Background

Competitive domestic football is back, and after the disaster that was Scotland’s EURO 2024 campaign, I for one am delighted to be able to turn back to club football once again. In my opinion, the Premier Sports Cup group stages have been an exciting addition to the Scottish football calendar since its induction in 2016. It adds an interesting flavour to traditional pre-season and gets the blood pumping for the long and arduous league campaign that lies ahead. It also gives people like me further opportunity to explore clubs in the SPFL and take baby steps to completing the ‘42’. This past weekend, I took advantage of this and travelled down to one of Scotland’s oldest clubs in the professional leagues – Stranraer FC.

Founded way back in 1870, Stranraer are the third oldest club in the SPFL and stand as one of the top 20 oldest in world football. However, for almost 70 years Stranraer played almost exclusively in the Southern Counties Leagues until their successful application into the now well-defunct ‘C’ Division. After the division’s abolition in 1955, Stranraer found themselves one league higher, where they would stay for a long, long time.

Under iconic manager Alex McAnespie, Stranraer achieved their first promotion in the club’s history – reaching the dizzy heights of the First Division. Due to league reconstruction at the time, Stranraer ended up replacing one of 6 relegated clubs – finding their place in an environment they’d never been before. Instant relegation would follow, but Stranraer now had a taste for better things. They regained their place in the First Division in 1998 and achieved cup success in 1996, beating St Johnstone to win the Scottish Challenge Cup.

Stranraer then engaged in a very dramatic period of yo-yoing. Between 2002 and 2009, Stranraer played in a different division every season, varying from relegation into the Third Division and the exuberance of promotion into the second tier. During this time, the newly introduced play-off system was not kind to ‘The Blues’ – suffering defeat six times in the format.

In more recent times, Stranraer have gone between SPFL League One and League Two. The COVID season saw Stranraer relegated to the bottom tier after the curtailing of matches, where they have been ever since and birthing the creation of *that* flag. Last season, the club came mightily close to relegation out of the SPFL. After finishing bottom of League 2, they came up against high-flying, big-spending East Kilbride in the relegation play-off. After a nervy 2-2 draw at K Park, Stranraer took the second league to extra time, winning 3-1 to keep their place in the professional leagues. The club will certainly be hoping to avoid that anxiety this season.

Today, Stranraer take on newly promoted Championship side Hamilton Academical in the group stages of the Premier Sports Cup. After narrow losses to Ross County and Raith Rovers, Stranraer will be hoping to go one step further and cause an upset against a higher division opponent. Time will tell.

Facilities

Stair Park has been the home to Stranraer FC since 1907 – providing a stable home for the club for well over a century. It has gone through a huge variety of changes during that time, including the building of the two main stands and the introduction of tennis courts, netball courts and a skatepark outside the ground. Interestingly, Stair Park was the last ground in league football in either Scotland or England to erect floodlights within the ground.

Currently, Stair Park stands as an iconic venue in Scottish football. Upon entry, you are instantly greeted with the main grandstand in full view, with the shed behind the goals immediately on your right. The shed is gloriously emblazed with memories of past club triumphs and iconic moments for all to see, and I feel it is a good touch. Opposite the grandstand sits a far humbler structure used for away fans. It sits with the roof looking a bit rusty and aged, but it does the job nonetheless.

Stair Park is accessible on all four side and is rarely segregated – with home and away fans able to mingle during matches. Most punters took the option to be under cover due to the pissing rain, but it is nice to know of the option to stand pitch side on a nicer day.

Overall, I really enjoy Stranraer’s home and it is obvious to see why it is loved by so many travelling supporters. There are excellent views no matter where you stand or sit – with the option to be very close to the pitch given. Its old-school vibes mixed with semi-new structures provide it an excellent mix of Scottish footballing pedigree.

Atmosphere

438 supporters turned up on this wet Saturday afternoon to take in the game. Although mostly quiet, it is good to know that people down this way take the time to support their local club – given the almost catastrophe of last season. People of all ages were in attendance, including a number of youngsters out watching local heroes. I’m always all for it.

A special mention must go out to the travelling Accies supporters who travelled down from South Lanarkshire. They made a good amount of noise, providing humerous chanting along the way – including wholesome renditions of ‘Happy Birthday’ to goalkeeper Dean Lyness. I certainly enjoyed it.

Quality of the Match

For the first 30 minutes or so, it may have been difficult to know which team lay two divisions higher given the competitive nature of the game. Stranraer had the better of t he first 10, forcing set pieces and threatening heavily on the counterattack. The Accies slowly built themselves into the match, gaining more possession but failing to really trouble the Stranraer goal. It would take until after the half-hour mark for the first real chance to come to fruition. Former Hibs, Ross County and Barnsley striker Oli Shaw took a good touch in the box, before sending his deflected strike goalward. However, Stranraer ‘keeper Jacob Pazikas pulled off an excellent low save to send the ball wide of the post.

The opening goal would come soon after. Accies were beginning to take control, and it paid off. A misplaced pass in the middle of the park opened up a fabulous opportunity. Oli Shaw was played through did very well to chop inside before being taken out. The referee played an excellent advantage as the ball found its way to first half substitute Steven Bradley. The winger showed excellent composure to slot the ball low into the net. 1-0 Accies.

Half Time: Stranraer 0-1 Hamilton Academical

Much like the first, the second half took a bit of time to warm up. However, it was well and truly brought to life. Steven Bradley showed his talent once again, working the ball well in the middle of the park. He slipped Kyle MacDonald in with an excellent pass, with his teammate applying the finishing touches with a superb curling finish. 2-0 to the away side.

Stranraer’s Elliot Dunlop looked tricky and pacey all game, and he showed his skill halfway through the half. He did well on the left-hand side before cutting in on his right foot. However, he lacked the composure and blazed high and wide. It showed the intent of the home side though, with the supporters appreciating the effort.

A greater opportunity arose though. A slack pass from the Accies right back presented Ryan Edgar with the ball 25 yards out. He stormed forward before unleashing a powerful strike goalward. However, Accies ‘keeper Dean Lyness matched it well, parrying the ball well clear of danger.

Accies came close again with some good play down the right. A ball cut in from the right found Euan Henderson, but the winger did not have enough space to get a clean strike off, sending the ball over the bar.

Accies held on to their lead well, and scored the killer goal 10 minutes from time. A poor clearance from Pazikas found Euan Henderson 30 yards from goal. With the home ‘keeper stranded, Henderson did well to put enough power and direction on the strike to send it into the net. Not a moment the young ‘keeper will be looking back on too fondly.

Full Time: Stranraer 0-3 Hamilton Academical

Overall, I was impressed for the most part with both teams. I felt Stranraer were competitive for a lot of the game, and tested the away side more times than they would have liked. Despite his mistake for the opener, I felt Elliot Dunlop was a stand-out for the hosts. He has good technical ability, and if he can refine the killer instinct parts of his game, I think he will be an important player for The Blues.

I enjoyed how Accies played in this fixture. They zipped the ball about well on a superb surface and will be happy with the number of chances they created. I think Oli Shaw will be an important asset this season, alongside the number of impressive attacking talents they have at the club. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them pushing for the play-offs this season.

Pricing

For this League Cup group stage match, tickets were £14 an adult, which I’m torn on whether it’s a good deal or not. I was treated to a good game which I feel is worth the money, but I’m not sure £14 for a game in which a lot of punters consider to be glorified pre-season sits well with me. Saying that though, a lot of people will pay a lot more for a lot duller games of football than that, so I can’t complain.

Final Score

Overall, I really enjoyed my experience down in Stranraer. To tick another one of the 42 off my list whilst seeing a good game of football in an excellent venue will always be a positive day in my book. I wish nothing but the best for the club going forward, who will hopefully a much better season than the one previous.

– Connor