Scorers: Dumbarton – Durnan (54); Stranraer – Russell (38) and Dolan (90+2)
A stoppage time stunner from James Dolan ensured Stranraer’s wait for three league points finally came to an end on Saturday.
The Blues travelled to Dumbarton looking for that elusive three points but buoyed by avoiding defeat in their two encounters over the last seven days.
Manager Chris Aitken made three changes from the side that had drawn with Elgin City.
Kirk McKnight, Daniel McManus and Lewis Hunter added a freshness in midfield, with Jordan Stuart, Corey O’Donnell and Aaron Quigg missing out.
One of those recalled to the team, McManus, had already called Shay Kelly into action in the home goal before the hosts almost took the lead in bizarre circumstances.
Mark Russell went down in the Dumbarton half with team-mate McKnight catching the ball believing a free-kick would be given.
Instead, he was penalised for handball, with Dumbarton quickly countering.
The ball was played into the box, with goalkeeper Josh Lane having to stick a foot out to keep out Leighton McIntosh’s effort.
Dumbarton were enjoying the better of the opening stages and Ally Roy curled an effort wide of the target as they looked to get their noses in front.
Lane had to be alert to keep out a Scott Tomlinson effort as he attempted to turn home a Scott Honeyman ball into the box before Stranraer took the lead.
Beejay Coll’s cross was only half cleared and James Dolan reacted quickest to a loose touch by Honeyman.
Referee Colin Steven pointed to the spot and Stranraer had a penalty to take the lead.
Kelly was equal to Russell’s first effort but the ball fell back into the Stranraer man’s path and he tucked away the rebound.
Stranraer were clearly boosted by the goal and could have been further in front come the half time whistle.
Dolan was involved again, flicking the ball into the path of Ryan Edgar, whose clever lob was plucked out of the air by Kelly.
The visitors would hold the lead going into half time but the hosts were back on level terms nine minutes after the restart.
Substitute Chris Johnston swung the ball in for Mark Durnan to head on target.
Lane managed to block the first effort but it landed back for Durnan to poke home.
It was now up to the Stranraer defence to stand firm before the visitors started to create chances of their own.
McManus was only denied by a post after his low shot from the edge of the box flew beyond Kelly.
Then, O’Donnell found former Stranraer man Morgyn Neill in the way as he looked to turn the ball home from close range.
Fortunately, there would be no hard luck story for Stranraer as they got the winner their played had deserved.
Substitute Dominic Plank launched a ball over the Dumbarton defence for Deryn Lang to chase.
He found Dolan on the edge of the box and he sent a lovely effort beyond the reach of Kelly and into the net via the underside of the bar.
It was a goal worthy of winning any game and all associated with the Blues will be hoping it is a moment that kickstarts their campaign, with Annan visiting the Eco Gen Stadium at Stair Park this coming weekend.
Dumbarton: Kelly, Livingstone, Neill, Durnan, Webster, Kirkpatrick, Docherty, Honeyman (Wallace 70), Roy (Johnston 46), McIntosh, Tomlinson (Falconer 81).
Not used: Blair, Lynas, McArthur, McEvoy, Walker and O Ecrepont.
Stranraer: Lane, Coll, Reid, Rough, Gillies (Docherty 60), McKnight (Lang 73), Russell (Plank 88), Hunter (O’Donnell 60), McManus, Dolan, Edgar (Quigg 60).
Not used: F Ecrepont, Sharp, Turay and Henderson.
Referee: Colin Steven
Attendance: 752
HT: 0-1
Photos: Bill McCandlish
