Stranraer F.C.

History

Stranraer were founded in 1870 and played under Southern Counties auspices until 1949, when they were admitted to C Division, facing reserve sides of established league clubs. They had debuted in the Scottish Cup in 1877–78. In 1955 C Division was abolished, and the club entered B Division, playing first team league football. They remained in the bottom tier until their first promotion under manager Alex McAnespie in 1993–94.

Due to league reformation at the end of that season, champions Stranraer leapfrogged six relegated teams to play in the new First Division in 1994–95, finishing last with 17 points from 36 games. During Money's tenure, Stranraer lifted the Scottish League Challenge Cup on 3 November 1996, defeating St Johnstone 1–0 at Broadwood via an own goal by Danny Griffin. Under Neil Watt, they won the Third Division at the first attempt, gaining promotion back to the Second Division.

In 2004–05, a 1–1 draw with promotion rivals Morton on 30 April 2005 secured promotion to the First Division for the third time, though they were relegated the following season after finishing ninth and losing the play-offs to Partick Thistle.

Records

Most league points in a season: 58 in the Second Division (1993–94, two points for a win) and 79 in the Third Division (2003–04, three points for a win). Most league goals by a player in a season: Derek Frye with 27 in 1977–78. Record attendance: 6,500 vs Rangers on 24 January 1948. Record victory: 9–0 versus St Cuthbert Wanderers (2010, Scottish Cup) and vs Wigtown (2011, Scottish Cup). Record defeat: 1–11 versus Queen of the South in 1932. In 1990, Stranraer became the first side to win a Scottish Cup tie on penalties, defeating Kilmarnock 4–3 after a 0–0 draw in the second round replay. The club holds the record for a shirt sponsorship deal; Stena Line has been on the shirts since the start of the 1996–97 season (and Sealink from 1988 to 1989), making it the longest unbroken sponsorship in UK football.