Stranraer v Q.O.S. Match Preview

Bells Cup First Rnd.
By C. Ferguson
August 2 2003

Can the new management team of Stranraer become instant heroes by defeating Queen of the South in the first competitive match of the season in the first round of the Bells Challenge Cup at Stair Park. After a pretty good pre-season the Blues fans will be hoping to put one over their rivals.

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Match Guide
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Bell's Scottish Football League Challenge Cup
First Round
STRANRAER
Stranraer Badge V Motherwell Badge

QUEEN OF THE SOUTH

Stair Park, Stranraer,
Saturday 2nd August 2003,
Kick-off 3:00 pm

Match Sponsor: Bells

Bells Challenge Cup First Round Draw

Stranraer	v	Queen of the South
St. Mirren	v	Queen's Park
Albion Rovers	v	East Fife
Cowdenbeath	v	Ross County
Hamilton Academical	v	St. Johnstone
Airdrie United	v	Montrose
Morton	v	Arbroath
Brechin City	v	Falkirk
Stenhousemuir	v	Peterhead
Ayr United	v	Stirling Albion
Gretna	v	Inverness CT
Alloa Athletic	v	Clyde
East Stirlingshire	v	Raith Rovers
Forfar Athletic	v	Elgin City
Byes for:- Dumbarton and Berwick Rangers.

Past Matches

Overall their has been 85 matches between the sides with the Doonhamers having the upperhand but the Blues have been coming back in recent years. Stranraer have won 27 matches to Queens 36 and their have been 22 draws with Stranraer scoring 129 to Queens 154. At Stair Park Stranraer have won 16 times to Queens 17 and their have been 11 draws. The Blues have scored 70 and Queens have scored 72 times.

In the last encounter at Stair Park on 12 March 2002 Queens defeated us 2-1 and went on win their first championship since 1951.

Stranraer 2 Queen of the South 2	08/09/2001
Queen of the South 1 Stranraer 0	27/10/2001
Queen of the South 3 Stranraer 1	09/03/2002
Stranraer 1 Queen of the South 2	12/03/2002

Blues Team News: STRANRAER ON REVENGE MISSION

Stranraer secretary Graham Rodgers says his side will go into their home match against Bell's Cup holders Queen of the South very much the underdogs.
"But we've nothing to lose and things have been going pretty well since Neil Watt took over as manager," he said.
"The last time we played Queens was before they were promoted and they beat us twice in a week. It would be nice to get revenge," he added.

Stranraer manager Neil Watt

Stranraer Squad / Fixtures/Results / Club Guide

The Opposition - Queen of the South
Who should Stranraer keep and eye on? Read on and find out.

Team News: From Teletext site
CONNOLLY EXPECTS STAIR PARK TESTER

Queen of the South boss John Connolly says he knows his side are facing a tough game against Stranraer in the Bell's Cup opener at Stair Park.
"It couldn't be any harder really, the Palmerston boss said. It's a derby, it's away from home and it's in a cup we hold and which they'll want to win.
"We have had them watched during their pre-season build-up, so I have a fair idea of what they are about."

Recommended Web Link: Unofficial site Queen of the South Mad

For an in-depth look at Queen of the South's and Stranraer's squads, don't forget to buy the Official Match Programme at Stair Park on matchday.

Club Connections


	Sandy Hodge

If you know of any other connections, please feel free to e-mail me (sandy@stranraerfc.net) with any submissions.

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Ticket & Admission Information

Admission to this match is pay at the gate. Admission prices TBA.