Match Report | vs Stranraer

Stenhousemuir increased their lead at the top of the league to 16 points and made their winning run to a dozen games with a 1-0 victory over Stranraer through a Kyle Girvan own goal from a Ross Meechan cross.

Both teams went into the match naming unchanged lineups. The Warriors were hoping to build on their impressive 2-0 victory away at The Spartans last weekend. Stranraer like Stenhousemuir, were also hoping to build on their 2-0 victory at home to Peterhead.

Stranraer came out and started the better of the two teams. Tam Orr had the first chance of the match, a quick break saw him go through on goal, but he dragged his effort just wide.

Stenhousemuir came into the match after ten minutes. Matty Yates and Adam Brown both had efforts on goal but they did not trouble Budinauckas in the Stranraer goal. The Visitors responded well to the Stenhousemuir pressure having their fair share of chances. Tam Orr found space again about 25 yards out. He curled his effort just wide of Darren Jameson’s goal.

Stenhousemuir responded with a couple of their own chances, O’Reilly and Aitken both had chances but were unable to test Budinauckas in the Stranraer goal.

Stenhousemuir were eventually able to get in front after an even quarter. A brilliant run by Ross Meechan saw him put in a cross towards the goal and it was sent goal bound by Stranraer defender Kyle Girvan to give The Warriors the opening goal.

The Warriors were able to kick on after their goal, they had a double chance, first Brown stung Budinauckas palms. The rebound then fell to Bilham, but his header was straight into the goalkeeper’s hands.

Stenhousemuir started the second half the better of the two sides, having a couple of early chances. A goal mouth scramble came from Adam Brown’s corner. It resulted in Nicky Jameson’s shot being deflected over amid shouts for a penalty for handball, however nothing was given.

Stranraer really came back into the match on the hour mark creating multiple chances and really pinning the Stenhousemuir defence back into the match.

Matty Grant really started causing Stenhousemuir problems down the left-hand side. His cross was deflected to the edge of the box right to Dolan. Nat was there to take the power out the shot and Jameson can collect.

The Warriors were able to deal with the Stranraer pressure relatively well and were able to take the sting out of the match. However, that task was made all the more difficult when Nat Wedderburn was sent off for a dangerous challenge on the edge of the visitors box.

But The Warriors were able to see out the last few minutes and get another valuable three points and increase the lead at the top of the league.

Match report by Angus Blacklock