Stranraer v Clyde

Recap

The Bully Wee suffered a defeat at Stair Park this afternoon, following a closely contested match that contained a moment of high controversy.

Jim Duffy had an early problem to deal with, as Jack Sloss picked up an ankle injury during the warm-up. The youngster was moved to a slot on the bench but was unable to participate and will be assessed during the week. Declan Gallagher, Jason Marr and Paul Hay all returned to the revised starting 11.

The early stages of the match, played on a heavy pitch, had little to choose between the teams with few chances on offer. John Neill’s pass released Kieran Brannan, but his shot went straight at David Mitchell. At the other end, Clyde were very lucky to escape as the hosts hit the underside of the bar from close range.

Just before half-time, there was a game-changing moment. Michael Oliver capitalised on a defensive mistake and rounded Mitchell in the box to open the goal up for himself, only to be brought down by the home ‘keeper. As referee Gary Hilland blew his whistle and everyone waited to see what colour of card he would show Mitchell, he incredibly awarded a free-kick to The Blues and waved his yellow card at Oliver.

The home side took advantage in the second half with an early goal. Clyde’s David Crawford parried a low shot away, but the ball fell to Stephen Stirling and he found the net.

Stranraer maintained a well organised performance thereafter and should have added to their lead, with only Neill’s shot from the edge of the box really troubling Mitchell before the full-time whistle blew.