By ten to five the temperature was distinctly colder and not just because of the thick sea haar that was blanketing the town. The Easter Road side – with Ulises de la Cruz, John O’Neil, and Ulrik Laursen in the starting line-up – huffed and puffed, passing up chance after chance against the part-timers.
The final result of 0-0 told its own story. On the touchline, the face of under-pressure manager Franck Sauzee mirrored the weather. The 2,259 fans who had braved the cold and mist faced another 90 minutes (at least) at Easter Road a week on Tuesday.
Stranraer, who not so long ago had beaten Hibs 2-1 in the Capital, were keen on another shock in Edinburgh.
This is the team and subs that faced the Blues at Stair Park.
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Mark McGeown, Stranraer goalkeeper, foils Hibs again at Stair Park in January 2002 Photo: Ian Rutherford
. Nick Colgan
Irishman was between the sticks at Stair Park. Kept a clean sheet in the goalless draw and again in the replay. Photo: SNS Group
. Ulises de la Cruz
Ecuadorian wingback was replaced after an hour, much to his chagrin Photo: Pamela Grigg
1. Nick Colgan
Irishman was between the sticks at Stair Park. Kept a clean sheet in the goalless draw and again in the replay. Photo: SNS Group
2. Ulises de la Cruz
Ecuadorian wingback was replaced after an hour, much to his chagrin Photo: Pamela Grigg
3. Gary Smith
Scored in the replay but wasn't as successful at Stair Park Photo: SNS Group
4. Paul Fenwick
Canadian internationalist was kept busy by Blues forwards Ian Harty and George Shaw Photo: Pamela Grigg