Don't go Brechin my heart (but they did)

First published on the Dumbarton FC website, Sons lose to Brechin.

Dumbarton press forward again

Dumbarton's gradual recovery from a frustrating start to the season took a blow at home against Brechin City this afternoon, as Sons went down 3-1, allowing a game they had begun by dominating to slip through their fingers.

Sons showed strong early intent, with some determined attacking play. Stirling Smith went close from a 30-yard free kick, and for 20 minutes the visitors struggled to get out of their own half.

Then Brechin began to regain control in the middle of the park, and on 38 minutes a mistake in midfield let the Hedgemen through for a well-struck goal by Callum Booth.

Within three minutes David Mackenna had added a second for the Glebe Park men, and all Dumbarton's early good work was undone.

In the second half Sons pushed back and an early header from Andy Geggan blazed over the bar.

After more pressure from Brechin, Dumbarton gaffer Jim Chapman made a bold triple substitution on the hour, bringing on Chaplain, Cook and Maxwell and bringing much-needed shape back to the team with 4-4-2.

It was Geggan who very nearly succeeded in getting Dumbarton back into the game, with his near post drive being well deflected by Brechin keeper Craig Nelson, before a Derek Carcary wonder strike on 72 minutes suddenly gave Sons fresh hope.

Dumbarton's second goal from open play this season injected new life into the game. Carcary came close once more, piling onto an acute through-ball from Scott Chaplain.

But the dream of a Sons recovery was finally killed on 88 minutes with a goal from Brechin front man Rory McAllister.
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