Stranraer headed North to the Highlands to face an in-form ross County side currently riding high in second spot in Bells League Division One. This was the only Division One fixture of the day and it was one of two outstanding games to bring all sides up to 27 games so it was an opportunity for Stranraer to get some more daylight between themselves and Queen of the South - equally it was a chance for county to close the gap on top of the table St Mirren.
The game got off to a shakey start with Stranraer playing skipper and defender up front with recognised strikers Paul Walker and Leigh Hinds on the bench in what must have been a frustrating line-up for them. County went ahead as early as 7 minutes when after some good build up play the ball was played across the box diagonally and Sean Higgins got his head on the end of it to put the home side ahead. Stranraer gradually got more into the game and Michael Moore shaved the post on at least two occasions courtesy of two Lee sharp crosses whilst at the other end a great defensive effort from Stranraer snuffed out the prolific threat of John Rankin. The Half time score had ross County a goal in front but this was clearly a game which had more tales to tell.
In the Second half the game was afree flowing tactical battle with both sides creating opportunities, County with pacey wing based attack whilst Stranraer tried to go from the back to the front in a direct attack. On the Hour mark, Neil Watt took off Stevie Aitken and put on Paul Walker in a positive move to try and take something from the game, this move paid off when Walker was part of the move that created the levelling goal when Stephen Payne looked to have got the goal but it was David Hamilton who wa credited with his tenth goal of the season to tie the scores at a goal apiece. The last twenty minutes were a nailbiter for the 40-odd travelling Stranraer fans as McSwegan and Ranking were working like highland bulls to try and create a winner but the away defence were steadfast and the final whistle went with very little extra time to give The Blues what could be a VITAL point in their quest to stay in Division 1 come May.
Star Player
Man of the Match goes to Stephen Payne - Looked industrious and hard working in his best performance for the blues since being liberated from Queen of the South
Who's next?
Next up for Stranraer - ROSS COUNTY (again)on Saturday 4th April
Writer: Timothy Clayhole
Date: Sunday February 26 2006
Time: 10:23AM
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Match ratings defined: 1) Totally awful, had a mare, should be taken out and shot, 2) Dire, but not usual standard, 3) Very poor. 4) Poor, below the standard expected, 5) Average, the least expected, 6) Better than average, but in patches only, 7) Good, generally decent performance, 8) Very good, above the standard, standing out at times, 9) Excellent, stood out all match, 10) Outstanding truly commanded the match.
