Draw is ‘tough to take’

AFTER experiencing the jubilation of scoring a 92nd minute winner in their previous outing, Stranraer players, supporters and management sank into despondency on Saturday at Stair Park when they conceded a goal two minutes into added time.

Dumbarton struck in at the death to force a 1-1 draw and salvage a point against the Blues.

Stranraer captain Mark Russell, playing up front in the absence of any recognised striker, opened the scoring on the half hour.

He connected with James Dolan’s cross to angle the ball underneath Sons goalkeeper Shay Kelly.

And deep into the second half Daniel McManus was presented with a glorious chance to give the hosts some breathing space in the contest, but his attempted lop was easily held by the visiting shotstopper.

As the clock wound down, Dumbarton piled on the pressure and they equalised in the 92nd minute to break Stranraer hearts.

When the ball fell to Kai Kirkpatrick on the edge of the box, following a corner kick, he volleyed low and hard to find the net through a sea of bodies.

Blues manager Chris Aitken admitted the draw, which brought a five game winning run to an end, was devastating.

However, looking at the bigger picture, he expressed delight that his side would spend Christmas day in the fourth place play-off spot following an incredible run of form.

Aitken said: “(I’m) devastated. But when you look at it in the grand scheme of things, the run we’ve been on, it tells you where we’re at.

“Before the goal we should’ve been 2-0 up. If there was one person on that park that I wanted the ball to fall to it was Danny (McManus), because he’s been in breathtaking form.

“But it wasn’t to be. If you keep giving teams corner kicks then they’ve always got a chance. And they get a goal in the last minute which is tough to take.” Aitken added: “I gave (the players) a challenge a few weeks ago. I said – if you keep going the way you’re going then you’ll be able to have Christmas dinner sitting in fourth place. We’ve achieved that.

“I think everybody in the league wouldn’t have believed me if I’d said that. So, from that aspect, I’m absolutely delighted. “The boys have been absolutely fantastic.

“When I look back will I think this is two points dropped? Absolutely, we’re at home and I want to win every home game; but it could be a good point.

“Last week we were on the other end of it (scoring a last minute winner). This is football and you’ve got to keep going until the final whistle.

“With the run that we’ve been on, I can’t be too harsh on the guys. They’ve been magnificent.”

The team will enjoy their Christmas before returning to action on Saturday away to Dumfries and Galloway rivals Annan Athletic. Kick off at Galabank is at 3 pm.