Hibernian and Stranraer must try again to decide who goes into the Scottish Cup fourth round after drawing 0-0 in a splendid tie at Stair Park.

Ulrik Laursen had the best chances for Hibs but Stranraer enjoyed many fine moments and deserved a lucrative replay in Edinburgh.

But the Blues were far from outclassed by the Premier League side.

The Stair Park side were the first to threaten when midfielder Billy McDonald shot straight at Hibs goalkeeper Nick Colgan.

Moments later, Stranraer defender Kevin Gaughan headed over from a right-wing corner as the hosts made all the early running.

Hibs finally got out of their own half after 10 minutes and, from a looping corner, Smith directed a firm header which Stranraer keeper Mark McGeown handled well.

Hibs' Laursen wasted a good chance on 18 minutes when he ballooned a volley into the air after a wonderful cross from Garry O'Connor.

Stranraer hit back immediately when winger Kevin Finlayson carved open the Premier League side with a fine centre which Stephen Aitken was only inches away from sliding into an empty net.

Laursen then squandered an even better opening after 20 minutes when he hit the post when it seemed easier to score.

Tom McManus was replaced by David Zitelli two minutes later after the young striker had collided with McGeown when the keeper dived at his feet in a one-on-one.

Hibs picked up where they left off in the first half and it needed two crucial headers in quick succession from Stranraer left-back Fraser Wright to keep his side on level terms.

Arpinon was desperately trying to create an opening for Hibs but the Second Division side's defence and midfield were standing firm.

Hibs boss Franck Sauzee then brought on former Motherwell winger Derek Townsley for Ecuador international Ulises de la Cruz in a bid to break the deadlock.

The home side were now having as much of the game as their more illustrious opponents with Finlayson and McDonald exerting more control in midfield.

Stranraer boss Billy McLaren made his first change when he brought on Allan Jenkins for George Shaw after 70 minutes.

Sauzee then replaced Arpinon with youngster Derek Riordan.

Hibs threw everything into seeking a winner in the last quarter but lacked invention following Arpinon's withdrawal.

From one of their better attacks Stranraer's Fraser was there again to head clear with Zitelli waiting to pounce.

The home side held out easily after that and were well worth the replay at Easter Road.

Teams:

Stranraer: McGeown, Wingate, Hodge, Wright, Gaughan, Aitken, Grace, McDonald, Finlayson, Harty, Shaw (Jenkins 73).

Subs Not Used: Paterson, O'Neil, Blair, Weir.

Hibernian: Colgan, Fenwick, Smith, Murray, De la Cruz (Townsley 59), Brebner, O'Neil, Arpinon (Riordan 77), Laursen, O'Connor, McManus (Zitelli 22).

Subs Not Used: Hurtado, Caig.

Att: 2,259

Ref: W Young (Scotland).