There was to be no repeat of the 2-4 victory over Ayr United just two short weeks ago. Instead the Blues suffered a first round defeat in a competition which they have a good record in.

Stranraer started the game of very brightly with Ian Harty striking a low shot goalward. Craig Nelson in the Ayr goal was happy to see the ball narrowly slip past the post.

Ian Harty started where he left off from last season. The Stranraer hitman made a darting run, invading challenges and he soon found himself one-on-one with the keeper. However, his shot lacked power and the ball hit the keepers legs and was cleared from danger.

The Blues were now in control. Fraser Wright was able to run freely and take a shot at goal from 20 yards. Nelson was not troubled by the effort.

Ayr's first real attempt at goal came moments later. Eddie Annand's shot shot from the edge of the box was deflected wide of goal by a Stranraer defender, while Willie McCulloch scrambled in the box.

The Honest Men continued to press Stranraer and in the 25th the visitors took the lead. A weak back pass by Dexi Wingate let in the vastly experienced Eddie Annand, who coolly slipped the ball past the helpless McCulloch.

The goal gave Ayr added confidence to push forward. James Grady took an opportunistic shot at goal from 25 yards, but the effort was straight at Willie McCulloch.

Stranraer started to push for an equaliser. More Ian Harty skill got him in the Ayr penalty area, he cut the ball back to Allan Jenkins who had time and space but his shot went straight to Craig Nelson.

Alex Grace had Stranraer's last chance before half time. A miss-hit free-kick fell favourably at the feet of Gaughan who took his time and set the ball up for Grace. Despite being only -yards out his shot was fired high over the bar, to the disappointment of the very large home support.

Any hope of staging a comeback early in the second half were dashed in the 54th minute when a high cross into the Stranraer penalty area found James Grady. The striker made made no mistake by heading the ball powerfully past McCulloch.

Stranraer slowly got back into the match in the last twenty minutes. Michael Moore had his shot tipped round the post by Craig Nelson.

In the 78th minute Stranraer's hard work finally paid off when they managed to pull a goal back. A Stevie Aitken corner was headed high into the net by sub John Fallon.

The dying minutes of the match almost saw Stranraer grab a draw through Fraser Wright. Wright made a solo run forward and took a blistering shot which, unfortunately, was deflected just wide of goal.

STRANRAER MOM: Fraser Wright- He was always positive and he never stopped working. Lee Sharp didn't have a bad game either, but needs some match fitness.

OVERALL SUMMARY- A poor and shoddy performance. Stranraer started and finished well, but we poor for much of the match. The lack of a solid midfield was evident.

Attendance: 835