Cammy Russell’s late second half strike saw The Spartans earn their first victory of the season over Stranraer to keep their SPFL play-off hopes in the mix in 2-1 win at the Vanloq Community Stadium.
Kieran Watson returned to the heart of the defence with Bailey Dall & Brogan Walls in the starting line-up for the visit of a Stranraer side minus the suspended Mark Russell who picked up a red card the previous week against Clyde.
The game almost threw up an opener for the visitors with just three minutes on the scoreboard. Dunlop played in Grant however he was met by Blair Carswell who raced off his line to make a tremendous save.
Shortly after at the other end, Blair Henderson nodded the ball towards goal in the penalty box, his effort was half stopped with Brogan Walls looking to prosper as he collided with the keeper and eventually the ball was hoofed to safety by a Stranraer defender.
Another half chance as the ball is swung into the box, Blair Henderson once again meeting it with his head, finding Cammy Russell who saw his shot blocked. James Craigen, hovering with intent at the edge of the area collected but his return was sent wide.
Two tantalising in-swinging corners from Cammy Russell caused chaos, the first tipped over the bar by the keeper with the second narrowly headed wide by Kieran Watson.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 35th minute. Blair Henderson played in Cammy Russell who was blocked by keeper and defender deep inside the box. The playmaker chased down the ball before offering some neat trickery on the touchline before cutting back across the penalty area where it found Brogan Walls who slammed home.
HT: The Spartans 1-0 Stranraer
Jamie Dishington came close to extended the lead shortly after the start of the second half however he couldn’t keep his shot from going over the bar.
Then, on the hour mark, the visitors drew level. Dunlop forced a good save from Carswell at close range however he couldn’t keep hold of the ball and it trundled into the path of Guthrie, who sent it high into the net.
Spartans rallied and Bradley Whyte forced a strong fisted save from Kane as the hosts looked to regain the lead at the earliest opportunity.
Douglas Samuel made his first change of the game introducing Arran Preston for Kieran Watson.
A free-kick on the far edge of the box was swung in fiercely by Ecrepont evading all and sundry in the Spartans box, flashing wide and behind to relieve the pressure.
With the game entering the final quarter of an hour, Mark Stowe entered the fray at the expense of Brogan Walls.
Stowe was to be instrumental in the architecture of what was to be the match winner. Picking up the ball on the half way line, his drive towards the box was uncontested. A pass out to Arran Preston followed and his first touch back inside found Cammy Russell who calmly cushioned the ball beyond the keeper into the net.
Lewis Hunter replaced James Craigen as the game entered its final stages and Spartans looking to close out a tight contest.
There was one final siege on the Spartans box, with limbs flying as bodies were put on the line. Despite a shout, more in hope than anticipation for handball from the visiting bench, it was the hosts who were to hold out for an important three points.
FT: The Spartans 2-1 Stranraer
Malt & Hops Man of the Match: Kevin Waugh
