Certainly there is a large gulf in quality between the teams but our scoring problems will give the visitors hope. Even if we dominate possession – which isn't guaranteed – there is little to suggest we will rattle home the goals required without a struggle.
Perhaps the main cause for optimism is the way we dismantled Dundee in the previous round but on that occasions we were beneficiaries of a crucial early goal – if Stranraer hold out for 20 minutes then some of our nerves may begin to show.
Stuart McCall brought in Casagolda and Jones to the team on Wednesday night and will have to decide whether or not to give the same eleven another run out. The decent performance against Kilmarnock means there is no need for huge changes (not that our resources allow for that) but the physical presence of Sutton may be useful against the burlier resistance provided by a lower league team. Hateley may also offer a little more craft in midfield than Lasley who might find he starts on the bench..
Last time at Stair Park
Stranraer may be in Division Three but they are challenging for promotion so have a winning mentality. Furthermore, they have everything to gain and absolutely nothing to lose going into this tie and will be able to give their best without any weight of expectation. We should still have too much for them though and while the ride may be bumpy, hopefully we can make the long journey home with a 2-0 win in our pockets.