Brechin boss Ray McKinnon hailed his side securing League One safety as a “great achievement” after Robert Thomson’s winner handed them the points to stave off the threat of the play-offs.
“I’m delighted, obviously disappointed we were in this position in the first place, but I’ve said to the lads, they’ve done magnificently given that the squad has been decimated this season through injuries,” McKinnon said.
“We’ve had major problems. Long periods this season without guys like Bobby Barr, Alan Trouten and Andy Jackson have made it tough and meant we have run with a skeleton squad.”
Brechin made a dream start at Stair Park as Alan Trouten’s spot-kick put them ahead after only four minutes, referee Gavin Duncan adjudging Mark Docherty to have fouled Andy Jackson in the box.
Moments later, Jamie Longworth almost had the Blues level but Graeme Smith got down well to smother his shot. It was all Stranraer and both Grant Gallagher and Martin Grehan came close, denied only by the side net and post respectively.
The home side continued to sweep forward and a deserved equaliser came midway through the half.
A dangerous ball into the box from Andy Stirling evaded both visiting keeper Smith and Jamie Longworth, who did well to distract him and allow it to drop into the net.
After the break, Bobby Barr blazed over after a quick free-kick as Brechin began to look a far sharper proposition.
Sean Winter spurned a gilt-edged chance to put Stranraer in front, the midfielder scooping his shot over from 12 yards.
Brechin’s best moves were on the counter-attack and Thomson grabbed the crucial winner from just inside the box after Jackson nodded it down.
Dejected Stranraer boss Stevie Aitken said: “We had plenty of clear-cut chances to put the game to bed and, if you don’t take your chances, you just can’t win games I’m afraid.”