Stranraer secure League Two status after extra-time win over East Kilbride

Posted Sunday, May 19, 2024 by PA

Stranraer beat East Kilbride 3-1 after extra time at Stair Park to secure their cinch League Two status with a 5-3 aggregate win in the Pyramid play-off final.

Lowland League champions East Kilbride had fought out a 2-2 draw in the first leg, but two late goals in extra time from Craig Ross and teenager Aiden Gilmartin proved enough to see the Blues retain their place in the Scottish Professional Football League for another season.

The visitors saw an early goal from midfielder Joao Balde, who found the net with an overhead kick, ruled out for offside before Stranraer broke the deadlock ahead of half-time when Grant Gallagher lashed home a volley from the edge of the box.

Killy were level with 15 minutes left when substitute Keir Samson nodded in a cross from John Robertson, but neither side was able to find a late winner so the match went into extra time.

With penalties looming, defender Ross put Stranraer back in front overall when he headed home a corner in the 117th minute and 18-year-old on-loan St Mirren forward Gilmartin – who also had a spell at Killy – settled matters with a left-foot finish.

In the melee which followed, with people spilling onto the pitch, East Kilbride midfielder Lewis Spence was sent off for two yellow cards.