Scorer: McLuckie (69)
Mark McLuckie’s first Stranraer goal proved decisive as the Blues picked up three welcome points.
The central defender was one of a number of players enjoying an impressive afternoon at The LIME Stadium at Stair Park.
Manager Chris Aitken made half a dozen changes from the midweek defeat to Alloa Athletic.
Max Currie, Evan Dunne, Zach Bruce, Daniel McManus and Lewis Gillie were brought into the starting line-up alongside McLuckie while there was a place on the bench for striker Seb Mason, signed on loan from Carlisle United.
Early action came with Spartans, who forced a number of corners, on the attack.
Mark Stowe had dragged a shot wide of goal before Stranraer had the first shot on target of the game.
Finn Ecrepont’s free-kick into the box was met by Aaron Quigg, who nodded the ball down.
McLuckie managed to get his shot away but Paddy Martin did well to make the block with his foot from close range.
McLuckie was again involved from the next set piece as he managed to find McManus.
The midfielder, making his first start of the season, fired the ball across goal but Bradley Whyte got a vital touch with Dean Cleland waiting to tap home.
Despite those opportunities, arguably, it was the visitors who should have been in front at the break.
First, Cameron Russell raced onto a long through ball and lifted a shot over Currie.
Fortunately, that dropped wide of the goal and Spartans failed to work the goalkeeper a second time moments later.
Stowe started the move in his own half and sprinted up the pitch to get on the end of a Marc McNulty cross but then placed his shot wide.
Spartans enjoyed plenty of the ball in the early part of the second half but increasingly Stranraer were coping with their attacks.
It allowed the home side to start becoming more of an attacking threat as McManus saw a back heel blocked from an Ecrepont corner as Stranraer came more and more into the game.
The hosts had forced a number of corners and it was from one of these set pieces that the goal would arrive.
Ecrepont’s delivery was perfect for the onrushing McLuckie, who directed his header into the bottom corner – although Ronan Hughes may feel he got the slightest of touches.
Spartans would have one final chance when Ayrton Sonkur fired at goal from a corner but Gillie made a goal-saving block on the line before Currie smothered the loose ball.
Instead, Stranraer could have sealed the victory as the game entered the final minute.
Lewis Dobbie, who was another enjoying a great afternoon, was denied a brilliant first goal for the club when Martin managed to push his free-kick to safety.
It was a vital three points for Stranraer, who maintained their impressive recent record against Spartans.
Stranraer: Currie, Dunne, Ecrepont, McLuckie, Quigg, Traynor (Healy 66), Bruce (Stuart 59), Dobbie, McManus (Hughes 59), Gillie, Cleland (Mason 66).
Not used: Nair, Lynch, Trialist and Henderson.
Spartans: Martin, Mudie, Welsh (Dishington 82), McNulty, Russell (See 82), Sonkur, McKay (Tapping 54), Walls (Craigen 64), Drysdale, Stowe (Dinanga 64), Whyte.
Not used: Dall, Heal and Campbell.
Referee: Daniel Graves
Attendance: 435
HT: 0-0
Photos: Bill McCandlish
