ball off to Stevie Aitken. Aitken's finishing was poor as he missed the target from 12 yards.

Cowdenbeath were starting to attack more. David White almost added to the visitors goal tally from a corner, but his header was well saved by McCulloch at the near post.

Cowdenbeath should have gone 3-1 up. A dreadful mistake by McCulloch let in Graeme Brown and with an open goal at his mercy he some how missed.

The goal of the game was scored in the 66th minute - unfortunately Cowdenbeath scored it. Tall central defender David White played an excellent forward ball to Iain Mauchlen who struck the ball powerfully, only to see McCulloch parried it as far as the feet of White, who had continued his run.

Michael Moore gave Stranraer a lifeline in the 74th minute. Substitute Allan Jenkins crossed to the tall striker who headed the ball into the net, beyond the reach of O'Connor.

Stranraer pushed for an equaliser but it didn't materialise.

STRANRAER MOM: Kevin Finlayson, got his goal that he deserved and he also made a lot of problems as well.

OVERALL SUMMARY- if you thought the cup game was bad you should have seen this match. The defence was a joke, the midfield couldn't keep hold of the ball, and the goalkeeping was very suspect. The only positive attribute from the game is that we scored 2 goals.

Attendance: 420