Stranraer produced a strong second half performance to secure victory over Clyde at the LIME Stadium.
With the game in doubt due to heavy rainfall, groundsman Colin Agnew and his team of volunteers worked their magic to get the pitch playable by the 2.30pm pitch inspection.
The game would go ahead, and Chris Aitken’s side capitalised with an excellent display.
Blues boss Aitken made six changes to a side which disappointed in the reverse fixture three days prior.
Lyndon Tas, Evan Dunne, Jordan Stuart, Lewis Hunter, Ronan Hughes and Sallu Turay were all drafted into the starting eleven.
The Blues started brightly and threatened early on when Stuart tried his luck from distance, but his effort sailed over the bar.
They continued to press, with Dom Plank driving at the Clyde backline and forcing a shot on target, though it was comfortably held by Jay Hogarth.
Despite Stranraer’s positive start, it was the visitors who struck first.
A fine initial save from Tas kept Clyde at bay, but the rebound fell kindly for Nathan Cannon, who made no mistake in turning the second chance home.
Stranraer responded well and pushed for an equaliser before the break.
Their persistence paid off right on half-time when Finn Ecrepont delivered a dangerous corner into a crowded box.
The ball caused chaos among the Clyde defence before Lewis Reid unknowingly applied the finishing touch – with his back – to bring the sides level heading into the interval.
Even at the break, the Blues came out with renewed intent in the second half.
Their pressure soon told when a great delivery from Plank was only partially cleared by Hogarth, the ball falling to Dunne at the edge of the box.
The defender took a steadying touch before smashing home to give Stranraer the lead.
With momentum firmly on their side, the Blues nearly doubled their advantage through Deryn Lang.
Stuart delivered a teasing ball onto the head of Lang, but just like Saturday, he agonisingly headed over the bar from close range.
Fortunately, it wouldn’t be long before the Stranraer striker would make things right.
Timing his run to perfection and showing great composure despite being fouled – and injured in the process – he managed to beat Hogarth and slot the ball into the net to make it 3-1.
Stranraer continued to create chances, with Plank again testing Hogarth, who did well to parry away a powerful effort.
Danny McManus then went close to adding a fourth, only to be denied by an excellent save from the Clyde goalkeeper when through on goal.
Edin Lynch, former Edinburgh City captain, made his Stranraer debut with less than ten minutes remaining as the Blues aimed to protect their two-goal lead.
Clyde were handed a lifeline from the penalty spot, but Tas came to the rescue once more, producing a fine save to preserve Stranraer’s two-goal cushion.
Getting down to his left, the tall stopper on loan from Hearts easily held a weak penalty from Robbie Leitch.
McManus later came close again with a superb left-footed strike that drifted just past the far post.
In the end, it was a comfortable and deserved victory for the Blues, with second half goals from Dunne and Lang sealing all three points against the Bully Wee.
Attention now turns to Saturday’s trip to Annan, where Stranraer will look to build on this result and strengthen their case for a top four finish.
Stranraer: Tas, Dunne, McGrath, Reid, Ecrepont, Stuart, Hughes (Quigg 70), Plank (Gillies 82), Hunter (Lynch 82), Lang (McManus 70), Turay (Dolan 64).
Not used: Burns, Docherty, McKnight.
Clyde: Hogarth, Hynes, Howie, Dunachie, Robson, Cuddihy (Fleming 65), Murdoch (Niang 72), Leitch, Cannon (Williamson 65), Connell (Connolly 84), Redfern (McGinlay 72).
Not used: Kinnear, Lyon.
Referee: George Calder
Attendance: 379
HT: 1-1
Photos: Bill McCandlish
