AN EXCELLENT performance gives Arbroath the advantage going into Saturday's Second Division play-off final.
A fairly even and tepid affair burst into life on the half-hour mark when Alan Brazil should have done better for the home side but his sh
ot at the back post was easily gathered. From the keeper's kick-out Stranraer pushed up the park with Daniel Mitchell unlucky to see his effort tipped round the post.
The Lichties had the momentum and with half time fast approaching, took a deserved lead. Paul Watson delivered an inswinging corner to the back post where Jamie Bishop headed back across goal allowing Robbie Raeside the opportunity to head home.
Arbroath doubled their lead on the hour mark thanks to some superb counter attack play after Stranraer threatened with a free kick. Brazil pushed forward and pulled in the Stranraer defence before knocking a pass through to Barry Sellars who showed great composure to fire his shot past the onrushing keeper and into the net.
At this stage, the visitors' chances were limited with Alex White's that went narrowly over the bar a rare ray of hope.
However, the home side were next to threaten with a Watson free kick that slipped just past the upright. Arbroath's young substitute Terry Masson went close but his strike, from an ever tightening angle, failed to test Scott Black.
The Galloway side enjoyed possession in the final ten minutes but stout Arbroath defending protected their valuable lead.
Arbroath: Hill, Rennie (McMullan 89), Black, Raeside, Bishop, Tully, Lunan (Masson 69), Campball (Reilly 82), Brazil, Sellars, Watson. Subs not used: McBride, Morrison.
Stranraer: Black, Kane, Creaney, Dobbins, Noble, Mitchell, Gibson, White, Mullen (Cashmore 74), McConalogue, Tade. Subs not used: Bonar, McLaughlin, McKinstry, A Ferguson.
Attendance: 1,016.
Referee: E Smith
