Scorers: Stranraer – Own goal (32) and Edgar (91); Clydebank – Preston (47)
Ryan Edgar’s strike just seconds into extra time helped Stranraer through to the fourth round of the Scottish Cup.
The Blues were not at their best against a determined Clydebank side but did enough to ensure they progressed.
Chris Aitken made one change from the side that had thumped Spartans a week earlier as Jordan Stuart came into the team in place of Matthew Gillies.
In a fast-paced start to the game, Clydebank had forced a corner in the opening 20 seconds and should have taken the lead on 17 minutes.
A cross from the left was not dealt with by Lewis Reid and the ball fell for Nicholas Little, who took a touch but, ultimately, dragged his shot wide of goal.
Stranraer were coming more into the game as the half wore on, though.
Goalkeeper Owen Stott could not hold James Dolan’s shot and only pushed it towards Finn Ecrepont.
The ball came quickly at the full-back and he could only put his diving header wide of the target.
Dolan would be involved in the first goal of the afternoon as he did well on the left.
His cross caught the heel of the unfortunate David Syme and the ball trickled in via the post.
It gave the hosts a lift and they could have been two-up moments later.
Deryn Lang was heavily involved as his cross was only partially cleared.
Dominic Plank then tried to place his shot into the net but Stott did well to push it behind for a corner.
The second half was only two minutes old when Clydebank found their leveller.
Lee Gallacher’s corner from the left was met by an unmarked Arran Preston, who smashed a header home from six yards.
Understandably, it was a goal which spurred on the Scottish Lowland Football League side.
Former Blue Chris McGowan headed wide before Stranraer were given a real warning.
A ball into the box was met by Neil McLaughlin, whose volley left Josh Lane with no chance and the shot crashed off the crossbar.
Stranraer, again, crept more into the game as the second half wore on and they could have won it when another Dolan cross was deflected towards goal – only for it to be thumped clear.
The game, ultimately, would be decided 35 seconds into extra time.
Clydebank failed to deal with a long ball up the park and Edgar muscled his way through before the shot deflected beyond Stott.
The goalkeeper managed to block another Edgar effort moments later but Clydebank’s hopes were dashed further when substitute Adam Hodge was shown a second yellow card for an incident with Ecrepont.
It was far from over though and Clydebank came ever so close to a spectacular second equaliser.
A free-kick was given on the halfway line and Nicky Low decided to try his luck with Lane doing superbly to scramble back and make the save.
Stranraer could have been more comfortable over the closing stages with Ecrepont and substitute Daniel McManus both coming close.
In the end, Edgar’s goal was enough and Stranraer made it through to the fourth round.
Stranraer: Lane, Ecrepont, Reid, Rough, Dunne (Hughes 109), Stuart (McManus 51), Dolan (Coll 90), Quigg, Russell (Edgar 51), Plank (Docherty 103), Lang.
Not used: McKnight, Sharp, Hunter and Henderson.
Clydebank: Stott, McHugh, McGowan (Niven 110), Syme (Preston 46), Grant (Hodge 70), Little, Low (Hickey-Fugaccia 102), Cairns, Gallacher, McLaughlin (Johnstone 113), Black (Collins 70).
Not used: Dunne and Keaney.
Referee: Alastair Grieve
Attendance: 671
HT: 1-1
Photos: Bill McCandlish
