Blues make capital gains

STRANRAER manager Chris Aitken admitted he was not surprised to see his team earn a 3-1 victory away to a ‘top’ Edinburgh City side last Saturday.

The Blues opened the scoring on five minutes when Ryan Edgar threaded a pass through to Finn Ecrepont who slotted home.

Nine minutes later the visitors doubled their advantage when Daniel McManus fired the ball into the bottom left corner from close range.

As the half progressed both sides had chances, and it was Edinburgh who had the ball in the net just after the half hour mark.

Innes Lawson swivelled and struck a fierce strike, Stranraer stopper Josh Lane got something on the ball but the sheer power took it over the line. Stranraer restored their two goal cushion on the hour when Ecrepont magnificently curled a free kick into the top right corner.

A delighted Aitken said: “Every result is big.

“We were absolutely outstanding against a top team. I’ve got so much time for Mick and his backroom team. I love the way they go about playing and the way their philosophy is.

“We seem to always do alright when we come here. It’s a great result. I’ve said many times that it’s been coming. “It’s a great three points, it was a great performance and the players can go and enjoy their night.

“They deserve it because they’ve taken a lot of knocks in the first quarter.

“It’s a great day and a great three points but I want to challenge these guys.

“Is this result a shock to me? Absolutely not. It’s a credit to the players, and they deserve a lot of credit.” Stair Park is the venue on Saturday as the Blues entertain Glenafton in the second round of the Scottish Cup,

Aitken added: “I’ve warned (the players) – we’ve got a massive game next week. We know what can happen in the Scottish Cup and we know what it means to the club.

“We’ll come in, do our work and we’ll make sure we’re prepared.

“We know what they’re going to bring to the party, we’ve had them watched over the last few weeks.”