Chances were at a premium in a scrappy goalless draw between Forfar and Stranraer as both sides struggled to assert themselves as they settled for a point.

Opportunities were few and far between throughout the tie with Paul Blair coming closest to breaking the deadlock for Stranraer as he drilled a powerful shot straight at keeper Stuart Garden.

As a scrappy midfield battle developed, Forfar's Gary McPhee became the first name in the referee's book after 36 minutes when he lost control in midfield and fouled Paul Walker as he tried to win back possession.

Forfar came out in positive fashion after the break and could have broken the deadlock twice in as many minutes immediately after the restart.

Willie Stewart threatened first as he went clear, only to see keeper Mark McGeown somehow stretch out a hand to knock the ball away from the goal-line.

And moments later he was at it again when he went close with a low shot that was hacked off the line by Keith Knox.

In keeping with the rest of the match, both sides struggled to create chances as full-time approached and neither goalkeeper was really tested in the closing stages.

Despite their best efforts, Forfar could not make home advantage pay off and as time ran out, both teams were forced to settle for a point.