Match Report

Annan edge past Stranraer in a 1-0 win as Aidan Smith scores the only goal of the game to join the 100 club, in front of a strong crowd at Galabank.

Annan entered the local clash remaining unbeaten to Stranraer this season, the only team to do so in the league, and were off the back of a 2-1 loss in their previous fixture away to Dumbarton. Stranraer on the other hand had beaten Clyde 3-1 at home in their most recent fixture.

Just the one change was made to the Annan starting 11, with Josiah Sowa making way for Cammy Clark, in a slight tweak of system from last week. While Stranraer made three, with Ronan Hughes, Lewis Hunter, and Deryn Lang being replaced by James Dolan, Aaron Quigg, and Matthew Gillies.

It was Annan that looked the more dangerous side inthe first half, despite Stranraer having the majority of possession. Wullie Gibson let the first shot of the game fly after just four minutes, however his effort would go over the bar.

Annan worked a chance well down the left-hand side on the 10-minute mark, when Clark threw the ball to Aidan Smith on the edge of the box. Aidan Smith split the Stranraer line, playing a ball round the corner to Paul Smith, who’s right footed shot, blazed over the bar.

An abundance of corners for the home side in the opening 25 minutes, saw Annan get another shot off at goal, as Keith Watson met a Gibson cross just outside of the six-yard area. However, his header did not trouble Lyndon Tas and bounced wide.

Another chance from a corner would arise for Annan after 30 minutes. Aidan Smith would latch onto the second ball and head it back across to Daryl Carrick, who managed to get his shot off, but Tas would hold onto the strike.

Stranraer would show their first signs of scoring just seconds later, when Dom Plank would take advantage of the space in the middle of the pitch and drive with the ball to the edge of Annan’s box. Plank got the shot off on his weak foot, yet the effort was tame and saved by Albinson.

Aidan Smith would break the deadlock on the 37th minute to make it 1-0. Watson stepped out from the back to win a loose ball and played it out left for Gibson. Gibson laid the ball back to Aidan Smith on the edge of the box, who got the shot off with his effort beating Tas and soaring into the bottom right corner, marking his 100th goal for the club. Sending Annan in front heading into the break.

Half Time: Annan Athletic 1 Stranraer 0

Just minutes after the second half was underway Carrick would get his second attempt to score of the game. Tommy Goss would flick down the cross of Gibson to Carrick, who caught the shot on the half volley, but struck over the bar.

Annan continued to look the team more likely to score in the second half when Goss started an attack through his dominant hold up play. Carrick collected the ball and switched it out left for Aidan Smith, who swung in a teasing cross to Goss, who nearly finished the attack he started, yet his header would go over.

Finn Ecrepoint would send a set piece to the back post for Stranraer on the half hour mark, Evan Dunne would meet the second ball and flick his header onto striker Sallu Turay, who pulled off an overhead kick, hitting the bar. Annan would eventually clear.

Paul Smith would later make way for Sowa to add some attacking flair off the right for the home side.

The last real chance of the game would come for Stranraer with 10 minutes to play, when right back Dunne sent a curling cross into the back post and was met by the substitute Lewis Hunter, yet his diving header did not hit the target and went wide of the post.

Paul McGowan and Charlie Maxwell would come on for Josh Dixon and Goss for the last 10, as Annan saw out the remainder of the match and snatched three points off Stranraer.

Full Time: Annan Athletic 1 Stranraer 0

By Owen Clanachan