Dumbarton 1 Stranraer 1

Last updated : 26 March 2005 By Footymad Previewer
Stephen Swift's late strike kept extended Stranraer's lead over third-placed Morton, but denied Dumbarton a much-needed win in their battle against relegation.

The visitors started brightly and home keeper Stephen Grindlay made fine saves to deny Michael Moore from close range and then Allan Jenkins from distance.

However it was the Sons who went ahead five minutes from the break. Swift's slip let in Iain Russell and from 12 yards he slipped the ball under the advancing Michael McGovern.

Moments later McGovern blocked an effort by the same player and then was grateful to Derek Wingate who cleared an Eddie Annand header off the line.

Russell almost stretched the Sons' lead midway through the second period when he latched on to Grindlay's long clearance, but his shot cannoned off an upright.

Grindlay looked to have secured the win for Dumbarton when he produced a spectacular flying save to keep out a Paul McManus volley as Stranraer threw everything at the home goal.

His resistance was finally ended when McManus' deep cross found the unmarked Swift, who rifled a header past the helpless goalkeeper.