Scorers: Stranraer – Russell (Pen 80); Clyde – Rennie (83 and 90)
Two goals in the final 10 minutes helped Clyde bounce back from going behind to pick up three league points in the Eco Gen Stadium at Stair Park for the first time in almost 20 years.
Mark Russell’s penalty as the game entered the final stages seemed to be enough for Stranraer to pick up the win.
However, the midfielder, who was recalled to the team after injury, was sent off just moments later and Martin Rennie scored a double to give his side the victory.
Manager Chris Aitken made four changes from the side that had lost out to Forfar Athletic last weekend.
As well as Russell, Sean Docherty, Elliot Dunlop and Robbie Foster were called into the team, with Aaron Quigg, Deryn Lang, Ryan Edgar and Scott Robertson all moving to the bench.
At one point, it looked uncertain if the game would even be on.
However, following a pitch inspection, referee Alastair Grieve gave the game the green light, although it did kick off 15 minutes late.
Torrential rain before kick-off and a strong wind ensured it was not going to be a classic.
Indeed, it was a first half of very few chances.
The clearest cut probably came for the hosts in the opening stages when a Logan Dunachie clearance caused uncertainty in the Clyde defence.
Goalkeeper Jay Kennedy rushed from his goal but was beaten to the loose ball by Foster, who found team-mate Matty Grant.
He attempted to lob the keeper from wide on the right but Craig Howie was on the line to knock the ball to safety.
With the wind behind them, Stranraer were far more threatening after the break and had the ball in the net just four minutes after the restart.
Clyde could not clear a cross into the box and Dunlop curled a lovely effort beyond the reach of Kennedy.
The ball struck the post and then the goalkeeper with Foster following up to blast the ball into the empty net.
The assistant referee’s flag denied the striker a second goal in a Stranraer shirt, although replays suggest he was onside.
Instead, the home fans would have to wait until the closing stages for the opening goal of the game.
Dunlop held the ball up for the overlapping Docherty, who crossed into the box.
The ball was blocked by captain Andrew Murdoch and the referee pointed for a penalty.
Russell fired the ball beyond the reach of Kennedy and it looked as if the Blues were on course for three points.
Unfortunately, Russell’s next involvement would be his final of the game as he received a second yellow card for a tackle on Kyle Connell.
The decision looked harsh but Rennie was not caring and he fired an unstoppable free-kick beyond Sam Kane.
Clyde could sense there was a chance to take all three points and Rennie was the man to do that when he poked the ball home after the home side failed to deal with a corner.
A difficult one to take for Stranraer, who will look to get back to winning ways on a trip to Spartans.
Stranraer: Kane, Ross, S Docherty (Brindley 81), Ecrepont, Reid, Dunlop, Hawkshaw, McKnight (Quigg 72), Grant (Lang 72), Russell, Foster (Edgar 81).
Not used: Robertson, Guthrie and Lane.
Clyde: Kennedy, Robson (Hannah 86), Howie, Dunachie, R Lyon, D Lyon, D Docherty (Connell 81), Murdoch, Sutherland, Rennie, Williamson (Leitch 73).
Not used: Hamilton, Hynes, Bradley, Scullion, Redfern and Hemfrey.
Referee: Alastair Grieve
Attendance: 515
HT: 0-0
Photos: MadMac Photography
