Sons' decline goes on

First published as Sons' misery continues and as the match report (with pics by Donald Fullarton) on the Dumbarton FC website
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Dumbarton failed to lift themselves out of the doldrums against Stenhousemuir this afternoon, losing 4-0 on what began as a blustery afternoon at Ochilview

Stenny first half corner

After an edgy start, the home side's Paul Quinn opened the scoring on 4 minutes with a goal sneaked in at the near post after a defensive mix-up.

Six minutes later a nervy Dumbarton defence almost conceded in identical manner, as Stenhousemuir started to dominate possession.

Martin McNiff hit a good 35-yarder across the face of Stenny's goal just short of the quarter hour, as Sons began to push back.

Then on 21 minutes ex-SHS man Ross Clark put the Ochilview side two up from the penalty spot following an infringement from Ben Gordon.

Alan Cook replaced Stirling Smith for Dumbarton on 37 minutes, shortly after a strong effort from Mark Gilhaney on the edge of the box brought out a good flying save from the Warriors' keeper.

Just before half time Clark added further to Sons' misery, slotting in number three past a despairing Stephen Grindlay.

Sons try to throw off the shadows

Dumbarton began the second half with fresh energy, and had two goal efforts and a corner forced away.

In an attempt to pile on yet more pressure, Sons brought on John McShane and Gary Smith in a double substitution shortly afterwards.

The game swung back and forth for the next half hour, with neither side managing the necessary sharpness in the final third.

Then, as if out of nowhere, Stenhousemuir's Grant Plenderleith rounded keeper Grindlay to make it four for the home side.

So another frustrating and deflating afternoon for Dumbarton, with a 4-0 defeat to fellow strugglers keeping Sons firmly rooted to the bottom of the Second Division.
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