Willie Aitchison couldn’t believe his East Fife side came away from Saturday’s game empty handed.
Goals in the very first and very last minutes wrapped up the win for Stranraer, with a Liam Buchanan strike sandwiched in between.
Manager Aitchison said after the game that he reckoned the Fifers were worth more.
He said: “We’re all disappointed with the way the game ended but if you don’t take chances when you’re up in the game that’s what happens.
“I thought we dominated the game from the start until the finish. Their manager apologised at the end of the game, which is good of him but it doesn’t change anything.
“I can’t fault the young boys for their effort. I thought they acquitted themselves very well and maybe just ran out of legs near to the end.”
The Fifers got off to the worst possible start when Jamie Longworth continued his rich streak of scoring form when he netted with just seconds on the clock.
Aitchison’s men went immediately in search of an equaliser and were unlucky to see a Buchanan free-kick drop just wide of the post.
Stephen Hughes then hit the post as the home side upped the pressure.
East Fife weren’t to be denied for much longer, though, and ensured they went in at the break with their tails up when Buchanan picked up a Hughes cross inside the box and lashed the ball high past David Mitchell.
The Fifers were playing well and the introductions of Cyrus Moosavi and Pat Clarke from the bench added some extra impetus.
Both had good chances to add to the scoring but neither beat Mitchell.
The home side were left sickened when Greg Paterson brought down Martin Grehan inside the box.
Mat Northcroft pointed to the spot but Paterson saved Chris Aitken’s penalty.
The danger wasn’t cleared, though, and Stephen Bell rammed home the winner.