Stranraer lost their second game in four days to derby rivals Queen of the South, and again Joe McAline found himself on the score sheet. The defeat for the Blues now means they have slipped out of promotion contention straight into the relegation zone.

The Doonhamers started off the much stronger team in this rearranged match at Stair Park, with Peter Weatherson, Derek Lyle and Graham Connell all coming close in the opening minutes.

The visitors took the lead after 19 minutes when Lyle broke free down from his marker. The forward played a beautiful backpass to defender Alan Grey, who fired in a deep, back-post cross which Jon O'Neill met high and headed the ball into the Stranraer net.

Stranraer were galvanized by Queens taking the lead and Ian Harty was instrumental in getting the Blues back on level terms. In the 42nd minute Harty played received a pass from Dexy Wingate and rather than taking a shot himself, he returned the pass to the defender, who calmly slotted the ball home from a narrow angle.

Stranraer started the second half off looking the better side and for a while it looked like they could avenge the 3-1 defeat handed out to them at the weekend.

However, a poor clearance by David Farrell was picked off by Joe McAlpine and the midfielder scored a scorcher of a goal. The ball was collected 20 yards out and his powerful shot started rising and curling into the top right-hand corner, beyond the reach of Mark McGeown. The large visiting support went wild.

The defense made another bad error ten minutes later when Peter Weatherson easy slipped past Hodge and Wingate. Mark McGeown pulled off a great save to deny Weatherson his ninth goal of the season.

Late in the match Ian Harty had a chance to draw the match level when he broke free of his marker and decided to round Scott in the visitors' goal. The 'keeper made an excellent save at the striker's feet and neutralised the threat.

In summary, Stranraer played better than the match on Saturday, but it was a poor display compared with matches seen earlier in the season. The Blues now find themselves in the sticky position of gathering together some important points to make sure they are not relegated.

Stranraer MOM: Derek Wingate - Despite making a couple of mistakes in the second half, the defender kept the Blues in the game with a great goal early in the first half.

Attendance: 742