Stranraer bounced back from the previous week's setback to take full points against a Dumbarton side who played much better than their league position suggested.
It took a penalty to separate the sides after 52 minutes, and whilist the award had a softish look about it there was no doubt it was a penalty.
Stephen Grindlay, the Dumbarton keeper, produced fine early saves from David Graham, Brian Crawford and home skipper Allan Jenkins.
When Dumbarton did come into the action, they produced fewer chances but better ones than the home side. Defender Craig McEwan hit a searing drive which Andrew McCondichie did well to turn around the post , and a few minutes later the keeper was then stung into action by Craig McEwan to hold a strong drive from the Dumbarton man.
In the closing minute of the first half Dumbarton almost edged ahead when Paul Ronald, a former Stranraer player, hit a drive from all of 40 yards which struck the bar and was cleared.
Dumbarton threatened again as the second half opened, and shots by Robert Dunn and Steve Bonar reminded Stranraer they were in a hard contest.
All that changed, however, in the 52nd minute when Graham, cutting down the side of the Dumbarton box, was brought down my James McKinstry. Graham looked to be going nowhere but he was in the box, and teammate Graham Guy took full advantage with a powerful spot-kick.
Dumbarton deserved credit for mounting a strong finish, an approach which had Stranraer fans nervously scanning their watches, but the The Blues hung on to grab three valuable points and stay on top.