Hamilton recovered from their mid-week stuffing by St Johnstone to take a welcome three points as they prepare for Sunday's Bells cup final.
The match was uninspiring, and although there was plenty of effort from both sides there was little in the way of entertainment.
The home side went ahead after 42 minutes thanks to route one football and sloppy defending from Murray Henderson. Brian Carrigan played a long ball forward which the defender missed, allowing Graeme Jones to muscle his way to goal and beat Barry-John Corr.
That was enough to give the Accies a half-time lead though sloppy defending of their own - a weak Stuart Balmer header almost gave Michael Moore an immediate opportunity to level, although David McEwan did well to pounce on the ball.
A disappointing second half saw both managers make double substitutions, but it was the introduction of Colin Marshall and Paul Walker that looked more likely to pay off. The two combined well as the visitors were allowed more time on the ball, and their pressing play looked likely to pay dividends.
However, with three minutes to go Mark Gilhaney picked up the ball and ran 30 yards before notching the clincher for the home side. Gilhaney went close again in injury time and saw his effort cleared off the line, although a third would have been harsh on a Stranraer side that competed throughout.