Despite the absence of top-scorer Michael Moore, the Blues still picked up three points to remain in second place in the Third Division.

Early in the match Allan Jenkins found David Graham open on the left. Despite taking the ball into the Cowdenbeath penalty area, Graham only managed a weak shot at goal that Andy Carlin stopped easily.

In the 16th minute Lee Sharp played a deep cross to the back post. Stephen Swift connected with the ball, but it sailed over the crossbar.

Six minutes later it was the turn of Fraser Wright to have a crack at goal. From 30-yards out the defender bend the ball just inches past the near post with Carlin left scrambling.

Cowdenbeath finally came into the match just before the half-hour mark when a Ian Mauchlen corner found Bryan Gilfillan. Gilfillan's headed on target, only to see Derek Wingate clear the ball off the line.

The Blue Brazil were at it again in the 38th minute when a weak goal-kick was returned by Dene Shields. Fortunately for ' keeper Andy McCondichie he brilliantly blocked the shot.

With only six minutes of the half remaining the Blues finally took the lead through Ritchie own-goal. Lee Sharp struck a powerful shot goalwards which Innes Ritchie deflected into his own goal.

Stranraer extended their lead in the 53rd minute when Andy Carlin made a terrible blunder. Lee Sharp sent in a free-kick towards the back post. Carlin caught the ball, then dropped it at the feet of Swift who obliged by knocking it into the back of the net.

With a mountain to climb the last thing Cowdenbeath needed was for Ritchie to be sent off midway through the second-half.

Three minutes before full-time Lee Sharp almost added a third goal for the Blues, but is shot was cleared of the line by a confident Carlin.

Men of the Match- Lee Sharp kept the advance moving at all times and should have had his name on the score sheet.

Overall Summary- This match should have produced more goals for Stranraer given the number of chances the Blues had. Get well soon Michael Moore!

Attendance: 353