A Mark Russell double helped Stranraer to three much-needed points against high-flying East Fife.
Scott Robertson’s second game in interim charge saw the Blues make one change from the side that had lost to Annan Athletic.
Tomas Brindley, back from injury, came into the side in place of Sean McIntosh, who missed out through injury.
It was a first half of relatively little in the way of clear cut chances with Russell’s first of the day brightening up a closely contested game.
A long free-kick into the box was brought down by Elliott Dunlop, who rolled the ball back to Russell.
His aim was inch-perfect, sending a curling effort over Liam McFarlane and in off the underside of the crossbar.
All of a sudden, Stranraer had their tails up and they could have been 2-0 up within a matter of seconds.
Dean Hawkshaw’s surging run found Dunlop, who came in from the right and send a fierce drive just beyond the upright.
East Fife had produced little in the way of an offensive threat in the first half but came out for the second half in a more determined fashion.
Andy Munro had headed past the post before they came within a whisker of equalising.
Adam Cummins was booked for a tackle on the very edge of the box and Nathan Austin’s free-kick clipped the post.
However, Stranraer had the chance to double their advantage with an impressive counter-attack.
Dunlop and Max Guthrie linked up well but the latter sliced his effort off target when he perhaps had more time.
And the home side were made to pay for the missed chances when East Fife found their leveller on 70 minutes.
Gordon Walker saw an effort saved by Jacob Pazikas before putting the rebound onto the bar.
Stranraer would not survive a third time though and the experienced Alan Trouten tapped home.
The scores were only level for three minutes as Stranraer got back in front after a fine team move.
Grant Gallagher’s cross was nodded down by Paul Woods into the path of Dunlop.
The on-loan Airdrie man had the presence of mind to set up Russell, who found the net for the second time.
There was time for more piece of drama as the game entered into stoppage time.
East Fife goalkeeper McFarlane handled outside of his box and was shown a red card, which saw Munro swap an outfield jersey for that of the goalkeeper.
There was no time for Stranraer to try to take advantage but instead they toasted three important points.
Stranraer: Pazikas, Brindley, Cummins, Ross, Ecrepont, Grant (Woods 69), Gallagher, Dunlop, Russell, Hawkshaw (McKnight 87), Guthrie (Edgar 89).
Not used: Adam, Lang and Broun.
East Fife: McFarlane, Newton (Laaref 64), Easton, Munro, Walker (Docherty 73), Millar, McManus, Healy (Shepherd 64), Peggie, Trouten, Austin (Slattery 83).
Not used: Fleming.
Referee: Andy Gamble.
Attendance: 413
HT: 1-0
Photos: Bill McCandlish
