Hamilton - 5th minute goal.

The match was only two minute old when the visitors took a shock lead. Poor marking by the Stranraer defense allowed Robert Raeside to break down the wing and attempt no one, but two crosses into the penalty box. The second attempt found an unmarked Ross Hamilton, who rose high and headed the ball beyond the reach of Mark McGeown and into the roof of the net. This was Hamilton fifth goal this season.

Allan Jenkins kept up the pressure soon after Finlayson's effort. Gathering a pass from George Shaw, Jenkins nipped into the box and took a shot at goal. Only the legs of Derek Soutar denied the local player his third goal of the season.

Finlayson - goal-line clearance.

The match was now end to end action. Ross Hamilton almost gave Alloa a two goal lead midway through the first half, but somehow Kevin Finlayson made a goal-line clearance in a crowded Stranraer box.

Just before the interval Gareth Hutchinson struck the post from only twelve yards out after Ross Hamilton put the forward into a good scoring position.

The Wasps started the second half where they had left off. Jimmy Fisher made an inch-perfect pass to former Whitehill Welfare player Richard Walker. Walker failed to control the ball properly and as a result watched as his shot at goal went wide of the far post.

Stranraer continued to battle, but could not find an opening in Alloa's defense to take advantage off. Former Stranraer captain Keith Knox was having a great game, and the small number of fans present at Stair Park must have wondered why Billy McLaren had released the player at the end of last season.

In the 71st minute Ian Little increased Alloa's lead when he out paced Sandy Hodge and fired in a high looping shot into the far corner of the net which McGeown no where to be seen.

Ian Little - looping shot. © SNS

Billy McLaren tried to salvage something from the match by bring on Mark Weir for David Farrell and Alex Grace for Kevin Finlayson. The substitutions were ineffective and the game finished with Alloa in control.

In summary, the Blues were unlucky in this match and with a bit of luck could have at least had a draw. With promotion now slipping, Stranraer must get their act together if they want to avoid fighting against relegation in April.

Stranraer MOM: Kevin Finlayson - the winger almost scored a goal for the Blues and was unlucky when he hit the upright, and at the other end he cleared the ball from the Stranraer goal-line.