Only Just Offside...

Green versus green

2011-10-26T19:56:00.002+01:00

Leith is in the spotlight tonight, as Celtic, who have already lost to Hearts in Gorgie this season, seek to avoid more capital punishment in Edinburgh this evening. They face Hibernian at Easter Road, competing for a place in the semi-final of the Scottish Communities League Cup.

Since the match is taking place around a mile from where I live, I was very tempted to be there. But the lure of watching the game on Sportscene and saving precious football pounds proved more of an attraction in the end, compounded by the thought of more Old Firm gloating.

So far - with half-time approaching - Colin Calderwood's decision to put out an attacking Hibs line-up (partly because he lacks resources elsewhere, compared to the Hoops) is paying off, with the Leith side one up as a result of a deflected own-goal within the first five minutes.

Celtic are also struggling on the left, failing to cope with deep balls, hesitating at set pieces, and squandering chances. The one that produced the biggest local cheers, unsurprisingly, was a shot that clicked off the outside of the post from former Hibee Anthony Stokes.

Oh how sweet it would be to have an SLC last four without either Celtic or Rangers in it. I haven't made a League Cup Final yet, but I'd go for it if two other teams made it to Hampden.

Reality bites big time in the second half, however. Four Celtic goals in 24 minutes. Ivan Sproule off for Hibs for a second bookable offence. The ten men have 20 minutes to avoid further humiliation. Glad I didn't go now...
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Meanwhile, in another era...

2011-10-12T18:34:00.000+01:00

Who will reign after Spain?

2011-10-11T19:45:00.010+01:00

Well, it's Alicante and the moment of truth for Scotland tonight. Realistically, there's little chance of claiming points against World Champions Spain. As Pat Nevin has just said on BBC Sportscene, a victory here would be the best result in the Scottish national team's football history. So the weight of Euro-qualification rests heavily on Lithuania's ability to silence the Czech Republic.

Six minutes in and things are looking decidedly grim. 1-0 to Spain. But even worse, the Czechs are 1-0 up in Lithuania through an early penalty. That's the one that really hurts.

8.40 Steven Naismith picks up where he left off in Liechtenstein the other night, missing an opportunity in front of goal.

19.50 The Czech Republic are now 2-0 ahead, courtesy of Jan Rezek (who took a dive to win a penalty at Hampden). Scotland are all but eliminated from the European Championships, with less than a quarter of their own game over. Worse than I imagined. (My wife has ventured the opinion that, "on the positive side", it can't be blamed on whatever happens in Alicante this evening. I've had to explain that, with Scotland and football, there isn't a positive side -- just different kinds of unrelenting misery!)

34.00 To be fair, Scotland are doing pretty well, given the scale of the task. Great move between Naismith and Darren Fletcher, with the Manchester United man just failing to keep the ball down from his strike on goal. Then in a further attacking move, Alan Hutton is caught offside. An excellent wing move by James Morrison, too.

41.00 Magnificent save by Scotland 'keeper Allan MacGregor, and then, at the other end, a corner from the men in blue and a flashing shot from Charlie Adam. A reasonable shout for a penalty for a push on Gary Caldwell, too. But no-one shouted, and within a minute David Silva had made it 2-0 to Spain with a superb left-foot strike. His second of the evening.

Meanwhile, the Czechs are now 3-0 in front. Game and tournament over. Congratulations, however, to the Republic of Ireland, who are into the play-offs for Euro 2012 after beating Armenia 2-1.

Meanwhile, in the second half, Scotland have been doing a good job of getting behind the Spanish defence. Substitute David Goodwillie made it 3-1 with a fine, confident penalty -- and then wasted a chance to create a tap-in for Craig Mackail-Smith by blasting over the bar himself. Inexperience or selfishness: one or the other. Perhaps both.

90.00 Christophe Berra has done well at the back, incidentally, and on 74 minutes almost created a second goal with a well-placed header. Morrison could have put Goodwillie through, too. But his intended pass was too well advertised.

A pretty good Scottish performance overall, despite it being a disappointing evening.
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Back on the tortured path

2011-10-08T18:15:00.018+01:00

Having watched Scotland's last three games (the friendly against Denmark, and the Euro-qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Lithuania) at Hampden Park, this evening I'm settling down in front of the television with thousands of other hopeful souls as the Scots take on Liechtenstein at the Rheinpark Stadion.

Greetings to all my friends in Vaduz. I'll be commenting on the action as it develops, in between biting my nails. The BBC's live stream is here.

The team line-ups are as follows: Liechtenstein - Jehle, Ritzberger, Kaufmann, Martin Stocklasa, Rechsteiner, Martin Buchel, Hanselmann, Nicolas Hasler, Polverino, Beck, Frick. Subs: Benjamin Buchel, Eberle, Michael Stocklasa, Flatz, Niklas Kieber, Wolfgang Kieber, Bicer. Scotland - McGregor, Hutton, Berra, Caldwell, Bardsley, Morrison, Adam, Fletcher, Bannan, Naismith, Mackail-Smith. Subs: Marshall, Goodwillie, Robson, Cowie, Wallace, Whittaker, Forrest.

What are we going to witness, I wonder? A big test for Craig Mackail-Smith, for sure. It has to be an attacking stance, too. As Scott Booth has observed on BBC Radio Scotland: "If we can look confident and take the game to them, I think we can create chances. Getting an early goal is a key thing."

18:31 A lively start, and also good to see that the Liechtenstein anthem was respected, despite being set to the same tune as 'God Save the Queen'. The pitch doesn't look good.

18:41 Charlie Adam's free kick finds Steven Naismith, who gets a head-flick to the cross. But his effort slips wide. Mackail-Smith has also had a couple of chances. Positive from Scotland, but no real signs of the much needed breakthrough yet. I think we're going to win, but probably only by a goal.

18:49 A great shot from Thomas Beck of Liechtenstein, and an equally fine save from Allan McGregor in the Scotland goal. The midfield are focussed on moving the ball upfield, but they looked dozy at the back. Mackail-Smith hits back, but he is caught offside. (Note the the BBC commentator: Brighton is not in the Midlands).

18:55 Having rounded the 'keeper, Naismith should have done much better than hitting the ball into the side-netting. Then Barry Bannan comes close.

19:03 Goal for Scotland! Craig Mackail-Smith heads over the oncoming Jehle, who has looked good so far. A crucial lead.

19:46 Well into the second half, and Scotland look comfortably in control. But they are not turning chances into more goals. Phil Bardsley has just missed a chance provided by Bannan's sweeping cross. Things are looking safe at the moment, but it only takes one slip to put the Scots in danger.

20:00 Nineteen minutes plus time added on to go, as Liechtenstein make their first substitution. James Forrest is on for Bannan for Scotland. It's going to get very tense unless Scotland can claim another goal.

20:03 Another Liechtenstein substitution. I expect David Goodwillie to be on for Scotland shortly, probably for Naismith. But first it's Cowie for Adam. Keep the ball up the park, lads. Don't try to sit back deep on a 1-0 lead at this stage. (I can see that assistant coach Peter Houston agrees with me!)

20:10 Seven minutes plus left. This is a workmanlike performance against relatively low-grade, if well-organised, opposition. But Spain are going to be a different proposition altogether on Tuesday night.

20:14 Not exactly elegant viewing or a beautiful game, but if the job is done we will all be content. The bagpipes and drums sound out from the 2,000 Scotland supporters. With all the flags and banners, it almost looks like a home game.

20:18 Great attempts by Naismith and Christophe Berra, and excellent saves once more from Jehle. Three minutes time to be added on for stoppages.

20: 21 That's it, all over. Phew!

Final score: Liechtenstein 0 -v- Scotland 1.
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Rallying the home support

2011-10-01T10:37:00.000+01:00

First published in Sons View, 01 October 2011, Dumbarton -v- Albion Rovers

Last week’s positive display and 2-0 victory away at Forfar Athletic was a real boost for Sons, and we are all hoping that the good work will continue at home against Albion Rovers this afternoon.

If performances at SHS had matched Dumbarton’s away form, we would be sitting comfortably in the play-off promotion zone. As it is, we are at the other end of the table and our aim today is to put a good distance between ourselves and our visitors, to achieve stability at the Rock, and to push upwards.

Today’s game will be our fourth home league outing this season, and astonishingly Sons are still searching for that elusive first point on domestic turf in 2011/12 – having leaked 13 goals during those 270 minutes of football, while scoring just four.

By contrast, we’ve picked up 11 goals and seven points from two wins and a draw in the last three away games – though because of various commitments I’ve unfortunately had to miss them all. I was present for the opener at Airdrie United, but the less said about that one, the better…

The superstitious among my Sons friends have therefore suggested that I should stay away so we stand some chance of getting a good result. On the other hand, people who haven’t quite figured out probability theory reckon that, following three ‘tails’ in a row, a ‘heads’ is now more likely!

The truth is that breaking this particular duck is a football issue, though chance and the fans obviously make a difference. As the cliché has it, “football is a funny game”, and one of its abiding curiosities is that the familiar territory of your own stadium can prove the toughest arena of all to get things right.

Why? Well, sometimes there are factors at play which have little bearing on the location, like injuries, flukes, refereeing decisions, tactical changes and the sheer quality of the opposition.

Even so, the level of expectation is inevitably ratcheted up on home soil. The team is playing in front of a majority of its own supporters, and – let’s face it – home fans can be the first to get on your back (“not least at Dumbarton!” I hear some of you crying).

So today the men in gold will definitely be wanting some verbal encouragement from you, even (perhaps especially) if things are not going Sons’ way on the field.

Ironically, just a handful of away supporters can make much more noise than a significantly larger local crew. It’s healthy lungs and the solidarity of being an embattled minority that makes the difference. Today we need to reverse that.

Having been out on the pitch for 70 minutes myself, during the Play for the Sons match, I know that you pick up a good deal of what’s shouted. So it would be great if we could all make it positive this afternoon, following the fantastic example of many of our younger fans.

I have an additional reason to be looking forward to this game, because the Match Ball Sponsorship has been taken out on behalf my wonderful parents-in-law from the USA, Willard and Alice Roth. I have no doubt that the traditional Scottish hospitality will be extended to them.

As someone once put it, neither Alice nor Willard “know one end of a football from the other”, but I think they’ll recognise a goal if (when) Sons get a few, and sampling the local food and drink is bound to go down well.

Let’s hope we’re feeling content at the end of 90 minutes, too. ’Mon Sons!

TALKING ALBION

Albion Rovers are ten years younger than Dumbarton, having been founded in Coatbridge in 1882. Our history has been well entwined with the Wee Rovers; particularly during the time we shared Cliftonhill as part of the transition from Boghead to the Rock, and in the recent managerial figures of Paul Martin and Jim Chapman.

In 2009/10 Albion missed a promotion play-off position by a single point. Last term they put that right, earning promotion to the Second Division by beating Queen’s Park and then Annan Athletic to escape the Third Division.

I saw the first leg of their play-off semi-final at Hampden, and they looked a determined, well-organised outfit. As with Sons, it has been a difficult start to the new season for Rovers, but they don’t intend to be tourists at this level.

Over the years Albion’s major honours have been wins in the old and new Second Divisions (the second and third tiers respectively), incidentally.
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Gloriously behind...

2011-09-30T10:37:00.001+01:00

No, not Dumbarton in the Irn Bru SFL Second Division (though that too), but me in terms of reproducing match reports and summaries, posts from Changing Scottish Football and other bits of football writing (Sunday Post et al) here.

I'll try to have a proper 'catch up' next week.
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Stirlingshire Cup semi-final

2011-08-30T08:56:00.000+01:00

My preview was first published on the official DFC website.

There's more football action at the Rock this evening, as Dumbarton welcome Stenhousemuir for the semi-final of the 2011/12 Stirlingshire Cup.

Admission for the game, which starts at 7:30pm and is sponsored by the Stirlingshire Football Association, will be just £5 (£3 concessions), and there will be a souvenir programme on sale for only 50p.

Sons have won the Stirlingshire Cup trophy twice in a row now, with the last triumph being a 2-0 victory at SHS over a young side put out by First Division big boys Falkirk on a cold night last season.

Come along this evening and give your support to a Sons team seeking silverware for the third season in a row. Fourth, taking into account the Third Division Championship.
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Hard-fought draw for Sons at Brechin

2011-08-20T17:12:00.000+01:00

My match summary was first published on the official DFC website here.

Dumbarton earned their first point of the season with a creditable 3-3 draw away at Brechin City this afternoon. Sons weathered an early second half collapse and a sending off, after leading 2-0 at the break.

Goals from Scott Agnew (11 mins) and Jamie Lyden (28 mins), plus some good goalkeeping from Jamie Ewings, saw Dumbarton two up inside the first half hour and well in front by half-time.

But within two minutes of the restart Gary Fusco had pulled one back for the Hedgemen. Then on 51 minutes Alan Lithgow was sent off for a last-man foul on former Rock favourite Derek Carcary, and Paul McManus converted the resulting penalty. Five minutes later David McKenna capitalised on a defensive error to make it 3-2 to Brechin.

Dumbarton battled hard for an equaliser, despite being a man down, and a wonderful 25-yard free kick from Agnew delivered the goods on 89 minutes. Another away trip beckons for Sons next Saturday, this time to East Fife.
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A great second half effort

2011-08-18T21:07:00.002+01:00

Hearts' new manager Paulo Sergio must have found that one of the hardest half-time talks of his career. Spurs' superiority is so great in the first-leg of the Europa League qualifier at Tynecastle, that it's difficult to see what they can do. Well, other than closing down space, putting pressure on the ball, going for man-marking, and running themselves ragged down the flanks. But it's the morale factor which also matters hugely.

Whatever Sergio said, it seemed to have worked some early magic. A series of Hearts attacks, three corners, a couple of close ones - including a great opportunity when Andrew Driver cut in from the right and almost found Ryan Stevenson with a low cross. Tottenham have barely been out of their half in the first 11 minutes. And a fabulous run from Templeton, just denied by a very pacey Walker. Good to see.

But then Gareth Bale breaks and makes it 4-0 to Spurs. Cruel. Let's hope the Jambos can come away from this with some dignity in tact. Fantastic breakaway goal for Spurs. Hearts fans sportingly applauding... and chanting, "We're going to win 6-5!"

5-0 to Spurs, and footballing credit to them. Men versus boys, sadly.
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Hearts on the rack

2011-08-18T20:08:00.002+01:00

Great to discover that the big Scotland-England clash is on ITV4 tonight. Even though I'm a Leither and a Son, I'd have loved to have got a ticket for the game at Tynecastle tonight. But it's going to be a tough watch, I fear.

On paper, even a weakened Tottenham Hotspur team playing its first competitive game of the season in this Europa League qualifier against Hearts are easy favourites - they are ten times as wealthy, for a start. And sadly, due to a little defensive over-crowding and a really unlucky deflection, Spurs have their away goal within the first five minutes - Van der Vaart being the man who's done the initial damage.

At the moment, just getting the ball is the Scots' main problem. John Sutton has just had a shot. But it would best be described as a long-range speculative punt. Then, oh dear, on 13 minutes Jermaine Defoe makes it 2-0 and the Spurs fans start to chant "easy","You're supposed to be at home" and "Are you West Ham in disguise?"

You won't catch me saying this often, but 'mon you Jambos! I fear that their main task now is avoiding too much humiliation. (As I type this, Defoe makes it 3-0).

Incidentally, the ITV commentators and summarisers haven't bothered to learn a single thing about Hearts. Such arrogance.
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A bit of football romance

2011-07-30T11:18:00.000+01:00

First published in Sons View, 30 July 2011, Dumbarton -v- Dundee

The long road to Hampden and the Scottish Communities League Cup Final on 18th March 2012 begins here at Dumbarton this afternoon, with an ambitious first round tie against First Division opponents Dundee. It’s a match we’ve all been looking forward to for some time, ever since it was announced a full two months ago at the Ravenscraig Sports Centre in Motherwell.

For Sons this game against comes on the back of a positive pre-season programme, plus our first knock-out competition triumph for a long while – Saturday’s last-minute 3-2 victory against East Stirlingshire in the Ramsdens Challenge Cup, which has earned us a second round home tie against Berwick Rangers and the chance of yet further progress. Who’d have thought it?

That said, Dumbarton’s all-round performance will need to be ratcheted up more than a few notches from last weekend if we’re going to get anything out of this afternoon’s game. The first half against the Shire was a bit of a non-event. Things got exciting following the break, but then after Sons had established a comfortable 2-0 lead they almost threw it away through lack of concentration. Thankfully, Pat Walker’s final burst of inspiration rescued the tie.

But the men from Dens Park are bound to be a far tougher proposition. So more than caution will be required. Sons have to dare to go out onto the pitch believing they can take the game to Dundee.

Leaving aside the really big ones, which teams like ours play little or no part in, cup competitions generally have become something of a devalued currency in the world of modern football. Certainly league campaigns are a better guide to the real quality and status of a team. But there’s something energising about the unpredictability of a knock-out competition which it’s important not to lose: the luck of the draw, the light relief from routine pressures, the opportunity to play sides you don’t normally meet, the chance of an upset, the adrenalin rush… and, yes, the romance of a ‘shot at glory’.

So the great thing about a game like today’s is that it means everything and nothing. If we pull off a surprise and get a win, it’ll be a tremendous boost. If not, there’s no great damage done. The target for Sons in 2001/12 is undoubtedly to secure safety in division two as soon as we can, and then to look towards the play-offs. But a bit of cup excitement would add flavour to the main task.

Indeed, we shouldn’t forget that this year Dumbarton could actually end up winning silverware for the fourth season in a row. In 2008/9, Sons won the third division championship. Then there was the Stirlingshire Cup claimed in 2009/10 against Stenhousemuir, and retained versus Falkirk last term. This season we could make it three consecutive wins.

Yes, I know that many regard the regional trophy as a mere ‘tea cup’ event for testing out youth players. But it actually dates from 1883/4 (the year after Sons last won the Scottish Cup, incidentally), it’s one of the oldest cup competitions in the history of football, and the trophy itself – if you have a look at it – is fabulous. Like today’s outing against Dundee, what’s not to enjoy?

TALKING DUNDEE

Unlike Dumbarton, who have never reached the final, today’s opponents Dundee have won the Scottish League Cup – which began officially in 1946/7 – on three occasions. Their last triumph was back in 1973/4 (1-0 against Celtic), and they also took the trophy in 1951/2 (versus Rangers) and the following season (against Kilmarnock).

More recently they have lost out to what was fleetingly the ‘New Firm’: local rivals Dundee United in 1980/1 (when the final was played at Dens Park instead of Hampden) and Aberdeen in 1995/6.

In the biggest competition, the Scottish Cup, both Dumbarton and Dundee have claimed the trophy once, Sons at the tail end of the nineteenth century and the Dee in 1910.

The Dark Blues had to work particularly hard for their silverware that year. History records that it took a total of ten matches for them to lift the cup, including two replays for both the semi-final against Hibernian and the final against Clyde. The epic started in the first round with a replayed tie against non-league Beith.

The League Cup, which is this year sponsored by the Scottish Government, started life as a development of the Southern League Cup – which was itself introduced in 1940, when wartime restrictions on football led to a suspension of the Scottish Cup.

The final of the competition has been played elsewhere than the national stadium on seven occasions during its 64-year history. Twice at Dens Park, twice at Ibrox, and three times at Celtic Park.
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Getting set for the challenge

2011-07-09T10:06:00.000+01:00

First published in Sons View, 09 July 2011, Dumbarton -v- Motherwell (Friendly)

The long weekends of ‘no football’ (other than relentless media speculation about multimillion pound transfer deals not involving Dumbarton FC) are over. So here we are at SHS once more, watching a reshaped Sons squad limber up for the 2011/12 season with a series of home friendlies against higher-level opposition – and then two away fixtures with Alloa (closed doors) and Clydebank.

Everyone says that you can’t read too much into a friendly. But that isn’t entirely true. While the result may not be a predictor, the coaching staff and players are always looking out for individual or tactical issues that need attention, and there are usually telltale signs of what is to come.

Last term, for example, Sons played good imaginative football against two of this year’s pre-season competitors. The 2-1 win versus Partick Thistle was a real morale booster, and in many respects the 2-2 draw against St Mirren was even more impressive. But then Dumbarton’s frailties were made manifest by English opponents Oxford United, and we also struggled with shape and fluency in the games against Annan and the Bankies.

The difference was between playing sides with a more open style that suited Sons’ best football instincts, in contrast to games where grit, grind and lack of space clamped our style. In retrospect, that pretty much summed up 2010/11. A dismal start and an uncertain ending (salvaged by an excellent display away to Second Division Champions Livingston) were clamped around a spell where Dumbarton suddenly started producing up-tempo, quality football. It was a strange mixture, but we were thoroughly relieved to stay up, and this time hope to build on the strengths and show rather more consistency.

In theory, playing against promotion aspirants the Jags, from the First Division, SPL survival-or-better hopefuls the Buddies, and Cup Finalists and regular dark horses Motherwell should really test our mettle – with the on-the-road fixtures providing a different type of challenge. It looks a good mix.

I last saw Motherwell live at Hampden, when they were well beaten by Celtic in a match that had moments of real quality but never quite took off. Like many I had been hoping for an upset. But since my seat was at the Hoops end, I decide to keep fairly quiet about that, and in the end had no cheers to suppress!

The ’Well are a side deserving the greatest respect for what they have been able to achieve on (for the top flight) relatively slender resources. But for a club like Dumbarton, what they, Partick and St Mirren have at their disposal in terms of players and budgets is something Sons can only dream of. That said, everyone in the Second Division will be in the same economically-straitened boat this time, and there is no reason why we should not be competitive. Starting right now.
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Talking friendlies

2011-07-09T10:01:00.000+01:00

First published in Sons View, 09 July 2011, Dumbarton -v- Motherwell (Friendly)

DFC's John Bell

Dumbarton 8, Celtic 0. How does that sound for a good result in a friendly? No, you’re not dreaming. It actually happened. Though admittedly the year was 1892 and Sons were reigning Scottish Champions! Things may not have been entirely uphill since then, but we have more past glory to bask in than many. The Scotsman recorded Dumbarton’s triumph over ‘Buffalo Bill’s’ on Saturday 2 January – though subsequent research alleges that the Wild West man switched his allegiance to Rangers.

The report is a classic of its kind: “Dumbarton came away occasionally in brilliant form, but the [Celtic] ground defence was at its best. Still they were beaten sometimes. Taylor scored for the Dumbarton in twenty-five minutes, and Boyle put on a second a minute after. Before other five minutes Bell put on a third. Duff’s goalkeeping was very indifferent. Dumbarton were fairly beating their opponents, who fell away considerably. With five minutes to go Thomson put on Dumbarton’s fourth. Dumbarton’s front play was brilliant, Bell’s considerably so. Another came from Thomson before the interval. Half-time: Dumbarton, five goals: Celtic, nil. After a brief interval the teams resumed, and Dumbarton began best, but Celtic struggled through to the end.”

Sons soundly beaten by, er... Sons

2011-07-09T09:41:00.002+01:00

First published in Sons View, 09 July 2011, Dumbarton -v- Motherwell (Friendly) - a report of the Play for the Sons game...

An estimated 160 plus crowd, vocal in support, turned up at SHS to watch the first ever Dumbarton supporters’ fundraising game at the Rock on 4 June 2011. There was a smattering of youthful (and some not-so-youthful) talent on display, splendidly attired in the Sons’ 2010/11 home and away strips – which the players got to keep, in exchange for subscribing up to £250 each for the club.

The game itself saw a convincing win for Dumbarton Away, with the men in white pushing forward confidently in the opening stages of the game. Andy Scott in the Home goal made a fine outstretched save to his right on 9 minutes, turning a dangerous looking 20-yard shot from Alan Kennedy round the post, after the forward was set up by eventual Man of the Match Brian McMutrie.

But the big sticksman – who also had a fine game throughout – then found himself trapped off guard at the far post by a tricky inswinging cross on 14 minutes, following a good cross field ball from Alan Kennedy. The uncleared ball then fell for Ian McEwan to open the scoring with a close range header.

The Home side tried to regain some control in the middle of the park, but were finding it difficult to break through the Away backline, despite some good skill from Craig Campbell and Ross Black, and an effort on goal by Alex Stewart which did not really trouble Joe McCaughey in the Away goal. The match had started to even out a little when David Ferguson took advantage of a defensive slip to slot the ball just past the oncoming Andy Scott. 2-0 on 22 minutes.

Scott Mackie went on an impressive run as the home side tried to push back, creating an opportunity for Chris Whitfield, Tom McAllister and Paul Duffy were also full of running throughout. But it was the Away’s midfield moving into attack which continued to impress, with Gary McMurtie and Andrew McCulloch contributing to several build-ups, while Sean Bangs, Alan Smith, Allan Clarke and Andy Mackie played tidily and looked relatively untroubled for them at the back.

The substitutions were of the rolling variety throughout. For the Away side, Liam McVey was full of running and creativity. Alec Darroch tried to add sharpness up front for the Home side, and Simon Barrow came on in a defensive midfield role, but initially lost shape chasing a pacy attack before adopting a conventional right-back position in the second half. Robert Faulds made a couple of significant stops for the Homes and Darroch had a few half-chances in front of goal.

In the meantime, an extended sequence of cross field passes and sweeping moves from the Aways created another opening for Ian McEwan, but this time Andy Scott beat him to the post. McVey was rewarded for all his running on 34 minutes, as MacEwan burst through the Homes’ defence and the wily number 14 made it 3-0 for the Aways.

In the second half, Home centre-half Iain McPhee, who worked hard throughout, marshalled defenders Jordan Brownlee, Scott Mackie and Simon Barrow to try to close down the Aways attacking prowess. Neil Jenkinson was keen to get forward for the Aways, who always seemed keen to push the game upfield, their confidence buoyed by going in three up at the break.

While McCaughey continued to have a relatively quiet afternoon in the Away goal, Scott was kept busy for the Home side – who, despite a number of corners and near misses, succeeded in keeping their opponents out again until the 62nd minute, when the ever-threatening Ian MacEwan rounded the ’keeper who had denied him several times, and made it a decisive and deserved 4-0.

Tom McAllister for the Homes had forced a stop out of McCaughey not long before that. But the gold and blacks never really looked like scoring. Jordan Brownlee was treated for cramp not long before the end, having chased and tackled hard in the Home defence, which was also backed up by Alec Darroch. He, along with Chris Whitfield, had come closest to forcing a couple of breakthroughs at the Away end. However, the final result was never in doubt.

A stroll in the Dolomites

2011-07-06T23:01:00.000+01:00

As teams in Scotland get their training regimes into gear for the new season, Bayern Munich have set up camp again in the picturesque Dolomites. Last year they comfortably beat a select IX from the Italian administrative district of Trentino 5-1. This time it was more a gentle rout, televised by Eurosport in between bouts of the Women's World Cup. The German Bundesliga outfit came out 15-0 victors. Their hosts were drawn from Serie D side Trento Calcio 1921 (also nicknamed i Gialloblu or gli Aquilotti) and some even more lowly outfits. The locals looked like they were enjoying themselves, despite the result. Next on the card for Bayern is the Qatar national side - a rather different proposition. Good fun, though. And as you can see, some stunning views.
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Emerging from the tunnel

2011-06-11T23:19:00.000+01:00

Yes, I know. I haven't written anything about the momentous Dumbarton supporters' game I featured in on 4 June yet. Fear not, further evidence and analysis will follow. Life has just been rather full over the past week. In the meantime, here are the footballing gladiators emerging for the second half. I hove into view on 12 seconds. Such excitement!

A time of reckoning

2011-06-04T10:25:00.000+01:00

First published in Play for the Sons souvenir programme, 04 June 2011, Dumbarton Supporters Home -v- Dumbarton Supporters Away

Given the other commitments players have – not least to their families after a busy season – I reckon it’s fairly unlikely that retained, past or new members of the Dumbarton squad will be in the stand this afternoon to pass polite judgement on their supporters… but a few of them (the less squeamish) might have been rather tempted to turn up!

After all, they are the ones who have to put up with the ‘helpful advice’ and ‘vociferous encouragement’ that we hurl at them week in and week out. So now, for some of us at least, it’s the time of reckoning. You’re about to witness exactly how well the fonts of supporter wisdom at the Rock can do when they step on to the pitch for a full 90 minutes.

I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m starting to brick it… and I still have five-and-a-half days of training left before the Big Occasion as I pen this. When the Play for the Sons initiative was announced, it was, for me and for several others, a “no-brainer”. Did we want to cough up some cash for the Trust and in the process don the real strip of our beloved Sons before being captured on film and in eternal memory on the SHS pitch? Er… that would be a definite “yes!”

Of course not everyone was so brave, reckless and foolhardy. Some of the players you’ll watch this afternoon play the game on an occasional or regular basis. A few of them turn out for the real Supporters XI… and quite a lot more mysteriously discovered that they had “something else on” or were “too old” to take part. They shall remain unnamed here. But we, the foolish, know who they are!

I don’t fit into either category, incidentally. I wasn’t sensible enough to claim (rightfully, I suspect) that my 53-year-old limbs and failing eyesight aren’t really up to the job. But that’s OK. I’m sure you’ll figure that out for yourself. Nor have I played anything like regular footie of late. Actually, I haven’t stepped onto a full size pitch for 38 years. And I suspect that one was rather diddy by comparison. “Simon, this may not go so well”, my inner adult is telling be. Oh well, too late now.

Of course quite a few of today’s line-ups will be taking this darned seriously. Well, we all will in a way. Football fans never remain jocular within scent of a competitive football game. But others will have to make light of their own failings, perhaps.

A good friend dropped me a note about this game the other week. “Out of interest”, he asked, affecting a deceptive lack of mockery, “what position will you be playing in?” Then he added, helpfully: “By the way, before you answer that, can I just point out that ‘rubbish’ isn’t a position?”

“What options does that leave me?” I responded. “That’s easy,” quoth he. “Just tell them you’ll be the decoy!” I think you may be about to find out he’s right.

Meanwhile, to all involved in this match, and in its preparation, I’m sure you will join me in sending thanks. Good luck to both teams. May mine win. And remember, should you be tempted to kick me or shout too many insults… I’m married to a lawyer!

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The author is no relation to the numpty on the pitch who bears a striking resemblance to him.

Shame among the prawn sandwiches

2011-05-14T16:20:00.001+01:00

A corporate sponsor speaks...

So the FA Cup Final second half has begun, and nearly two-thirds of the executive and corporate hospitality seats are empty. Total respect to ITV commentator Clive Tyldesley for having a real dig at them, and pointing out that while they are disrespectfully ignoring the purpose of the event in order to do another business deal, stuff another prawn sandwich, or neck another drink... thousands of true football fans would have given their right arms to have their tickets.

In many respects, this kind of unedifying spectacle epitomises the problem of football in the top flight(s). It is run and funded for the benefit of those who aren't that bothered (except by status and money), while real supporters often have to make do with crumbs from the table, and people like the EPL's exceptionally well-paid Richard Scudamore look on smugly at their "brand".

Mind you, prawn sandwiches aren't much of a temptation for me, I have to confess. I'm veggie. Not that I'd miss a second of any game for even the tastiest morsel. 'Aye, sad-sack. (Ooh, Mario Balotelli's throwing a hissy-fit for Manchester City, Stoke's free kick has been scrambled away, Carlos Tevez has missed, and it's end-to-end stuff. That's more like it. 'Mon Stoke!
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Barely 'up for the Cup'

2011-05-14T15:56:00.002+01:00

This afternoon, the first post-season Saturday for lower league fans, presented three choices. Watch an uninspiring nothing-at-stake Hibernian versus Aberdeen clash down the street at Easter Road (and pay £22 for the privilege). Watch the Stoke City versus Manchester City FA Cup Final on the telly (a ringside seat, but with ITV's irritating ineptitude twittering away). Or, well, get a life and enjoy Edinburgh's beaming sunshine.

Being a fitba man my "life quotient" was bound to be the one that suffered (after a coffee with friends in the morning and quick step-out to the legendary Christian Aid booksale), so here I am in front of the TV - cheering Stoke on.

I had to spend a bit of time deciding which, of two English teams I don't spend much time thinking about, I would back. You just have to support somebody. I know more Man City supporters, but with respect to them and their Club's determination to end a 35-year silverware drought, I cannot but lend my voice to the Potteries' underdogs. They really want the historic Cup, whereas many Sky Blues have spent the week saying that it isn't nearly as important as qualifying for the European Champions League or winning the English Premier League on the back of their new-found billions. That's very hard to sympathise with as a neutral, let alone a backer of a 'diddy team'.

"Fair enough," I find myself saying. "Let someone who actually appreciates this Cup's irreplaceable value and history win it, then!"

Meanwhile, Manchester City manager Carlo Mancini has singularly failed to convince anyone that it really matters to him either, other than as a means of avoiding the elbow. Besides, Manchester United are liable to upstage City this afternoon by winning the EPL, whatever happens at Wembley. So why not let the boys from Stoke achieve a dream far more unimaginable in the (post)modern era?

So far it's been an interesting, gutsy but not over-thrilling game, 0-0 at half-time. Stoke are struggling to keep up, but defending well. Manchester City - who at least have the distinction of being the only EPL side truly from Manchester [discuss!] - have missed a couple of good chances, but will probably get more. We'll see.

Ah, for the days when the FA Cup really was the highlight of the football calendar in England, and produced a whole day of magic...

Footnote [17.04]: In spite of all that - well done to Manchester City, and all those who are genuinely thrilled. Someone in Manchester has won something at last *cough*.
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Dumbarton finish seventh in Division Two

2011-05-08T23:28:00.003+01:00

My match report first appeared on the official DFC website here.

Dumbarton ended a difficult season positively at SHS, claiming only their fourth clean sheet this term in a quiet 0-0 home draw against Forfar Athletic. The result also means that Sons have finished in a respectable seventh position in Irn Bru SFL Division.

Much ado about...

In an encounter that had a definite 'end of season' feel about it from the outset, both teams moved the ball around in midfield but created precious few chances throughout the first half.

Forfar's Bryan Deasley weaved around the Dumbarton defence on two occasions, running out of space and options the first time, and then laying off a header to Calum Smith which ended up nestling safely in the arms of Sons 'keeper Stephen Grindlay at the second attempt.

Mark Gilhaney engineered a couple of chances from 20 yards for Dumbarton. However the home team's first clear goal opportunity came on 38 minutes, when Pat Walker set up Jon McShane for a powerful shot that blazed just past Loons' last man Neill Duffy.

Jordan Halsman placed another good shot from just outside the area shortly afterwards, but it too ended up careering wide.

Neither side generated much more for the remainder of the first period, and when the wind and rain set in during the opening minutes of the second half it looked as if the stasis would continue.

However Dumbarton soon began to press again. The industrious and determined Pat Walker had the first real opening, latching onto the ball at Forfar's near post and whipping it towards the goal but into the side netting, almost opening Sons' account.

Mark Gilhaney swung a good cross in from the far side of the pitch a few minutes later, but there was no-one coming forward able to connect with it.

Then Mark Campbell had a further attempt for Forfar, before Walker forced a fine save out of Duffy, and Jon McShane used the back of his head to flick a short cross over the Loons' back two - but not their number one.

Stephen Tulloch came very close for Forfar on 74 minutes, connecting with a right-angled cross while feet away from the Dumbarton goal. He prodded the ball just wide with his head, however. Sons 'keeper Stephen Grindlay also made a good stop from the Loons' Barry Sellars.

Jordan Halsman was replaced by Keiran Brannan for Sons, and later on Pat Walker came off to huge applause from the home support. He gave way to Ryan Metcalfe.

The last quarter-hour of the season saw several niggling fouls but little in terms of further footballing creativity, until Sons launched several last minute attacks and survived a final one from Forfar themselves.

Hometown hero Paul Nugent was made Man of the Match for his defensive endeavours by game sponsors the Sonstrust.

The match was not the most compelling of the season, but it left Dumbarton supporters with a point, that precious clean sheet, and the sense of a job really well done in recovering effectively from a near disastrous start to the campaign back in the summer of 2010.
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Supporters represented at the SFA Council

2011-05-07T23:12:00.001+01:00

First published in Sons View, 07 May 2011, Dumbarton -v- Forfar Athletic

For the first time in the modern history of the game, the Scottish Football Association (SFA) has welcomed a fans’ representative to a meeting of their Council. In addition to Supporters Direct’s attendance there were also representatives of the players, managers, disabled sports and the media.

The Sonstrust has continued to play a positive role in Supporters Direct – which links together Trusts across the country. Our own recruitment drive, fans’ survey and promotional activities have been warmly welcomed by SD – and we’re also helping them to launch a new campaigning blog called Changing Scottish Football.

On attending the SFA Council, Supporters Direct Scotland development manager, James Proctor, commented “We welcome the opportunity for a fans’ representative to attend the this meeting and speak directly to those in control of the Scottish game. It is clear from the McLeish report that there is a need to modernise the game and make the decision-making processes more representative. We hope that this first step heralds the start of a new co-operative relationship between the SFA and supporters.”

The McLeish report into the running of the SFA recommended that representatives of supporters, players, managers, coaches and referees should be involved in the structures of the SFA in order to properly represent the sport’s diverse interests. Sons fans also voted overwhelmingly for supporter involvement in the game’s governing bodies.
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A fourth clean sheet

2011-05-07T17:04:00.009+01:00

My summary appeared first as Sons finish with a draw against Forfar on the official DFC website.

Rallying at the back...

Dumbarton claimed only their fourth clean sheet of the season at SHS this afternoon, drawing 0-0 against Forfar Athletic in a subdued match that nevertheless saw them safely claim seventh spot in the Irn Bru SFL Second Division

Pat Walker came closest to scoring for Sons either side of the break. But neither team created many chances, with much of the play contained to the midfield and both sides missing out on the few opportunities they did create.

Walker pulled a fine save from Loons' 'keeper Neil Duffy midway through the second half, and Stephen Tulloch came close for Forfar with a header that squeaked just wide some minutes later.

Dumbarton fans loudly applauded the players and staff as the final whistle blew, recognising the huge effort that has gone into salvaging what looked like a sure relegation season at the turn of the year. Attention now turns to rebuilding for 2011/12.
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Take a bow, Sons fans!

2011-05-07T13:15:00.001+01:00

First published in Sons View, 07 May 2011, Dumbarton -v- Forfar Athletic

When the light dawned on 2011, things looked pretty grim in football terms for Dumbarton FC. Rooted to the foot of the table, we clearly had a fight on our hands. Today there will be a deserved celebration for having turned it around. Everyone has played an important part in that achievement, not least Alan Adamson, his backroom team and the players themselves.

But whether you believe that old ‘twelfth man’ idea or not, both the gaffer and those who have worn the Sons’ colours this season have certainly appreciated the consistent, vocal support from the stands – especially on away trips. That was well illustrated at Livingston, where the Dumbarton faithful set new sartorial and choral standards – as you can see!

Even the Braidwood Motor Company Stadium stewards noticed the songs, the good-natured banter and the ‘helpful advice’ directed at our opponents. “At times it was like you’d won the title yourselves!” one steward commented.

The manager and players have already paid tribute to the Sons travelling support. But a big additional thanks is due to Tommy Hughes and the Sonstrust Travel Section organisers – whose hard work has kept the show on the road (literally) on good, indifferent and bad days alike!
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Sons shine on Leith (hopefully)

2011-05-07T13:00:00.001+01:00

First published in Sons View, 07 May 2011, Dumbarton -v- Forfar Athletic

Excuse me, it’s the end of the season already? It hardly seems last week that I was picking up my first ever Dumbarton season ticket, after 41 years of being stuck in England. Mind you, for much of this term it looked like it might be relegation we’d be confronting this May. Instead, Sons are heading for seventh spot, our youth players have done us proud, and we’ve won silverware for three seasons consecutively – thanks to that second Stirlingshire Cup victory in a row.

Going into last week’s encounter with Division Two champions-in-waiting Livingston, there was naturally a fair bit of apprehension. Few of us thought we would get much out of that match, leaving the likelihood that this afternoon’s one against Forfar would take place under the shadow of a possible relegation play-off. But Dumbarton’s chosen put in a fine, determined performance. That and defeats by Stenhousemuir and Alloa at the hands of Brechin and East Fife, respectively, saw us safe. And boy, was there a party!

A good part of the story of that visit to Almondvale was constituted by the away support, colourfully attired and determined to keep up a constant barrage of support for the Sons of the Rock. On the pitch, meanwhile, Dumbarton were determined not to be rolled over by the rampant Lions, whose own fans seemed relatively subdued. Perhaps with two titles in a row they were taking it for granted and dreaming instead of a challenge for SPL status? Who knows. What’s clear is that the sunshine, the singing and the roll of the turf went Sons’ way.

We should really have claimed all three points. But with ten minutes to go, Livi sneaked in an equaliser. It was a bit of a symptom of the downside from a bad season that ended well. What’s more, I had just finished getting the DFC website summary ready, referring to only our fourth clean sheet this term. It was not to be. So this afternoon we have chance to put that right and conclude a tough campaign on a winning note. Then it’s time to party once again, with the dance and awards event in the evening.

From the perspective of football’s sporting instincts (hardly getting a good press at the moment, what with another Spanish civil war between the millionaires of Barcelona and Real Madrid!), that 1-1 draw at Livingston put everybody in a decent mood. Sons fans stayed on to cheer out team, and also give credit where it was due to Livingston – who were evidently the standout team in the division. Earlier on the gap between them and the rest had not seemed that huge, but full-time status and deeper squad resources showed in the end.

Dumbarton, meanwhile, turned an early season drought into an attack-focused approach that delivered goals and entertainment on more than a few occasions this year. The problem was that we sometimes looked more leaky at the back than my dear departed dad’s classic Austin 1100 … and though you won’t have been around to see that, even if you were old enough, believe me: that car really leaked!

Newly confirmed boss Alan Adamson will no doubt have more than half a mind on ways of addressing some of this term’s problems as he seeks to reconfigure for August. But meanwhile, it’s time to try and end 2010-11 on an upbeat note, and have fun trying.

Then suddenly we’ll be facing the close-season football hiatus. Having attended 34 Dumbarton matches and a few other SFL and SPL ones since this time last year (more Sons games for me than in the past ten campaigns put together), I’m a bit more adjusted to football sabbatical than usual. I know my poor wife certainly is.

That said, for some of us there’s the small matter of a Play for the Sons match at SHS on 4 June to contend with. At the ripe old age of 53 it will be my first competitive game in 25 years – and you don’t want to know what happened in the last one! So after tonight’s celebrations it will be back to the strict diet and the training regime for me. Well, I say “back to”. But what I mean is, “time for my crash course in match fitness” - preferably without the crash. I need the Sons to shine on Leith for me!

As for this Forfar game: well, it’s the end of a difficult chapter for the Club. But it’s also a boundary beyond which we can look forward. The desire and spirit is certainly there. So have a great summer, and see you next season.
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Big day 'oot!

2011-05-07T10:32:00.000+01:00

It's the final day of the season for Dumbarton. It hardly seems possible! While the campaign has undoubtedly been difficult (and we only knew for sure that we would avoid the Division Two relegation play-offs last weekend, following Sons' heroics against champions Livingston), today there's the chance to end really positively.

But whatever happens on the pitch against Forfar Athletic, this evening's end-of-season awards and buffet/dance deserves to be really good knees-up!

Manager Alan Adamson told the DFC website, regarding last weekend's match: "I thought we played against the best team in the division. It was an open and attacking game - something that this season that has given us problems - but we coped well, got a bit of luck and we eventually dug out the point we needed.

"Pat Walker's goal was typical of the wee man who has been great for us since he signed. But singling him out would be wrong as all the lads have been tremendous for me. It's been a rollercoaster ride emotionally but we have again consolidated in the league and we now start some planning for the new season.

"Forfar, who visit SHS today, have done very well indeed and deserve their play-off position bit we won't be treating the game lightly tomorrow. We sit currently 7th in the division - at 4.45pm that's where I want to remain, so we will need to be concentrating from the very first whistle."
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Adamson's rainbow army

2011-04-30T20:40:00.000+01:00

Dumbarton fans were on fine form and dressed to party at Almondvale for the match with Livingston this afternoon. Here's a bit of the unaccompanied choral output in praise of the Sonsteam!

Livingston 1 -v- Dumbarton 1

2011-04-30T20:38:00.002+01:00

My match report was first published on the official DFC website.

Sunshine and struggle at Almondvale

Amid scenes of celebration and relief, Dumbarton formally secured their place in Irn Bru Scottish Football League Division Two for season 2011-12, earning a 1-1 draw against Champions Livingston in a well-contested match.

From the outset it looked to be the kind of open and attacking game that a side with nothing to lose and another with everything to gain would play - in bright sunshine, in a lively atmosphere, and with a highly vocal, colourful away support.

However, despite plenty of early movement with the ball from both teams, there were no clear opportunities at either end. Then just after the quarter hour, two high and long floated balls from the respective number 7s caused Stephen Grindlay in the Sons goal and his Lions' opposite number Tony Bullock to tilt towards their crossbars.

On 19 minutes, Dumbarton's Pat Walker found himself receiving a through ball right in front of the Livingston goal. But he could not quite turn and shake off his marker, and the half chance drifted away.

Moments later, with the home side unable to find a way through themselves, Jon McShane burst behind the Lions' defence, turning his defender and angling his placed shot just wide of Bullock's post.

A free-kick on the edge of the area for Dumbarton produced a goalmouth scramble just after the half-hour, but Sons could not find a way through Livingston's well organised back line.

The Second Division champions pushed back strongly as the half drew to a close, striking the bar off a looping and slightly unexpected header from Kenny Deuchar.

Then just as it looked as if proceedings would draw to a quiet end for the first period, there was a flurry of activity. Pat Walker put Dumbarton one up on 42 minutes, skilfully latching on to a superbly and precisely placed in-swinging free kick from Andy Geggan.

McShane almost added a second shortly after, but was thwarted by the keeper again. Meanwhile, at the other end, Stephen Grindlay made a fine, vital stop from a Deuchar effort at point blank range.

In the second half, the party atmosphere at the Sons' supporters end continued. On the pitch, the Lions started to regain shape and composure after a ragged end to the first 45 minutes for them. But Dumbarton were not overawed, and Geggan nearly broke through as they pressed back.

Iconic Livi danger man Kenny Deuchar came off 12 minutes after the restart to be replaced by eventual goal scorer Winters. He showed clear intent, firing just over from a narrow angle. Grindlay also denied Livi midfielder Liam Fox, who replaced Bobby Barr on 63 minutes.

Dumbarton maintained their attacking prowess, however, forcing Bullock into another save at full stretch. For the Lions, a centrally situated free-kick from 20 yards went well over.

Sons created more chances and defended determinedly under pressure until in the 80th minute Robbie Winters finally cancelled out Pat Walker's first-half strike with an accomplished equaliser as Sons wheeled back.

Livingston's resurgence made for an anxious last ten minutes of the match, as Dumbarton sought to stay on level terms while waiting to hear if results involving Stenhousemuir and Alloa would go their way.

Some minutes after the final whistle, confirmation arrived that Sons would indeed escape the relegation play-offs as a result of their efforts in claiming a 1-1 draw. Both sets of fans stayed behind to celebrate, with Livingston being awarded the Division Two trophy.
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The best draw of the season

2011-04-30T20:32:00.000+01:00

This summary first appeared as Sons secure safety with Livi draw on the official DFC website.

DFC players celebrate with the fans

Dumbarton have secured their place in Irn Bru SFL Division Two with a gutsy and spirited 1-1 draw against champions Livingston at Almondvale this afternoon.

A superbly taken first-half goal by Pat Walker, converting an equally fine and precisely placed inswinging free-kick from Andy Geggan, gave Sons the edge at the break.

In an open game, Dumbarton tamed the Lions' and created more than a few roars of approval from a lively, colourfully attired away support. The party atmosphere was mostly at the Sons end as Livi pressed hard.

Substitute Robbie Winters equalised for Livingston with nine minutes to go, but Sons held on. Fans from both teams stayed on to celebrate after the final whistle.

The result means that Dumbarton's last home match against Forfar Athletic on Saturday 7 May can now be a celebration of an excellent recovery from what, at the turn of the year, seemed likely relegation.
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Fear and Lothian

2011-04-30T12:22:00.002+01:00

Ah well, my attempts to 'accentuate the positives' for Dumbarton's game against Airdrie United were confounded by reality. So here we are today, about to embark on the great journey to Second Division champions Livingston, still needing points to avoid the relegation play-offs... or others to fail. Realistically, you'd have to say that the chances of the Sons taking points away at Almondvale would have to be slim. But then again, this is Dumbarton. Expect either the unexpected or the worst in such stuations, the well-trained inner cynic tells me. So, fingers crossed and all that. At this stage, I reckon Stenhousemuir might just pull themselves out of the mire. So it is probably Alloa Athletic we are trying to bury - or at least concede to hades with a chance of reprieve. Sorry Wasps. But 'Mon Sons!
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Spanish or Catalan eyes smiling?

2011-04-27T20:43:00.002+01:00

Pep and Jose shake 'n' wrestle

No, I'm not just referring to the football in tonight's Champions League semi-final between Barcelona and Real Madrid, but to the complex politics, as well. 'El Classico' as it has been dubbed (or hyped) is also a clash of regions, cultures, histories and sensibilities. But this being football, the emotions are even more confused than that.

On paper it has to be Barcelona for me: not just because they are the finest team on the planet right now, but because they are a fan-owned club (of a kind), were player-formed (Spanish, Swiss and English), have deep regional roots, resisted fascism in the '20s and '30s, and sponsor UNICEF. That said, there was a decidedly messy episode with skinhead groups a few years back, the UNICEF link is about to go, and as of late 2010 club membership is no longer open to the public. Only close relatives of current and former Barcelona members can join, as well as previous members with at least a two-year history of membership.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, the most successful football club of the twentieth century, have been the team of many a school kid's dream for nigh on fifty years. Including mine at certain weak moments - even if my favourites European moment of all time was (and will probably remain) Aberdeen's extraordinary victory over then in the European Cup Winners' Cup Final of 1982-3. It is also difficult not to feel some affection for the current ludicrously successful, quixotic and entertaining managerial figure of Jose Mourinho, currently up against former colleague Pep Guardiola. Unfortunately, Real have also been a club of the super-rich (not that FCB are poor!), of dictator Franco, and of the repellingly egotistical Cristiano Ronaldo. Even so, a bit of me would like to see a Madrid versus Manchester United final. An obituary to the past half century? Go figure.

Meanwhile, the football in the goalless first half of the first leg of this semi has been underwhelming. The occasion, tactics and desire not to lose has overcome the sense of adventure, of which we have seen but hints so far. There has also been plenty of 'handbags' (including a spat at the break as the teams came off). The recent Copa del Rey final, won against the overall odds by Real Madrid, was both electric and incendiary. The football sparks have yet to fly in this one.
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Dumbarton 1 -v- Ayr United 2

2011-04-23T19:17:00.008+01:00

My match report first appeared on the on the official DFC website.

Dumbarton look for openings

Dumbarton were beaten 2-1 by Ayr United in a hard-fought encounter at the Strathclyde Homes Stadium, in spite of a second half revival and several near chances to equalise after the break.

Ayr showed their intent from the start, mounting an early series of attacks. But the Honest Men's Michael Moffat was thwarted by a fine tackle from Ben Gordon.

Mark Gilhaney had the first chance for Sons, clipping a shot in from the left, which was promptly plucked from mid-air by the visitors' 'keeper Alan Martin. Then Jordan Halsman broke through for Dumbarton, but could not connect adequately for his strike.

On 10 minutes Alan Trouten opened the scoring for Ayr United, passing the ball into the net all too easily after a soft through ball eluded Sons' defence.

Six minutes later, following two further Dumbarton attacks, Moffatt made it 2-0 for Ayr, outpacing the defence and rounding Sons 'keeper Stephen Grindlay after he had made a stop but was then unable to cling on to the ball. The visitors' number 9 struck high into the net despite Nicky Devlin's brave effort to clear on the line.

Mark Gilhaney and Pat Walker had further goal attempts blocked later on in the first period, as Dumbarton sought to retain their composure and push back.

Early in the second half a searching cross-field ball from Walker released Jordan Halsman, but the young Sons left midfielder found himself just squeezed out at the near post, in spite of his trickery.

On the hour a slight but well-angled effort from Gilhaney trickled tantalisingly across the face of Ayr United's goal, but ended up going inches wide.

Derek Carcary then replaced Jordan Halsman for Dumbarton, as gaffer Alan Adamson sought to rearrange his pack and inject some fresh energy into the team. The sub was soon in the midst of the action, flashing a strike in fast, but high.

Dumbarton were pushing forward with more urgency now, but Ayr remained steady in defence. The reward for their adventure came on 63 minutes, however, when a darting Carcary run caught the Honest Men's back line off kilter, and led to Eddie Malone tipping the ball into his own net to make it 1-2.

James Creaney almost equalised for Sons minutes later, with a powerful 25-yard hit leaving Ayr 'keeper Martin at full stretch, but just missing the target.

The home side continued to attack, but occasionally looked exposed from the back. On 74 minutes Creaney cleared off the line, after a goalmouth scramble almost cost Sons dear.

Jordan White came on for a tired-looking Jon McShane on 76 minutes. Immediately afterwards Walker was frustratingly denied what looked a certain equaliser in the Ayr six-yard box, as Sons continued to look dangerous and purposeful - especially from the wings. Malone cleared again on the line for the visitors from Gilhaney's inswinger.

On 82 minutes Keiran Brannan replaced Pat Walker for Dumbarton. Paul Nugent's strike on 84 minutes went straight into the goalkeeper's arms.

In a tense and sometimes heated ending to the game, two Sons free kicks cannoned into the Ayr United wall in central positions on the edge of the area. But the vistors held on to claim the 2-1 victory and a promotion play-off place, while Sons still need points to guarantee Second Division football net season.
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Loss leaves Dumbarton still searching

2011-04-23T19:10:00.001+01:00

This was first published as Dumbarton lose out to Ayr on the official DFC website.

Sons fight back

Despite a second half resurgence, Dumbarton lost 2-1 to Ayr United in a hard fought game at SHS this afternoon, with goals from the visitors' Alan Trouten (10 minutes) and Michael Moffatt (16 minutes) clinching the victory.

Sons substitute Derek Carcary injected a fresh burst of energy into the game after the break. His inswinging ball on 63 minutes was tipped into the net by the Honest Men's Eddie Malone.

But although they had several further chances and two late free kicks on the edge of the Ayr penalty area, Dumbarton could not find another way through for an equaliser.

With Stenhousemuir also claiming a win away to Alloa, the result leaves Sons still needing points to avoid the relegation play offs.
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Time to get the job done

2011-04-23T12:11:00.000+01:00

First published in Sons View, 23 April 2011, Dumbarton -v- Ayr United

OK, let’s be clear. Whatever the bookies now claim, Dumbarton can take points from this game against Ayr, as well as from champions Livingston and high-flyers Forfar. I say that, because the pessimistic view is that by getting tanked at Brechin, failing to win against two sides below us and losing out to Airdrie United last Saturday, Sons’ form over the past five weeks has not been sufficient to create any real hope for this run-in.

It’s others upon whom we are relying to ‘get the job done’ – that is, to secure a 2011-12 Second Division slot – so the cloud-laden argument goes. That’s dangerous nonsense. Sons can’t afford to take a back seat in the race to the finish line on 7 May. Nor should we need to.

For a start, with nine points to play for, Dumbarton have a six-point advantage over Stenny in the battle to avoid a relegation play-off place, even if the goal difference has to be watched. This constitutes a huge advantage. But we should think of it as a lever, not a cushion.

Second, the last few results do not recount the whole story – though they do tell one with an important, sting-in-the-tail moral, which gaffer Alan Adamson and his team will be only too aware of.

For the purposes at looking what we have to achieve over the next three matches, I’d contend that the 6-0 thumping by the Hedgemen is now well behind us and that the 5-2 Peterhead win is also a one-off. The more serious issue – as the newly confirmed manager made clear in his post-match interviews after losing 2-1 to the Diamonds – is that we are “failing to ‘close out’ games”.

On the upside, Sons have been averaging 2.5 goals a game (ten) over the last four outings. On the downside, eight have been conceded, and not in the ‘right’ matches – ones where we still took maximum points.

Last week wasn’t the best Sons performance, and in periods of the second half Airdrie United came at us in fast, ferocious fashion. They were a far cry from the lacklustre side Dumbarton outperformed by the same scoreline on a cold night back on 1 February (and also for much of the home match eleven days later, when two points were thrown away via an 87th minute Diamonds’ equaliser).

That said, Sons competed well in other portions of the game, took the lead through a bit of Jordan Halsman free-kick magic, and went in ahead at the break. It was the last 15 minutes where everything went wrong – not for the first time this term. Stenhousemuir’s last-gasp equaliser against East Fife didn’t help, either.

So what’s going wrong? Detail and particular player performances aside, getting trapped and flustered too deep exposes a tendency towards edginess at the back under pressure. Failing to clinch chances at the other end adds to the difficulty. Football can be a painfully simple game at times, as well as a gloriously complex one.

In honesty, a draw would have been an acceptable result against Airdrie, given the balance of the game. But in the end it was their greater determination and attacking commitment that won the day – deservedly. As soon as that equaliser went in, the winner looked not far behind… and that’s precisely how it turned out.

The lesson for today is surely, at least from this fan’s point-of-view, to take the game to Ayr and to try to build up the passing rhythm which, on several occasions this season, has made Dumbarton look like a top-half Second Division side, rather than one of the strugglers (such as our actual position would suggest).

All in all, the past few weeks may have been frustrating, but they have not been devoid of hope and decent football. Relying on others to fail is not the way to go – though Sons fans will undoubtedly be wanting the Wasps to beat Stenny, or as second best will be rooting for a draw, in the other match that we will all be keeping an eye on.

So it isn’t ‘squeaky bum time’ yet, but it could be at 5pm if Sons are not courageous – and careful. On the other hand, three points today would put our posteriors at rest, keep Sir Alex Ferguson’s odd phraseology out of our minds, and enable Dumbarton to enter the next two games for enjoyment more than results. ’Mon Sons!
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Fitba goes to the ballot box

2011-04-23T10:52:00.001+01:00

First published in Sons View, 23 April 2011, Dumbarton -v- Ayr United

A few weeks ago, Dumbarton fans were given the opportunity to vote on issues being mooted as part of a radical restructuring of the game in Scotland. The results were overwhelming – for a national (rather than regional) set-up for the second and third divisions, for fan representation on the governing bodies of Scottish football, and against the idea of SPL ‘colt’ teams in the lower leagues.

Now the SPL have decided, at their meeting on 18 April, that a vote on restructuring proposals will probably take place later in May. Supporters Direct, among others, will be urging SFL clubs to make their own preferences clear on issue such as those Sons fans voted on – in order as not to be left on the sidelines when the big boys vote.

Meanwhile, the politicians hawking around for votes of a different kind in the Scottish Parliamentary elections on 5 May have also been giving the beautiful game some consideration. All told, they have produced some interesting ideas and commitments. But will these still be on the table after our votes have been cast? Again, it will partly depend on grassroots pressure.

So, for the record, the Labour Party have backed greater community involvement in football and are considering a specific Sports Bill. The Scottish National Party, in their manifesto, have pledged their support for an enhanced role for Supporters’ Trusts. The Liberal Democrats say they want “involvement of democratic community organisations and co-operatives in the governance of football and other sports". The Conservatives have not pledged anything particular, though several of their candidates mention football connections in their biographies.

But the most specific idea has come from the Scottish Green Party. They have proposed a £1 million ‘leverage’ fund to help communities purchase their football clubs – “giving supporters first refusal if their club comes up for sale, and providing grants and loans to support buy-outs,” says co-leader, and Son of the Rock, Patrick Harvie.
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Without comment...

2011-04-17T22:17:00.000+01:00

Airdrie United 2 -v- Dumbarton 1

2011-04-16T19:20:00.001+01:00

My match report first appeared on the official Dumbarton FC website.

Dumbarton press forward

Dumbarton were in the end well beaten by Airdrie United in a tough contest at the Excelsior Stadium, going down 2-1 to a second half resurgence from the home side – having led 1-0 at the break.

With both teams keen to secure points and goals for their respective ambitions at either end of the table, the opening quarter hour of the game was an edgy affair.

Airdrie United had more of the initial play. With Dumbarton looking unsettled at the back, they threatened on several occasions. Phil Johnston, in particular, made a number of darting, angled runs.

At the other end, Sons occasionally harried their opponents, but without creating much more than a half chance for the vigilant Pat Walker.

Then on 16 minutes Jordan Halsman broke the deadlock for Dumbarton with a delightfully struck free-kick from the edge of the Diamonds' penalty area, just after the home side had failed to capitalise on a similar dead-ball situation at the other end of the park. 1-0 to Sons.

Moments later, United's Scott Morton connected with a chipped ball from near the corner flag, but his header flew past Sons 'keeper Michael White's far post.

The match tipped back and forth for the remainder of the half. Ryan McCord went close for the Diamonds just after the half hour, but Dumbarton pressed back with increasing determination – beginning to control the match in midfield and looking more secure at the back, before suddenly wavering again under several late waves of attack.

Graeme Owens won a free-kick for Airdrie in an almost perfect central position minutes before the break. But fortunately for Sons, he hit the ball well over the bar.

Michael White pulled off two superb stops early in the second period, preventing United from getting back into the game, after the home side restarted with energy and purpose. For the first save he tipped a sharply-angled shot just off the near post. Then moments later he dived to block a close range effort on the ground.

In between, Pat Walker burst through the centre for Sons, attempting to chip Diamonds' Mark Ridgers at pace, but lobbing just too high. Jordan White had another chance denied by the home side's 'keeper not long after.

Meanwhile, at the other end, Dumbarton were increasingly riding their luck as the Airdrie United resurgence continued apace. Johnston struck wildly at one opportunity, several goalmouth scrambles ended in chances going begging, and another long free-kick from the far side was skied over Sons' bar.

In an open game, both sides continued to create chances. Nicky Devlin, James Creaney and Ben Gordon made good clearances for Sons, and White again stopped McCord – who turned out to be just offside.

The Diamonds continued to come forward in strength as Dumbarton clung on to their single goal lead tenaciously. A contentiously awarded free-kick 30 yards out gave McCord another opportunity, but he struck the ball safely into the Sons' keeper's arms.

Coming on to replace number 9 Jordan White with nearly 20 minutes to go, Dumbarton substitute Derek Carcary nearly made an instant impact. Latching on to a ball worked out of a throw-in, he placed it with power, and high to Ridgers' right, inching it just over.

Then a double disaster struck Dumbarton. On 76 minutes, Airdrie substitute Scott Sally came charging in for a high cross. Michael White mistimed his run out, and the Diamonds' striker nudged in an equaliser with his shoulder.

The ball was in the back of the Dumbarton net again four minutes later, as Scott Martin bundled in from close range after McCord had been given free range on the far side. 2-1 to Airdrie United.

Sons pushed back. Craig McLeish came on for Ryan McStay, but the visitors had run out of time.

The result leaves Sons still fighting to keep out of the relegation play-offs, albeit with a six-point advantage over Stenhousemuir, who have a superior goal difference, with three games each still to play.
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Making life difficult for ourselves

2011-04-16T19:10:00.003+01:00

This summary first appeared as Sons lose to Airdrie United on the official DFC website.

Sons battling it out at the Excelsior

Dumbarton's earlier efforts in an end-to-end game were undone in the second half away to Airdrie United, as the home side came back from one behind to claim a 2-1 victory.

Jordan Halsman gave Sons the lead on 16 minutes, with a sweetly struck free-kick from the edge of the area. While the Diamonds often dominated possession, Dumbarton clung on until the break.

But then in the second half things began to fall apart. Goals from Scott Sally (76 minutes) and Scott Morton (81 minutes), both arising from defensive frailties as Airdrie piled on the pressure, cost Sons the game.

Dumbarton now face a tough season run-in, still needing points (or slip ups from rivals) to be sure of avoiding the relegation play-offs.
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Doing the maths

2011-04-16T14:17:00.000+01:00

Ah, today's game against Airdrie United at the Excelsior Stadium creates all kinds of mathematical possibilities for Dumbarton.They key one is that if we win and Stenhousemuir fail to pick up any points in their match, the Sons are safe in the Second Division for next season. If not, well... it depends. Gaining a point advantage or keeping the points status quo would still be positive, as it would leave our relegation rivals needing 7 or (in all probability) 9 points from the next nine, assuming Dumbarton don't pick up any more - which is a possibility, given that our run-in involves the three top teams in the league.. Whatever - this game is an important one, no doubt. My fingers are crossed.
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Dumbarton go nap against Peterhead

2011-04-09T17:13:00.000+01:00

First published as Vital victory for Sons on the official DFC website.

Dumbarton secured a hugely important 5-2 victory over Peterhead this afternoon, in a dramatic game at Strathclyde Homes Stadium.

After some early misses on both sides, and a fine save by Sons' Michael White from the visitors' Paul Tosh, Dumbarton took the lead through Jon McShane and then Pat Walker – going in 2-0 up at half time.

In the second half ex-Son Dennis Wyness pulled a goal back for the Blue Toon. But Jordan Halsman put the home side 3-1 up again through a free kick. Then Mark Gilhaney made it 4-1 from the penalty spot, before Peterhead's David Ross hit a stunning goal for 4-2.

Finally, Sons went nap on 5-2 through Craig McLeish, with Ryan McStay being given the sponsor's Man of the Match award.

The win is crucial to Sons in their campaign to stay in the Second Division – and means they cannot now finish lower than ninth.
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Sons can thrive again, says Coyle

2011-04-09T14:57:00.000+01:00

First published in Sons View, 09 April 2011, Dumbarton -v- Peterhead

Ex-Dumbarton stalwart Owen Coyle, one of a trio of brothers who inspired Sons on the pitch in the 1980s, is now plying his managerial trade in the English Premier League – as high-profile boss of Bolton Wanderers.

But earlier this month he took time out for a trip down memory lane (including reminiscences of Boghead Park, and playing with Sons in the Premier Division) by talking to the Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter, and our own Andy Galloway on the Lennox Herald.

“Dumbarton has maybe slipped lower down just now,” said Owen “but there's no doubt they could come back again, and I think if they get the infrastructure right at the club it could continue to progress and move back up the leagues.”

He continued: “I remember everything about the place I could drive to Boghead right now and know my way about it and everything I loved about it. When you look at some of the players we had and the team I played in when Alan Moore was there and he's still a pal of mine.

“We had some terrific players and that's what Dumbarton needs again they need those young players. I loved every time I was fortunate enough to pull that Dumbarton jersey over my head and I scored a lot of goals at a very good club.

“When you put it into context, for Dumbarton to reach the Premier League then [1984-5] was remarkable,” Owen Coyle concluded.

Andy Galloway has interviewed other well-known characters from Sons’ past this year, too. Rangers boss Walter Smith recalled: “Alex Wright asked Dundee United boss Jim McLean if I could go to Dumbarton. I went there and had an enjoyable time with Alex and Davy Wilson in charge. I then returned to United but, once you have played for a club, you always feel a bit of affinity towards them.”

Meanwhile, Alexandria-born Dunfermline Athletic gaffer Jim McIntyre was a ball boy at Boghead Park when Dumbarton gained promotion to the top flight 27 years ago.
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Fans with a real stake in Scottish football

2011-04-09T14:44:00.000+01:00

First published in Sons View, 09 April 2011, Dumbarton -v- Peterhead

While the Sonstrust took a pioneering lead in establishing supporters’ trusts as an established and growing feature of Scottish football, others have continued the movement forward – not least Stirling Albion and Clyde, who have become Trust-owned and Community Interest companies respectively.

Both, of course, face massive challenges on and off the pitch. But they have also made significant strides forward in the face of huge financial obstacles. The current economic climate, and the structure of the game, makes it increasingly difficult for small teams.

That’s why it was so encouraging to hear that a SPL club, St Mirren, are embarking on “something very special”, according to businessman Richard Atkinson – who is seeing through a radical community-backed takeover of Saints.

Atkinson has set up a Community Interest Company called ‘10,000 Hours’ to buy a controlling 52% stake in the club, which was recently put up for sale by five of the current directors.

The total £2 million deal is going to be financed by local people, charities, community groups and businesses buying shares. That will include around 300 fans contributing £10 a month, which will get them a say in how the club is run. There will even be a chance to earn a seat on the St Mirren board.

Overall, the Saints will then become a partnership of individuals and organisations, ensuring that a wide range of people have genuine stake in the future of the club. Community links, expertise, further funds, and networks to others are also created.

Richard Atkinson told the Paisley Daily Express: “We’ve launched a website –10000hours.org – that will [everyone] to register their details if they wish to join the CIC. The reason for the name of the company is that 10,000 hours of professional training or education in any complex task is generally seen as what is required to bring you to a world-class level.”

He adds: “At the heart of this, it’s not just talking about being naturally talented, it’s that if you put the hard work into any task, you can be world class. Hopefully we are now going to see the benefits of that kind of mentality coming through at St Mirren.”
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All the news that's fit to kick

2011-04-09T14:22:00.014+01:00

First published in Sons View, 09 April 2011, Dumbarton -v- Peterhead

At around about 5pm this afternoon, a short summary of this afternoon’s crucial match between Dumbarton and Peterhead will appear on the DFC website, as usual. Except that on this occasion it will be live from Southport, rather than the bowels of the Strathclyde Homes Stadium.

That’s because I am going to be missing this extremely crunchy game for the Sons, on account of being at the National Union of Journalists’ annual delegate meeting. At least that means (I hope) that a good wi-fi connection will come with the territory. It doesn’t, I can assure you, at most SFL Second Division Football grounds. Which is why you will sometimes see me swearing at my dongle – the one that fitfully provides mobile broadband, I hasten to add.

This little factoid leads me to reflect about changes in the way football has been reported over the years. The reason I can do at least four paragraphs to sum up a game I haven’t witnessed (don’t worry, someone actually present will be writing the match report!) is that it simply involves producing a quick story out of the BBC news feed, Alan Findlay’s pithy tweets (you can follow those via @Dumbartonfc if you make use of the Twitterverse), and any number of eye-witnesses via mobile phone.

All this would have been (quite literally) unthinkable when I wrote my first live match summary, which I think was around the late 1970s. That was while deputising for a friend at a Brentford game – my usual field was current affairs not sport – and the instrument of choice was a crackly old landline phone into an evening newspaper’s office.

The whole enterprise was incredibly clunky. It meant writing your story out, or relying on shorthand so ropey it might as well have been a report of the Moon Landing, and then relaying it via an analogue transmission that made central London sound like Mars on a bad day. At which point someone else would knock the thing out on a typewriter… and send it through for compositing.

Remarkably, there were far fewer mistakes than in many print outlets these days. Partly because you’d get a call back from an editor if there was something ‘hooky’ about your piece, and partly because it was proofread. In the digital age, such niceties can get, how shall we say, “ironed out” in the immediacy of the moment.

But I reminisce. Dumbarton’s match day media team is actually quite extensive. Other external reporters aside, there’s Alan on Twitter (as mentioned), the expert photographic eye of Donald Fullarton (who’s been taking pictures of the Sons for over five decades, by my calculation), Andy Galloway scribing for the Lennox Herald, and Jim McAllister – in between announcements, assisted by your noble proggie editor acting as ‘spotter’ – producing reports for Sons View. Tommy Hughes sometimes steps in with pics, too. And then there’s me, tapping away at my iPhone’s virtual notepad, so that the first draft of the full match report (minus team lines and photos until later on) can be published online within an hour of the game.

Actually, given optimum conditions, it could be even quicker than that. Minus the opening and closing paragraphs, the report is usually complete as the final whistle blows. That means it is an entirely sequential account – no rewriting or re-arranging with the hindsight, glow or glower of memory. The result my not always be as polished as I’d like, but it keeps the energy of the moment.

First, though, I need to head down to the SHS foyer, find an Internet signal, fire up the computer, write and post the summary, and then continue the match report operation in the back of the Edinburgh Supporters car on the way home. Which can take a little gymnastic ability! Then again, at least you know you’re not going to be getting soaking wet or frozen to death, as the harden hacks of yore often did. Or stand around feeding endless coins into an unyielding handset in a public phone booth. Ah, those were the days!

Anyway, that was then and this is now. Dumbarton need as many points and goals as possible from our game against the Blue Toon, who are looking somewhat doomed to Third Division football next season – and also from the forthcoming trip to Airdrie United. Where we don’t want to end up is needing points to avoid the relegation play-offs from our last three matches with high-flying Ayr, Livingston and Forfar.

Meantime, I’ll be tuning in from a far and keeping my fingers firmly crossed – while not typing or conferring. ’Mon Sons!
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Dumbarton eke out another point

2011-04-02T22:57:00.001+01:00

This match report first appeared on the official DFC website.

Sons seek to press the advantage

Dumbarton took one point from a 2-2 draw against Alloa Athletic, in an end-to-end game at Strathclyde Homes Stadium.

With both teams keen to get points on the board, the game started off at a lively pace. On 6 minutes Sons' Jon McShane grabbed hold of a loose ball on the edge of the area and let fly, but his shot went just over the Alloa bar.

Mark Gilhaney went on a darting run for Sons, past several visiting defenders, a couple of minutes later. But he found himself squeezed wide by the Wasps' back two.

As Sons pushed forward with determination, Craig McLeish sent over a strong cross from the left, and McShane was just short of being able to test Jamie Ewings in the Alloa goal.

Big Jim Lister threatened Sons twice at the other end. On the second occasion he beat Ben Gordon for pace, though the Dumbarton centre half recovered well and put in a skilful tackle with only Michael White in goal left to beat.

Wasps' Andy Scott also blasted high over the bar at the end of another raid. However, the majority of possession stayed with the home side, despite a number of midfield slips.

It was McLeish again, with a well-flighted free kick, who created a flurry of attacking activity for Sons on 27 minutes. But McShane's eventual header went safely into Ewings' hands.

Alloa's Kurtis Byrne slipped alarmingly behind Dumbarton's defence as the visitors pushed back. Thankfully for the home team, the ball was scrambled away.

At the other end, the Wasps worked hard to deny Sons space, but the width and pace to outflank them was not there. The home side won a series of corners, to no real effect, as the stalemate continued.

Then, seemingly out of nowhere, McLeish's efforts were rewarded. A deflection off Andy Geggan put the ball at his feet in a good position. He trapped it, steadied, and placed the ball neatly to the Alloa 'keeper's right. 1-0 to Dumbarton on 36 minutes.

Sons' Dunfermline loanee Jordan White came on to replace Pat Walker on 42 minutes. Shortly afterwards Dumbarton launched another attack. James Creaney artfully found McShane in an ideal position in front of goal, but he could not keep it down sufficiently with a powerful header.

Alloa were level just after the break, when Michael McGowan punished some slack defending with a fine turn and shot into the far corner; a shot that left White with no chance. 1-1.

Sons struck back immediately and decisively. Andy Geggan took his chance just inside the area well, with a polished finish on 48 minutes - making it 2-1 to Dumbarton, to the delight of a vocal home support.

Then Sons threatened Alloa further with three successive corners ten minutes later. From the second one, Gordon's close-range, dipping header was only just tipped over the bar by Jamie Ewings.

The Wasps 'keeper was in action again shortly, diving to thwart a bursting run from McShane, as Sons looked to make the game safe.

However, Byrne came close to equalising for Alloa when the ball reached him at the edge if the area after a fluent, passing move. In thecend he lost his balance at the crucial moment.

Martin McNiff replaced Craig McLeish for Sons on 73 minutes. Wasps upped the pace, however, and Dumbarton found themselves defending too deeply. Five minutes later McGowan claimed his second goal of the afternoon to equalise at 2-2, driving high past White.

In a last throw of the dice, Sons gaffer Alan Adamson brought on Keiran Brannan for Ryan McStay. After an attacking flourish Alloa continued to pressurise. Michael White saved well from a low, fast and sharply angled free kick.

Dumbarton enjoyed a final flourish and came close on two occasions after flooding the Alloa area. But in neither side could add further goals, and the draw was a fair reflection of the balance of play.
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Sons held to draw by Alloa

2011-04-02T18:58:00.001+01:00

This summary was first published as Frustrating draw for Sons on the official DFC website.

Sons warm up before the game

Dumbarton frustratingly lost the lead twice against Alloa Athletic at SHS this afternoon, drawing 2-2 in a match that both sides needed to win.

Well-taken goals from Craig McLeish (36 minutes) and Andy Geggan (48 minutes) had given Sons hope of a vital victory and three points, but the home side were unravelled by defensive frailties.

A brace from Wasps' Michael McGowan either side of the break punished Dumbarton for slips at the back, and they were not able to take advantage of a number of chances, in both halves, that could have sealed the game.

Next week's home game against Peterhead now takes on an even more important complexion for Sons.

Staying positive and focused

2011-04-02T14:01:00.001+01:00

First published in Sons View, 2 April 2011, Dumbarton -v- Alloa Athletic

Whichever way you care to look at it, the next two games at Strathclyde Homes Stadium against Alloa Athletic, this afternoon, and Peterhead the following weekend, are going to be vital for Dumbarton’s 2010/11 Scottish League campaign – which remains focused on staying in the Second Division so that we can build positively for the future.

During the Sons’ six-game unbeaten run ending late last month, I warned (without exactly needing to be Nostradamus to do so!) that there could still be a number of twists and turns left in this season. That is certainly how it has turned out.

By far the nastiest ‘twist’ was the awful 6-0 drubbing away at Brechin City. No-one really saw that coming. The Hedgemen are undoubtedly a good side. Along with Livingston they are a ‘stand out’ team in an otherwise unexceptional division. But any notion that, as under-strength opponents, they might be easy pickings after their midweek Scottish Cup exertions against SPL St Johnstone were soon dispelled on a chilly afternoon at Glebe Park.

Hopefully, the visit to Ochilview on Tuesday night will have proved to be a constructive ‘turn’ by the time you read this – not least because of the opportunity to deny a relegation-zone side points, while claiming them for ourselves. Whatever the outcome of the Stenhousemuir match, however, the lesson remains the same. We have to concentrate on the task at hand and then face forward. There really is no point in looking back wistfully at what might have been.

Well, there’s one qualifier to that. Any football team committed to success naturally has to learn from mistakes. But in some cases this doesn’t take too much time and the more important thing is to put the disappointment behind you.

Last weekend, everyone knows what happened without needing to go into minute detail. Brechin were better than Sons, and more determined, all over the park. We made mistakes at the back. We didn’t create enough chances or take the ones we had. We got sorely punished as a result. End of story.

The important point is that it doesn’t have to be like that today, or next Saturday, or in any of the four games that will constitute Sons’ run-in to that end-of-term whistle at Strathclyde Homes Stadium on 7 May.

However, it is worth bearing in mind that after these two matches, against the Wasps and the Blue Toon, all our games will be against sides above us, and the final trio put the lads up against the top three in the division – each one of them fighting hard for promotion. That is why the best opportunity to reach safety is today and the following Saturday. We do not want to be left needing a big haul of points from our hardest matches when the pressure is at its greatest.

My calculation is that, if we won at Stenny, four points from Alloa and Peterhead are likely to pretty much guarantee Second Division football at the Rock in 2011/12. Six to make sure. Otherwise, looking at the matches to come and weighing the maths and probabilities, it’s eight points needed out of a possible 18. What we cannot do is rely on goal difference – not that any teams should, but if it ever came into consideration, we’d be sunk!

The task of reaching the shore is most definitely ‘do-able’. But make no mistake: when Dumbarton take to the pitch this afternoon (hopefully to a solid wall of support from the home fans), nothing is in the bag. So Sons need to play to their strengths (as gaffer Alan Adamson has clearly been seeking to achieve since he took over), to stay focussed and to think positively.

As for the Wasps: well, despite two consecutive draws, Alloa’s last away win was 2-0 against Airdrie United six weeks ago; and they weren’t in action on 29 March. So their need for points is considerable, with early season momentum having dropped away and a substantial goals-against tally having accumulated this year.

That means the men from Clackmannanshire will come to the Rock with every intention of administering a nasty sting. But in spite of setbacks, April’s Sons are not the same side as the one that, earlier in the campaign, looked unsure and anxious, unable to respond to reverses of fortune.

More skilled, purposeful and indefatigable displays are want we need to see from Dumbarton. Ensure that, and the right results should follow.
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Stenhousemuir 2 -v- Dumbarton 2

2011-03-30T01:26:00.000+01:00

My match report first appeared on the official DFC website.

Another goalmouth scramble

In a game of sharply contrasting highs and lows, Sons claimed a point from a 2-2 draw away against Stenhousemuir, when only 20 minutes from the end it had seemed they were on course for a comfortable victory after leading by two clear goals.

Dumbarton showed most of the initial purpose, coming out of the starting blocks with real pace, and pushing the home team firmly onto the defensive.

Sons' best early chance came when Pat Walker burst through on 8 minutes and steamed a shot past Ally Brown in the Stenhousemuir goal, only for the ball to ricochet off the far corner and upright.

By then Craig McLeish and Jon McShane had already threatened with a wide strike and looping header respectively, as the eager visitors milled around the opposition area, trying to find a way past a packed defence.

It was around the quarter hour before Stenny started to come back. There was a minor scare for Dumbarton when a seemingly harmless ball almost caught Stephen Grindlay off balance, but the big 'keeper stretched his arm out and recovered well.

As the half progressed, Sons started to give the ball away needlessly, despite gaining more of the possession, and Stenhousemuir grew in confidence visibly.

On 24 minutes Pat Walker broke again, but his probing pass across the face of the area could not find another Sons player far enough forward, with McLeish just beyond range.

A slightly scrappy period of play ensued, with neither side able to maintain shape in the middle of the park. Sons had a let-off when Scott Dalziel hit the bar with Grindlay stranded.

For Dumbarton, Ryan McStay struck another effort wide of the post on 37 minutes. But Stenhousemuir, though often pinned back, continually denied Sons the space they required.

The home side came out fired-up for the second half and began to create all kinds of problems for an uncertain looking Sons back line. It was almost a reverse mirror of the opening of the game, when the visitors had looked dangerous.

Then suddenly Dumbarton turned a corner. A fine run and through ball from Mark Gilhaney found Jon McShane in a good position to slice a curving shot past the Stenhousemuir 'keeper to put Sons one up on 50 minutes.

More home pressure followed, however. Dumbarton conceding two perilous free kicks on the edge of either side of the area, but both of them came to nothing.

On 68 minutes, with nerves jangling among the away support, McShane again asserted himself in front of goal with a thunderous strike to give Dumbarton a 2-0 lead.

Two minutes later the pendulum seemed to swing further in Sons' favour when Stenhousemuir went down to ten men after a straight red card for a late challenge as the ball went out of play by Ian Thompson.

Only a miraculous one-handed save from Ally Brown prevented Dumbarton from going three up, as they began to use the space to search for further advantage.

But in the space of less than four minutes disaster struck. First, a challenge from Andy Geggan conceded a penalty that enabled Eric Paton to pull a goal back from the spot for the home side. 2-1 on 80 minutes.

Then Stenhousemuir caught the Dumbarton defence flat when run at with pace from the wing, and Mike Hunter charged in to head decisively past Stephen Grindlay to equalise on 83.

Sons tried hard to regain the lead against Stenny's ten men, with two opportunities going wide and the men from Larbert pushing back to find unexpected space with which to torment Dumbarton's back line.

The score stayed 2-2 in the final minutes. With other results going the right way the damage was not as bad as it could have been, but it still leaves Sons in need of good performances and results in successive home games against fellow-strugglers Alloa and Peterhead.
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Late Stenny guns silence the Sons

2011-03-29T23:56:00.001+01:00

This short summary appears as Draw for Sons at Stenhousemuir on the official DFC site.

Vying for possession

What should have been a comfortable win turned into a deflating 2-2 draw for Sons at Larbert this evening, as Stehousemuir came back from two behind to claim a point in the foot-of-the-table scrap.

Two very well taken goals from Jon McShane on 50 and 68 minutes looked to have sealed victory for Dumbarton, especially after the home side went down to ten men a couple of minutes later, following a late challenge by Ian Thompson.

But then disaster struck on 80 and 83 minutes. A weakly conceded penalty enabled Eric Paton to pull a goal back from the spot. Then Mike Hunter levelled with a close range header after the Sons defence was outpaced on the wing.

The result leaves Dumbarton needing points and goals for safety from successive home games against Alloa Athletic and Peterhead. [SB]
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Time for some Larbert fizz

2011-03-29T18:38:00.000+01:00

Off to Stenhousemuir tonight, nursing the remainders of a nasty cold -- but this is a crucial match, and hopefully Dumbarton can shine an advance light into my 53rd birthday celebrations tomorrow by pulling off a vital win. Last Saturday was a bit of a disaster, plummeting 0-6 to Brechin. But that just has to be forgotten by the men in the white and gold jerseys. In every way. It's all about now. In football cliche-speak, this evening's game at Larbert is a 'six pointer'. We can pick up three ourselves, and deny fellow relegation candidates the same. Or vice versa. Or somewhere in between. By all means legal and necessary, my Sons!
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A reminder of cheerier days

2011-03-29T04:02:00.003+01:00

Ah well, Scotland lost 2-0 to Brazil the other day, and weren't really in the same league. But at least this clip reminds us that there have been times when a small nation has shone at the highest level within the beautiful game...

All aboard the Brazilia-Caledonia express

2011-03-27T14:18:00.000+01:00

No flagging, lads...

I would have loved to have made the journey to the Emirates Stadium in north London (once again) to see Scotland take on Brazil - the first meeting of the two teams in 17 years, and only the tenth ever. Unfortunately, I have already used my 'work credits' on three London trips in the past month - and besides, as it happens, I'm nursing a stinking cold.

Even so, it's a ringside seat with a comforting cuppa in front of the television to watch the match, courtesy of STV. Much better than the lamentable ITV, but you still have to put up with the irritating advertisement breaks.

The large crowd seems to be creating a really special atmosphere, which you can readily pick up even through the ether. Scotland, who have secured a couple of historic draws against football's first nation (apart from us) and frequent World Champions, have made a bright start.

We have never beaten the samba boys, and you wouldn't put your money on it happening this afternoon (bright, but windy). Logic dictates that Brazil, even without a number of their top names, should win by about as many goals as they choose to score. But the Scots can and will raise their game.

This may only be a 'friendly', but it matters in terms of pride, FIFA rankings (barmy though they are), and the opportunity to see just how the up-and-coming generation of Scottish internationals can do against one of the world's great sides.

Let's hope it's a fantastic game. Things look good do far. And I'm also keeping an eye out for numerous Dumbarton friends in the seething crowd. Some have travelled down overnight by bus. Bleary, but happy. Mind you, a really good day out is needed to put the wounds of yesterday's crushing of the Sons by Brechin City behind us.

The team need to do that, too. Bring on Stenousemuir on Tuesday 29 march - the day before my birthday.
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A heavy defeat for Dumbarton

2011-03-26T21:23:00.001Z

This match report also appears on the official DFC website.

Sons pressed on goal

Any notion that an under strength Brechin City might be easy pickings after midweek Scottish Cup exertions against SPL St Johnstone were soon dispelled at Glebe Park on a chilly afternoon - as Dumbarton sunk to a crushing 6-0 defeat.

Both sides started with physical determination on a battered playing surface. But the home side were quickest on the offensive, and on 7 minutes a goalmouth scramble in Dumbarton's area led to Brechin striker David McKenna placing a dipping header over Stephen Grindlay - who did well to get a hand to the ball, but could not quite keep it out. 1-0 to the Hedgemen.

Sons had a good chance to equalise minutes later. However, big Jon McShane's effort brought out a fine save from Craig Nelson in the Brechin goal. The football traffic then flowed mostly in favour of the home side up to the half hour.

Near to half time, Sons' Mark Gilhaney struck over the bar following a good move through the centre and a series of free kicks. But although they were pushing back solidly, Dumbarton could not find the necessary bite in the final third.

Minutes before the break a defensive slip up almost put Brechin through for a second goal, but the Sons back line and 'keeper recovered well.

The second period started in the worst possible way for Dumbarton, with Jamie Redman putting Brechin 2-0 up. His low, driving shot past Grindlay came just half a minute after the restart, as Sons reeled from a speedy attack.

The prolific Rory McAllister then increased the visitors' misery by making it three for the home side on 52 minutes, with another polished strike.

Andy Geggan could have pulled one back for Sons on the hour, after Jon McShane caught Brechin 'keeper Nelson off his line on the edge of the area and squared back a good, angled ball that the number 8 snatched at and ratcheted over the bar with two defenders on the goal line to beat.

But as the match drew to a close things only got worse for Dumbarton. On 79 minutes, McKenna added a fourth with his second goal of the match. The fifth Brechin goal came from Mitchel Megginson (83 minutes) after a corner, before McKenna completed his hat-trick for the sixth two minutes later.

Sons had a couple of attempts at claiming at least one goal back, but there was to be no consolation on a cheerless afternoon.
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Bad day at the office

2011-03-26T19:03:00.002Z

This summary appears as Sons crushed at Brechin on the official DFC website.

McNiff tries to lunch Sons forward

Dumbarton endured a torrid time at Glebe Park this afternoon, losing 6-0 to an under-strength but determined and well-organised Brechin City side.

Goals early in both halves, from David McKenna on 7 minutes and Jamie Redman on 46 minutes (just 30 seconds after the restart), effectively sealed Sons' fate. The surface was ill-suited to a passing game and the home side dominated possession for much of the match.

The prolific Rory McAllister added to the visitors' misery with a solid strike to make it 3-0 for Brechin approaching the hour. Then on 79 minutes, McKenna added a fourth with his second goal of the match.

The fifth came from Mitchel Megginson (83 minutes) after a corner, before McKenna completed his hat-trick for the sixth, two minutes later.

Dumbarton now head into a crucial midweek away match against Stenhousemuir on Tuesday 29 March, looking for a revival of fortunes and more points to help secure safety in the Second Division.
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Taking it on the chin

2011-03-19T21:03:00.001Z

JR cogitates...

East Fife manager and Hearts legend John Robertson stopped over for a quick chat with the Edinburgh Sons' supporters' car on the way out of Strathclyde Homes Stadium today. And very good hearted he was, too, seeing that his side had just been beaten 4-2 by Dumbarton - something of a dent to their play-off aspirations. Sons' striker Jon McShane, who scored two superb goals, had played a fantastic game, Robbo willingly conceded. His own front-man Craig Johnstone had hit a really polished equaliser midway through the second half, it should be added. Indeed, all the goals will be well worth watching via the SonsTV highlights early next week. The only pity is that, as a result of SFL rules (which really don't seem to benefit anyone at the moment), DFC are only allowed to show five minutes of the match. Even though we pay to film it. Football is a mad industry, sometimes.
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Dumbarton 4 -v- East Fife 2

2011-03-19T20:33:00.000Z

This article appears as the match report on the official DFC website.

Sons tussle with the Fifers

In a match which began scrappily, but turned into an end-to-end encounter in the second half, Dumbarton beat East Fife 4-2 at SHS, re-establishing their strong recent form.

It took both teams a while to settle in and find their pace. On 7 minutes it looked as if Pat Walker had found Jon McShane in space inside the East Fife box, only for the big number 9 to lose his footing just as the ball came in.

Moments later Sons' Stephen Grindlay pulled off a polished, diving save from a dangerous and low incoming cross at the other end.

Mark Gilhaney, Pat Walker and Jon McShane all looked threatening up front for Dumbarton, but the home team's long balls and occasional uncertainty in midfield conceded possession too often.

Sons gradually began to impose themselves on the game, despite a couple of stoppages, but could not find a breakthrough.

Then on 27 minutes a slip in the area by defender Iain Chisolm allowed the Fifers' Bobby Lynn to twist, turn and slot the ball efficiently past Grindlay. 1-0 to the visitors.

A quick switch of wings over to Gilhaney, a cut inside and a sharply-angled shot from the busy number 7 almost pulled Sons level, but Michael Brown in the East Fife goal was equal to the task - as the home side began to rediscover their fluency.

Two corners followed and Dumbarton continued to pile on the pressure. Ryan McStay came close again. Then on 41 minutes Andy Geggan equalised for Sons with a beautifully flighted header, lobbing the East Fife keeper from an acute angle on the edge of the penalty box.

In the second half, Dumbarton began with determination, but East Fife pushed back. Then on 51 minutes Jon McShane let lose a superb, driving shot from 20 yards. It flew past Brown's despairing hands and into the far corner of the net to put Sons 2-1 in front.

Another fine passing move from midfield ten minutes later put Martin McNiff through. He manfully fought off his marker, but could not quite steady himself before the shot, which fizzled wide on the right.

Then just as Dumbarton began to look well in control, East Fife broke forward, and finding himself with plenty of space, Craig Johnstone struck a commanding volley past Grindlay to make it 2-2.

Sons did not give up, however. On 68 minutes Pat Walker burst through after a lucky break. He looked set to shoot, but seeing Brown advancing fast chose instead to sweep the ball out to Mark Gilhaney, who steamed it into the bottom corner of the Fifers' goal to restore Dumbarton's lead at 3-2.

It got better for Sons on 77 minutes, as Jon McShane latched on to another sharp Sons attacking move, placing a swinging ball past the visitors' keeper. 4-2 to Dumbarton, and a deserved second goal for the industrious striker - who was named sponsor's man of the match.

The victory gives Sons renewed impetus and confidence for the vital remaining eight games of the season.
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Sons claim another three points

2011-03-19T20:28:00.000Z

This brief summary also appears as Dumbarton back to winning ways on the official DFC website.

Sons push forward

In a match which started slowly but later turned into a pulsating encounter, Dumbarton beat East Fife 4-2 at Strathclyde Homes Stadium, re-establishing their strong recent form.

The visitors went in front on 27 minutes after a scrappy start, but Andy Geggan equalised on 41 minutes with a fine looping header.

In the second half Sons put themselves 2-1 up through a piledriving Jon McShane shot six minutes after the restart. Then defensive uncertainty allowed East Fife to draw level again.

But two fabulous goals from Mark Gilhaney and McShane again, on 68 and 77 minutes respectively, put the game beyond all doubt and gave Dumbarton another morale-boosting victory.
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Not just weather, but a series of 'ifs'

2011-03-19T09:50:00.009Z

First published in Sons View, 29 January 2011, Dumbarton -v- East Fife.

Ah, the good old Scottish weather, eh? Having spent a good deal of February negotiating a welter of games, including re-arrangements brought about by the earlier ‘cold snap’ (more prosaically known as ‘winter’), Dumbarton found themselves twiddling their thumbs rather than thumping in the shots and crosses last Saturday.

Despite the synthetic pitch at Larbert, the game against fellow-strugglers Stenhousemuir was called off due to the sudden burst of bad weather in the central belt. Snow and freezing waterlogged conditions are not unprecedented in mid-March, or even later.

I remember a midweek postponement against Forfar in Dumbarton’s 2007-8 Third Division campaign… on 2 April. That was a bit of a personal blow, given that I’d travelled up from Exeter, where I was living at the time. Thankfully, the game against Stranraer the previous Saturday, which I’d sponsored jointly with the Sonstrust to mark my 50th birthday, went ahead – just. Even if we did lose 1-0.That morning, the pitchforks had been out in force at SHS to assist the drainage, and it was a close call.

So nothing is entirely predictable in the latter part of the season, and that includes this afternoon’s important clash against East Fife at the Rock. A few weeks ago the Fifers were below a resurgent Dumbarton, but with games in hand. They’ve taken good advantage of those catch-up matches, and now sit just on the edge of the play-off zone in the Second Division – their precise points tally depending on the outcome of a midweek visit to Brechin on Tuesday night.

That is both a challenge and a spur to the Sons today. We’ve been a little unfortunate to come away with only one point from the last three games. The performances have certainly merited more than that, but we’ve also been up against a series of determined promotion contenders.

The loss at Forfar on 26 February came against the run of play in the 78th minute. On 5 March, the boys looked tired against polished League leaders Livingston. And in between there was a titanic struggle leading to a 3-3 draw in the mud against Brechin City, on a cold night at Glebe Park. Both teams deserved three points for sheer effort and skill-against-the-odds alone. But fitba doesn’t quite work like that.

Talking of Brechin, we hope that they will take points off Alloa Athletic this afternoon, in order to boost Sons’ position further. If Ayr United had defeated the Wasps by two goals rather than one on 12 March, Dumbarton would now be sitting in seventh rather than eighth position in the League table, on account of respective goal differences. This is the time of year when it isn’t just the weather we have to watch, but a series of ‘ifs’.

Better still, Sons need to take destiny back into their own hands by continuing the good form, attacking prowess and defensive strengthening we have seen in the impressive run that started with a solid 2-1 win away at Airdrie United on 1 February. It can be done. By my calculation, based on form in the past five or six seasons, we need another 11 or 12 points from the remaining 9 games to be safe in the Second Division for next term.

All these matches will be important, but perhaps it is the ones against today’s opponents, Stenhousemuir away (to be re-arranged) and Alloa (home) where there will be greatest expectation of goals and results in our favour. That’s because the infamous football cliché about ‘six pointers’ comes into play when taking on the sides immediately around us.

This does not mean, however, that the Sons squad is unable, in principle, to pick up points against the high-flyers. At our best we’ve been up with them in performances, if not always in results. No-one should be given a free ride on the basis that we are looking down the table rather than up.

Meanwhile, before we turn our full attention to this afternoon’s clash on the park at the Rock, it’s appropriate to send out a hearty word of congratulation to Brechin City for their impressive Scottish Cup quarter-final performance against SPL visitors St Johnstone last Saturday.

The 2-2 draw was a tremendous result, and a credit to the Second Division as well as to the Hedgemen. It reminds onlookers that there is so much more to the game in Scotland than the Old Firm soap opera and the top flight. It also shows what sheer determination and hard work from a smaller side can achieve.

We certainly need that kind of gutsy spirit from the chosen of Dumbarton at the Strathclyde Homes Stadium come 3 o’clock today.
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In addition to the Romans...

2011-03-19T09:45:00.002Z

The business end

2011-03-19T09:40:00.001Z

So it's just nine games to go for Dumbarton, starting with the match this afternoon against East Fife. If the Sons play with anything like the commitment and creativity they've been showing over the last eight, they should survive for another season in the Second Division. But nothing is guaranteed, and points on the board as soon as possible are needed. Manager Alan Adamson tells Alan Findlay for the official DFC site: "Having last week's game cancelled was a bit of a blow given the importance of it. We are now at the business end of the season and tomorrow's game is crucial for us. A win would take us to within a point of East Fife, albeit they do have a game in hand... We have the upper hand against them, so far this season having won two of the three previous matches, but we know it's going to be a hard game and as ever we'll need to be alert and focussed."
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Dumbarton fans vote to keep football national

2011-03-19T09:30:00.006Z

First published in Sons View, 19 March 2011, Dumbarton -v- East Fife. An edited version of this article also appears on the Sonstrust website as Fans vote for Dumbarton's future.

Dumbarton supporters have voted overwhelmingly against ‘regionalising’ the lower divisions in Scottish football. More than 95% of the 250+ supporters who took part in the match day ballot on 5 March, and in the equivalent online polls, want to maintain a national, professional league below the SPL.

There was also very strong opposition to SPL ‘colt’ teams being admitted to the lower leagues – something which the Scottish Premier League has also put forward as part of its outline proposals for restructuring the game in Scotland.

In response to the third and final question, almost all Sons fans said they believed that supporters should be properly represented on the governing bodies that run Scottish football.

Dumbarton is the first SFL club to directly ask its supporters what they think of some of the major issues raised by the much-publicised SPL proposals, and the similar ideas produced by former first minister Henry McLeish in his report for the SFA on the future of the game.

The poll took place at the match against Livingston last Saturday, as well as on the Sonstrust website (where the full results will be published) and on the three Facebook groups associated with the club.

The Sonstrust Board will be following up the vote by writing to DFC, Supporters Direct and the Scottish Football League over the issues.

The Scottish Premier League has announced that it will unveil and vote on its full plans for SPL1 & 2 “within a few weeks”. But its draft ideas also included proposals – including ‘regionalisation’ and colt-teams in the lower leagues – which would have a dramatic impact on smaller clubs.

At a meeting of 34 Supporters’ Trusts six weeks ago, there was a strong feeling that what has been put forward so far does not offer a sustainable future for the game in Scotland, and a desire that fans should be consulted and involved. The Sonstrust has taken a lead in this regard.
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Sons supporters speak out

2011-03-19T09:00:00.004Z

First published in Sons View, 19 March 2011, Dumbarton -v- East Fife. An edited version also appears on the Supporters Direct website as Dumbarton Trust gives fans a voice.

The Supporters Trust at Dumbarton FC (called ‘Sonstrust’ after the club’s historic nickname – ‘the Sons of the Rock’) has held an online and stadium ballot to give fans a voice in the current debate over the future of Scottish football.

Full results will be announced next week, but hundreds have taken part and the interim findings suggest overwhelming opposition to the ‘regionalisation’ of the lower leagues and to SPL ‘colt’ teams playing in them – two of the proposals put forward by the SPL and the McLeish report.

Dumbarton supporters also back fan representation on the governing body of Scottish football, and the Sonstrust board is keen to work with others in Supporters Direct to ensure that the voice of fans – including the verdict of the SD survey – resonates at the highest levels within the game.

Sonstrust campaign coordinator Simon Barrow commented: “Football fans are used to being ignored, but at Dumbarton we’ve had a huge response to our online and stadium exercise in ‘direct democracy’. People have also been joining the Trust in record numbers, and are keen for a body like SD to be a really effective vehicle for grassroots-driven change in the game.”

Since the meeting of Scottish Trust representatives at Falkirk a month ago, the Sonstrust, which has over 300 members, has announced the results of a £1000 community bursary scheme (which has given three youth-oriented local projects a boost in funds), and is also holding a major recruitment drive running through to 19 March.

“Given that we already have half our regular home gate in the Sonstrust, we thought we might have ‘peaked’ – but we’ve already picked up a further 5%, said Barrow. “There’s a real appetite for supporter involvement in running clubs and shaping the future of the game. Our message to other Trusts is, ‘get out there, recruit, and get people involved’.”
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Who's the wally with the scarf?

2011-03-19T01:04:00.002Z

"The hedge at Glebe Park last night was more impressive..."

Here's my dignity-free moment at the Emirates Stadium on 2 March - showing 50,000 Arsenal fans, and around 9,000 Leyton Orient ones, what a real football team's knitwear looks like. O's supporter Mark Smith balked somewhat, but was gracious enough to snap it for me. I was in north London to watch the East-enders try to repeat their moment of glory at Brisbane Road, when they earned the prestigious, money-spinning FA Cup Fifth Round replay with a fine 1-1 draw.

This evening, things would turn out a little differently. Arsenal's pitch is like a billiard table, well suited to a flowing, passing game. Orient, to their great credit, took on the Gunners in this department and displayed not a little technical ability. The standards of lower league football in England have increased exponentially since I first saw (old) Fourth Division Brentford in 1967. However, whatever the Os could do, Arsenal could do better. They clinched the game 5-0, going in at half time 3-0 up. It could have been more.

But Orient had a couple of good chances too, and did not disgrace themselves, in spite of the end result and only having 35% of possession. It was a clear, freezing cold evening, though, and not one on which it was ever going to be possible for the comparative minnows to hassle the Champions League wannabes off the ball. At one point, the away support chanted, along with "2-1 to the Birmingham!" (a reference to the previous week's Carling Cup final), "You're going to win f*ck all!" towards the Arsenal end. Cruel but possibly not unfair - as the Gunners' ejection from the top table of European competition to Barcelona and subsequent FA Cup exit to Manchester United indicated. I'd really love Arsene Wenger's men to win the EPL - on pure footballing grounds. But I still doubt that it will happen.

Meanwhile, Orient's supporters, including the contingent I was with (thank-you, Kevin Scully, for my early Christmas present, including the special scarf and programme) had a wonderful time, defeat notwithstanding. "You're so loud, you sound like Aldershot!" they cried to the relatively silent home fans. And, when the third goal went in, "We're going to win 4-3!" Marvellous stuff. This was also my first visit to the Emirates. Wonderful architecture, pitch and scale. Mind you, the concourse at the away end was a bit spartan, given all the oil money behind it. And did I mention how cold it was? You'd think they could afford central heating. Not even any free snoods, before FIFA bans them.
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Rangers down and out

2011-03-17T21:47:00.001Z

Diouf is briefed by Smith

It's Europa League night again. The multi-millionaires of Manchester City have just been dumped out of the second-string European competition by Dynamo Kiev, Liverpool have a careless goal deficit to overcome against FC Braga (Who made monkeys of Celtic) and - in the match I'm watching - Rangers are trying to dig themselves out of the hole they've got themselves in against PSV Eindhoven.

Controversy will follow this one, as a clear Dutch handball on the line by Atiba Hutchinson (a cast-iron penalty and sending off) is missed by all five officials. UEFA will have some questions to answer. However the Glasgow Blues only have themselves to blame for the situation they're in. As for much of the 0-0 first leg in the Netherlands (a good result for Walter Smith's men), the 'Gers chased the game for the first 50 minutes - outplayed, out-positioned and out-paced. This is not the SPL, fellas.

In the latter part of the second half, Rangers - behind to a well-taken Jeremain Lens goal, provided by slack marking on the break - are showing some purpose and have gone 4-4-2. They'd get killed trying that on Barcelona. But PSV are a different proposition. Greg Wylde is having a good game for the Scots. They are now looking to Steven Naismith and El Hadji Diouf to work some magic.

I can't see it happening. They should be be level by rights, but even then they'd be out on away goals. I want Rangers to pull it back for ex-Dumbarton man Walter Smith's sake (his last season in charge), and because they represent Scotland. Normally I wouldn't give them the time of day, being Old Firm. And the mourning period will be very brief if they exit tonight. Funny old (emotional) game.

Update: Rangers, Manchester City and Liverpool all out. OK, back to real life.
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Supporting Dumbarton's youth

2011-03-13T20:26:00.000Z

This article first appeared as Sonstrust backs youth football on the Sonstrust website.

Kevin Murney from youth side Dumbarton United AFC has written to thank the Sonstrust and DFC for their day out at SHS and for their Community Bursary Grant.

Dumbarton United AFC were founded in 1958 and have been developing local footballing talent for the last 53 years.

“We would like to thank you for your hospitality on Saturday 5 March at Strathclyde Homes Stadium,” he writes. “We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, although the score line [Sons lost to Livingston 3-0] was not to our liking!”

Kevin adds: “We would also like to thank you for choosing our team to receive one of the first bursary grants. It has helped us immensely towards providing tracksuits for our boys.”

“We would like to wish you every success in the future,” he says.
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Pat's the goals man

2011-03-13T19:33:00.000Z

This article first appeared as Pat helps Sons strike the right note on the official DFC website.

Pat in action against Ayr

In-form striker Pat Walker has made quite an impact since he first appeared (and scored) for Dumbarton in a 3-2 home win against Ayr United on 13 November 2011.

Sons were rooted to the foot of the table at the time. The performance proved a vital boost. And since January, Pat has added another six goals to his league tally.

The Scottish Football League News featured an in-depth interview with the busy front-man at the end of last month. You can still read it online here.

Pat, who speaks about his New Zealand connections and wide football experience, says of his arrival at SHS: “Alan Adamson invited me to come in for training as Dumbarton is really close to where I teach. Scoring against Ayr was a weight off my mind and winning was a big thing for Dumbarton as well.”

He adds: “The spirit was good when I started, but you can really sense that everyone is looking forward to games now. We have pulled together well to move us [up] the League table.”

Sons' squad are certainly determined to continue that kind of attitude going into the important home game against East Fife on 19 March 2011.

Picture courtesy and (c) Donald Fullarton.
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Where all the money goes

2011-03-06T10:10:00.001Z

For a number of years David Hills has been putting together the excellent 'Said & Done' column in the Observer newspaper each Sunday. It's a "must read", combining useful research and a tongue-in-cheek approach to highlight the growing gap between rhetoric and reality among those who run, play, manage - and profit from - the global game.

Sepp orders a Latte...

This week, we learn, inter alia, that ever-charming Sepp Blatter's report for FIFA on the World Cup ("I am the happiest man. It's a huge, huge financial success") reveals: • $4.19 billion income from the four-year World Cup cycle, tax-free via FIFA's status as a "non-profit body existing to invest in football development". • A rather smaller $794 million amount invested in football development, including FIFA's 'Win in Africa' social project. • $631 million added to FIFA's reserves (now standing at a record $1.2 billion, up from just $76 million in 2003). • $707 million on "expenses". Naturally. • FIFA's wage bill: $65.3 million paid to 387 employees – averaging $168,700 each.

And the rest? Watch Hills' space.
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Great win for Scottish women

2011-03-06T09:38:00.000Z

Scotland's women have beaten England 2-0 in the Cyprus Cup, to end a run of 17 successive victories by the Auld enemy. Kim Little's drive on 26 minutes and Jennifer Beattie's glancing header on 54 secured the win for Scotland - ending 34 years of heartache.

Aberdeen-born Little, who has 50 caps for the national side, and who plays for Arsenal after moving from Hibernian in 2008, told the BBC: "We've come close to England before, but we've been closing in on all the big teams and we're going into matches like this believing we can get a result. We were very organised defensively, got forward well, created chances and took them. It was a deserved victory - and a great day for Scotland."

Meanwhile, head coach Anna Signeul has set her sights on reaching the 2013 European Championship finals, and sees a good performance in the Cyprus Cup as a stepping stone to that goal.
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League leaders beat Sons 3-0

2011-03-05T17:06:00.003Z

This article first appeared as Dumbarton well beaten by Livingston on the official DFC website.

Jon McShane

Second Division league leaders Livingston ran out convincing winners against a sometimes tired-looking Dumbarton at the Strathclyde Homes Stadium this afternoon.

After a huge effort in the 3-3 draw away to Brechin on Tuesday night, the last in a series of midweek games, Sons struggled to contain Livi, despite bright starts in both halves and fine goal efforts from Jon McShane and Andy Geggan.

Keaghan Jacobs and Iain Russell struck for the visitors on 5 and 7 minutes respectively, and then substitute Liam Fox claimed the crucial third goal to kill off the game on 69 minutes.

The result leaves Dumbarton in eighth spot. The Sons now have a week to prepare for the away trip to Stenhousemuir next Saturday, followed a week later by the visit of East Fife.
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Match of the day

2011-03-05T09:56:00.000Z

Sadly, I shall miss the 'match of the day' in the Scottish Second Division this afternoon, revived Dumbarton versus top-of-the-table Livingston - and also the Sons' supporters ballot and community bursary awards. Pressing work and charitable trust duties in London have intervened. But I shall be following the Twitter feed whenever I can.

The away draw against Brechin City earlier in the week represented a very determined and positive performance by Dumbarton in pretty unfriendly conditions (climate and pitch-wise). This afternoon will be equally tough, for different reasons. A point would be a satisfactory outcome, but the aim must be three. We need to get to 41 or 42 points (the effective 'safety zone") as soon as possible.
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Making Dumbarton's voice heard

2011-03-05T07:56:00.000Z

This article first appeared as Have YOUR Say On Saturday on the Sonstrust website.

The Sonstrust's ballot on three key issues to do with the futures of the club and Scottish football will take place at the match against Livingston on Saturday. You will be handed a leaflet / voting paper at the game.

But it’s also possible to vote online. The first question, about ‘regionalisation’ of our leagues and the second one, about ‘colt teams’, have already been getting people talking and voting. Now the third question, about the involvement of fans in the running of the game is linked below.

There has been real anger among supporters that ‘reconstruction’ proposals are being discussed without any direct reference to the people who pay for and watch the game in their thousands.

One way of addressing this is to do what we’re doing here – work with others and get YOUR voice heard. Another is to seek proper representation of supporters at all levels of Scottish football which is what this question is about.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO VOTE:
Do you want supporters to have representation in Scottish football’s governing bodies?
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There's everything to play for

2011-03-05T06:34:00.002Z

First published in Sons View, 05 March 2011, Dumbarton -v- Livingston

The defeat against Forfar last Saturday, followed rapidly by a tough midweek game at Brechin, has acted as something of a reality-check for the rejuvenated Dumbarton side and their buoyant fans.

But the fact that we are in the midst of a tough run of fixtures with the best sides in the Second Division, not least today’s top-of-the-table visitors Livingston, should not be allowed to detract from the remarkable overall turnaround achieved by Alan Adamson and the players in the course of the last eight matches.

Not only have Sons gained a significant number of points, won games, scored some great goals, picked up a first clean sheet, and dragged themselves off the foot of the table – they have also been playing a good deal of attractive, entertaining football. This has generated an air of positivity in the course of a season that, not so long ago, was looking like a complete write-off.

After the first few matches of 2011 it seemed as if Sons were being dragged inexorably into the relegation mire. There was almost an air of resignation around the Rock, matched only by the winter freeze that physically stalled our progress.

Now, however, the Sons have a realistic prospect of a decent mid-table finish, and our young team has been demonstrating its genuine football credentials – as a number of us always believed it was capable of doing.

This does not mean Dumbarton can afford to take the foot off the pedal, however. Far from it. The opening 25 minutes at Station Park showed that other teams in this division are sitting up and taking notice of the Dumbarton up-turn – perhaps especially those in the promotion play-off zone who cannot afford too many slip-ups if they are to realise their aspirations.

Dick Campbell’s Forfar side had clearly been sent out onto the pitch with instructions to harry the Sons, to knock them off their stride, to close down spaces for the fluid passing game they have developed up front, and to prevent them from gaining possession. For a time it worked. Ironically, we came out of a first half we had failed to grasp level pegging at 1-1; and a second half that we dominated, beaten 2-1. That, as they say, is football.

Livingston will be determined similarly to thwart Dumbarton this afternoon, and the challenge will be tough. Hopefully the darkest days of this campaign are behind us, but with ten matches left (including today’s game) we have to face the fact that there are likely to be setbacks as well as successes. The important thing is not to get too down about the former or too carried away with the latter.

The raw facts of Sons’ run-in to the last league game of the season (an opportunity for revenge against the Loons at SHS on 7 May) is that the opportunities and threats are evenly balanced. Six out of those ten encounters are on home turf. That’s in our favour. On the other hand, six of them are also against sides pushing for promotion with the wind behind their sails.

History suggests that at least one or two teams who have started strongly or who have moved into an advantageous position are liable to struggle to maintain momentum towards the end of the campaign. Similarly, some of those lower down will bounce back – as Dumbarton have already begun to do through our six-game unbeaten run.

The job now is to steady the ship, keep progressing, try to make sure we don’t drop games in the final minutes, and aim to collect – as soon as possible – those precious 41 points (another 12 out of a possible 30) that have been proved necessary to staying up over the last six terms.

Meanwhile, there are important battles off the pitch, too. Winning back the home support that ebbed away during the tough winter months is important. Bad news tends to travel faster than good. But now we can all do our bit in spreading the word that this is definitely a team worth watching.

Similarly, Dumbarton fans have the opportunity, through the Sonstrust website, of exercising their voice alongside others about the future of the game in Scotland – rather than allowing the richest clubs and interests to make all the running.

With the days and weeks moving quickly towards the 2010-11 season finale, there’s all to play for, in other words – both now and for the years to come. There’s never been a more important time to stand up for the Dumbarton. Starting this afternoon. ‘Mon Sons!
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Massively mattering (to someone, presumably)

2011-03-05T01:07:00.000Z

Dumbarton fans can make a big difference

2011-03-05T00:05:00.001Z

First published in Sons View, 05 March 2011, Dumbarton -v- Livingston

The Sonstrust is continuing its drive to increase membership and secure a bigger say for Dumbarton fans in the future of the Club, and also the future of Scottish football as a whole.

Fans at today’s clash with Livingston will be getting a ballot paper asking for their vote on three important issues – whether the lower leagues should be regionalised, whether ‘colt’ teams from the SPL should be allowed to play in the second and third divisions, and whether there should be proper fan representation in the governing bodies of Scottish football.

If you’re reading this and haven’t had the chance to vote yet – fear not! You can also do so online at the Sonstrust page or the Facebook pages for either the Trust or Dumbarton FC.

YOUR VOTE MATTERS because the SPL has announced that it may be deciding on ‘reconstruction’ of the league (issues effecting ours too, not just theirs!) within “the next few weeks”.

The views of Dumbarton fans and ordinary supporters across the country therefore need to be heard loud and clear. Today’s vote will give the Sonstrust and the Club a mandate to push the SPL and the SFL to ensure that reforms take our wishes seriously – not just those of the big clubs, the Old Firm, the moneymen and the TV companies.

Similarly, joining the Sonstrust is the key way that ordinary fans can help secure the future of Dumbarton Football Club – both on the pitch and off it.

If you join up today or at the next home game, your membership – which costs just £10 – will count for the rest of this season and the whole of next season too. A bargain!

Just go to the Sonstrust Table in the Community Suite, see Tommy Hughes, or drop a note to secy@sonstrust.net.

What does the Trust do, what can it achieve and why is it really worth joining? Well, here are a few examples. The Sonstrust has succeeded in:

* Giving supporters a direct voice into Dumbarton FC
* Raising funds and developing facilities for the Club
* Heading up Matchday commercial activity at DFC
* Getting a fully-funded Club Director – paid off 6 years early
* Producing the DFC Matchday programme and developing/running the Club website
* ‘Meet the Manager’
* Working with Dumbarton Stadium Company Ltd (DCS)
* Better supporters’ bar facilities: TV, memorabilia, projector, etc.
* A whole range of social events
* Local community initiatives fund
* Annual match sponsorship – 2 or 3 games per season
* Sponsorship of Match Ballboys at DFC, donating tracksuits
* Management /co-ordination of season ticket distribution
* Raise the Rock days – helping to increase crowds and revenue
* Walk to the Rock – profile for the Club in the community

Equally important is the fact that joining the Trust (it’s easy – just fill out a quick form and give your tenner in!) also links you to dozens of other Trusts and thousands of fans across Scotland. And together our voice can be much, much stronger.

Last week Supporters Direct especially praised Sonstrust for its work in recruiting and involving fans. SD development officer James Proctor declared: “Strengthening individual Trusts and building the Trust movement in Scotland is really important at a time when big decisions are being made over the future of the game.

“Henry McLeish’s report into Scottish football recommends the inclusion of fans in the decision making of the SFA and the SPL have recently started to engage with supporters’ trusts and Supporters Direct over their proposals for reorganisation of the leagues. Therefore having a democratic and Scotland-wide fans organisation is an important step in improving the game and ensuring fans are represented.

“The Sonstrust at Dumbarton have set a great example with their recruitment drive, which is emphasising the importance of being part of Supporters Direct, as well as encouraging community ownership and giving fans a bigger say. We hope others will be inspired by their initiative.”

So please join the Trust, make sure that you 'Rock the Vote' today, and make your voice heard in the debate about the future of our game.
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From Glebe Park to the Emirates

2011-03-02T15:05:00.002Z

Pat Walker

Last night's game between Dumbarton and Brechin City at Glebe Park was a really good muscle-and-guts affair. Getting pitch-side by the famous 'hedge' on a cold night have you a real feel for how much effort and intensity was being displayed by the Sons - together with quite a bit of pace and skill, given the (lack of) quality of the muddy, lumpy pitch. There were mistakes as well as moments of inspiration, of course; and six goals. It was a great evening and a four-hour round trip for the Edinburgh contingent... five-and-a-bit for me, given the additional bus back to Leith.

Tonight, by contrast (and it will be a huge one!), I'm down in London at the majestic Emirates Stadium, watching Leyton Orient seeking to make the most of their FA Cup Fifth Round replay with the mighty Arsenal - smarting from their Carling Cup Final defeat to Birmingham City. This too will be quite an occasion, and hopefully quite a match.
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Dumbarton brace Brechin storm

2011-03-02T01:42:00.000Z

This article also appears as the match report on the official DFC website.

Sons celebrate McShane's final equaliser

Dumbarton braved a difficult surface at Glebe Park, and tough opponents in Brechin City, to claim a point in a hard-fought contest away from home. It produced a vibrant game that ended in a 3-3 draw.

Both sides started positively, with the home side looking slightly more comfortable moving the ball around on a soft and uneven pitch - which only got worse as the evening progressed.

On nine minutes Kevin Byers opened the scoring for Brechin, with a looping header over Sons 'keeper Stephen Grindlay, after the ball had been swept in from the wing.

But two minutes later Dumbarton had found their feet and equalised, following a good through-ball from Mark Gilhaney and a powerful, driving shot from the edge of the area by Jon McShane. 1-1.

For much of the half the Hedgemen looked more threatening, pushing the ball out to the wings and trying to get behind the Dumbarton defence.

Sons' efforts on goal were more speculative, and their attacks based on passing movements through the centre that floundered in the mud.

Ben Gordon and Andy Geggan both made good, solid tackles in central defence as Brechin continued to push. Then five minutes before half-time Geggan released McShane down the right, but the big man's shot flew well over Brechin's bar.

After the break both teams struggled to retain and control the ball in worsening conditions. Pat Walker put it in the net for Sons on the hour, but unfortunately just after the flag had gone up for offside.

Then on 64 minutes a match that looked as if it had (literally) become bogged down suddenly burst into life. First, Kevin Byers made it 2-1 to the home side, squeezing the ball in after a desperate goalmouth scramble.

But the Hedgemen's lead lasted only a minute before Walker struck back for Dumbarton. The swings and roundabouts continued on 75 minutes with a superb, swerving strike from Roy McAllister, making it 3-2 again to the home side.

Sons went on the attack in search of yet another equaliser, while being rescued at the back several times by some determined tackling and a point-blank save from Grindlay. Paul Nugent also put himself on the line to keep Dumbarton in the game.

The last twist came from Jon McShane, claiming his second goal of the evening to draw the sides level for the final time. Walker worked the ball through the Brechin defence, and the Sons number 9 beat the 'keeper, to rapturous applause from the travelling support.

The 3-3 draw keeps Dumbarton in the hunt for safety in Division Two, and a respectable mid-table finish is now possible, as what has been a topsy-turvy season heads towards its finale.
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Sons stage impressive recovery

2011-03-01T23:37:00.001Z

This brief summary first appeared as Sons claim hard-won point at Brechin on the official DFC website.

Dumbarton fought off a determined Brechin City and a difficult pitch to claim a precious point from what turned out to be a pulsating 3-3 draw at Glebe Park this evening.

Sons came back from behind on three occasions, once before half-time and twice after.

A brace of goals from Jon McShane, and a further one from Pat Walker, ensured that the team went away rewarded for a battling display on a cold night and a soft, muddy surface.

The conditions were difficult for both sides, and Dumbarton's defence and 'keeper Stephen Grindlay also played an important part in securing the result against a resolute Brechin.
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Sonstrust vote on SPL 'colt' teams

2011-03-01T13:43:00.000Z

This article first appeared as Do YOU Want SPL ‘Colts’ In Our League? on the Sonstrust website.

The second of three questions being put to all Dumbarton FC fans by the Sonstrust can now be voted on online – using the link below, and on the Trust and Club Facebook pages.

It concerns the proposal being put forward by the Scottish Premier League that SPL ‘colt’ teams should be permitted to compete in the lower leagues – what are now the SFL Second and Third Divisions. The precise nature of what is being suggested is unclear at present – but the media rumour is that it will apply only to the SPL ‘elite’.

Fans of Scottish League Clubs overwhelmingly rejected the idea in the Supporters Direct survey, which 5,000 people participated in, as did representatives of all but three of 33 Trusts at a meeting in Falkirk on 23 January 2011.

However, the Sonstrust believes the question should be put directly to Dumbarton fans as part of our poll – which will be used to seek action from DFC, the SFL and others in advance of decisions which the SPL is planning to make “within the next few weeks“. We gave some more background on the issue here.

VOTE NOW BY CLICKING THE LINK BELOW
Do you want SPL ‘colt’ teams allowed to play in the lower leagues?
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Things are (still) looking up

2011-02-27T23:09:00.002Z

A few weeks ago, when he came along to Dumbarton to watch Hibs loanee Euan Moyes playing for Brechin City - who the Sons face on Tuesday night, incidentally - it seemed as if Easter Road manager Colin Calerwood was doomed. He certainly didn't cut a very enthusiastic figure that day... though having to watch second division football (not at its finest) might had something to do with that.

Anyway, I'm glad to see that my Edinburgh near-neighbours (I live a mile away from Hibs' ground) have picked up a bit, with four wins in the last four games. Their resurgence has coincided with Dumbarton's, as it happens. The latest victims were 2010-11 SPL surprise package Inverness Caledonian Thistle, who are Terry Butcher's proteges... and who I also wish well. What a fund of generosity I am at the moment! It must be Sons' five wins and a draw in the last seven games speaking.

On the subject of delight, it is always a pleasure to see an Old Firm defeat. I've witnessed two such occasions this season, one for each of the pair against Hearts at Tynecastle. Today Celtic crashed 2-0 to Motherwell. The Steelmen had relegated Francis Jeffers to the bench, too. Happy days.

Oh, and Dumbarton's 19s continue to set a pace, with a stonking 6-1 victory over rivals Morton at the Tail O' The Bank. Alan Cook (pictured), a product of our youth set-up, got one of the goals, along with two each from Reece Pearson and Ryan Metcalfe, and anther from Steven Jones.

Our first team may have lost at Forfar on Saturday, but things are still looking up. A win against the Hedgemen at Glebe Park on 1 March will be a tough call. But it's possible. 'Mon Sons!
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Congratulations to Birmingham

2011-02-27T18:52:00.003Z

I only lived in England's second city for six months full-time and eighteen months part-time - and I number Aston Villa as well as Blues fans among my friends - but I'm delighted for Birmingham City tonight. Their Carling Cup victory over Arsenal was a triumph for sheer endurance, and not a little inspiration. Manager Alex McLeish, Andy Watson and the other Scots lads also really deserve this.

City, with clothing tycoon Carson Yeung’s 2009 takeover money in tow, may hardly be deemed a small provincial football club, but matched with the global might of the Gunners, they were massive underdogs, and haven't won a trophy in 48 years. Arsenal have only had to wait five-and-a-half so far. It's wonderful to see a non 'big four' side in the silverware spotlight.

That said, after they've lost to Leyton Orient in the FA Cup replay on Tuesday night, I very much hope Arsenal can win either or both of the Champions League and the English Premiership -- though I fear they'll do neither. It would be good to see sublime technical football and youth development at the highest level rewarded.
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Rooting for the Blues

2011-02-27T16:38:00.009Z

It's good to be able to watch the Carling Cup Final on terrestrial television - and not, thank goodness, via the ever-lamentable ITV. Though I'm a huge admirer of the style and philosophy of Arsenal (notwithstanding their squillionaire status), my commitments in this game are towards the unfashionable Birmingham City. That's because I used to live there, briefly; because my good friend and "Soho media asshat" Jim Smith is a supporter, and because of the Scottish connection.

It's been a rattling game so far (16.22) - but the Blues were robbed very early on when Lee Bowyer was wrongly adjudged offside by the referee's assistant, and thereby denied a penalty and a red card for the Gunners' keeper.

16.28: Birmingham lead. Just as I was about to write that Nikola Zigic was looking menacing, he scores. The important thing now is that they don't try to sit too deep to defend the lead. Arsenal's strength (well, one of them) is their inventiveness and creativity up front. Brum's Ben Foster has already pulled off a great stop from Andre Arshavin.

16.34: Zigic is just a wee bit late in front of goal and fails to put Birmingham further ahead. There was another Arsenal foul in the build-up. The Blues are really putting the Gunners on the rack, but need to watch out for the break-back. Inverness Caley boss Terry Butcher reckoned Zigic could win the Cup for Birmingham - but just as I type that (16.39), Jack Wilshere hits the crossbar and Robin van Persie scores a great equaliser.

Gunners' fans only sing when they're drawing. "They are here, look!" observes Mark Lawrenson from the commentary gantry.

17.20: Keith Fahey agonisingly close to giving Birmingham the lead again, as his blistering rebound shot clips off the foot of Arsenal's left post. Fabulous match. The best Cup Final I've seen in ages.

17.37: Another fantastic save from Ben Foster. It's still anyone's game, but Arsenal are looking the more dangerous at the moment. And again from Foster, with the feet, from Rosicky, then Nasri. The pressure from the Gunners is relentless.

An 88,855 attendance is announced at Wembley. Still a few spare, then. You coulda been there, Jim!

17.44: On-loan Obafemi Martins from Russia is on the pitch as a sub for Birmingham. He and Zigic really can unlock defences. Fingers crossed. But first the Blues have to resist the Arsenal waves of attack in the last six minutes. Riveting.

17.52: Martins scores! Quite extraordinary. Four minutes extra-time to be played. Agonising.

17.56: Birmingham have won the Carling Cup. Wonderful.
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Keeping the Scottish League national

2011-02-27T11:54:00.001Z

Adapted from Still a live issue - Vote Now! on the Sonstrust website.

Dumbarton fans are responding well to the first of our online poll questions – about the proposal to ‘regionalise’ the lower leagues. Some have wondered if this idea is now ‘dead’ – but it isn’t.

In spite of press reports (which I’ve commented on here), the truth is that the SPL, who have said they’ll be moving to a vote on restructuring proposals within weeks, haven’t taken anything off the table.

This despite clear opposition from the majority of smaller clubs (Stirling Albion are the exception), a majority of SFL fans against in the Supporters Direct survey, no indication that the SFL wants it, and no plan as to how it could work.

So why is it still around? Well, many SPL movers-and-shakers seem to want to push ‘regionalisation’ through (even though it’s – literally – not their business) – because it would leave their new setup as the only national football league in Scotland.

Also, some see it as a way of saving money (though the amounts are tiny compared to wages and other costs) and there has been confusion about whether an eventual pyramid depends upon it (there’s no reason why it should).

So the question finally boils down to whether we want a club like Dumbarton to be in a national league, or reduced to a regional side. That’s what we’re inviting Sons fans to vote on now: Do you want DFC to remain in a national, rather than regionalised, Scottish football league?
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Forfar just edge past Dumbarton

2011-02-26T20:30:00.001Z

This article appears as the match report on the official DFC website.

McShane's free kick beats the Forfar wall to make it 1-1

Dumbarton eventually lost out 2-1 to Forfar Athletic on a blustery afternoon at Station Park, after a closely fought encounter in which both sides had numerous chances.

Forfar started determinedly, getting to the ball first, denying Dumbarton space and possession, and pinning the visitors back deep in their own half.

Darren Brady opened the scoring early on for the home side, with a deflected strike from the edge of the area on 5 minutes, just after Sons' 'keeper Stephen Grindlay had parried another shot away high to his right.

Dumbarton's first raid into Forfar territory came on 19 minutes, when Andy Geggan tested Loons' goalkeeper Scott Gallacher with a driving shot through a packed area. But in spite of occasional Sons forays, the initiative remained solidly with Forfar.

On 32 minutes Ben Gordon made an important clearance in front of goal after an attack from the flanks, where Sons were looking particularly vulnerable.

Then on 35 minutes Dumbarton won a free kick 21 yards out on the left, and Jon McShane angled the ball sharply over the Loons' wall and into the net off the post and upright, to make it 1-1.

Brian Deasley came close again for Forfar just before the break, but Sons held their ground and went straight onto the offensive in the second half, with Mark Gilhaney weaving through the home defence and shooting just wide.

A few minutes later Pat Walker picked up on a loose ball following a well-worked Sons move down the left wing, curling his shot just past Forfar's far post.

It was Walker again who provided a fine cross, which McShane was inches away from with his head, on 69 minutes. Sons continued to pressurise their opponents and looked like claiming a second goal, but then s stray pass from substitute Derek Carcary let in Forfar on the counter-attack.

Loons' Ross Campbell pounced on the ball and swept it past a stranded Stephen Grindlay on 78 minutes.

Dumbarton tried hard to find an equaliser in the closing stages of the game, but Forfar held on to their 2-1 lead, and will perhaps be regard as fortunate to have come away with three points instead of one.
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Defeated but not disgraced

2011-02-26T17:47:00.001Z

First published as Sons squeezed out by Forfar on the official DFC website.

Dumbarton strike back

Dumbarton's winning streak came to an end at Station Park this afternoon, as Forfar Athletic ran out 2-1 winners in a closely fought encounter.

The home side went ahead on four minutes from Darren Brady's deflected shot. The Loons dominated the first 20 minutes, but Sons fought back and Jon McShane equalised with a free kick ten minutes before the break.

In the second half Dumbarton played positive, attacking football, creating at least half a dozen chances. But Forfar Athletic clinched the game on 73 minutes when Ross Campbell took advantage of a swift counter-attack to sweep the ball past Stephen Grindlay from the left.

The result is disappointing, but Sons played well for long stretches of the match and will travel to Brechin City on Tuesday night determined to continue their revival.
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Poll position

2011-02-26T03:39:00.001Z

Adapted from my article Make YOUR Voice Heard on the Sonstrust website.

Starting today, the Sonstrust is launching a fans’ survey about plans for the future of Scottish football – on this site, on the Dumbarton FC and Sonstrust Facebook pages, and in a voting form which will be given to every fan attending the next home game (against Livingston on 5 March 2011).

There will be three questions – about ‘regionalisation’, about SPL colt teams playing in the SFL, and about fan representation on the bodies that run Scottish football.

The web versions will be posted between now and 5 March. They will be open for four weeks each.
What Dumbarton supporters have to say will be used in making Trust representations to the Club, to Supporters Direct, to the SFL and to others. With the SPL now publicly saying that it will be voting on ‘reconstruction’ proposals, pressure is critical – to ensure that reforms benefit the whole game and are based on what fans want.

You can vote on the link below. We are using controls to ensure that people only vote once. But we are also using different media to ensure that as many Sons supporters as possible have the chance to make their voices heard.

Do you want DFC to remain in a national, rather than regionalised, Scottish football league?
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Keeping up the momentum

2011-02-26T03:37:00.000Z

After a long day, night and early morning, my brain won't quite extend to any sensible thoughts on today's impending football activities. So over to Alan Findlay: Forfar Athletic await Dumbarton's on-form team tomorrow with Sons looking to break a 119-year old record with a fifth straight away win. The Loons have been a victim of the winter weather having only played 19 games, meaning that there are a lot of points up for grabs. But Dumbarton's recent form has been excellent and a victory at Station Park will see history books re-written [more than five consecutive away wins], a fact that gaffer Alan Adamson is keen to use as motivation.

He says: "Our lads are keen to keep up the momentum and having a wee goal to go for will add a further incentive. We've been playing well and Tuesday night's win was pleasing, especially as we replicated our away form at the Strathclyde Homes Stadium. But tomorrow at Station Park I expect things to be tough and with Forfar having so many games in hand, it's important that we take something from the game. They lost 2-0 last week against Airdrie United but had a five game unbeaten run prior to that including a win against us in January. We will need to be on our toes."
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Rocking the vote

2011-02-26T03:27:00.000Z

Dumbarton's fan cooperative, the Sonstrust, has launched a survey comprising three questions about the future of Scottish football.

The first question is: Do you want DFC to remain in a national, rather than regionalised, Scottish football league?

The other two questions will be published next week.

More information here.

PLEASE VOTE!
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What's going right, then?

2011-02-23T10:59:00.002Z

Sons fight back...

When I got home from another pleasing match at the Rock last night, I quickly put together a current form table for the SFL Second Division. It makes good reading. Of course, If you extended it to seven games, it would look slightly different. These things have an element of arbitrariness about them. But there's no denying that the contrast between the last six games (won five, drawn one) and the previous five (won one, lost four) for Dumbarton in 2011 is dramatic. With a couple of changes, the squad is much the same over that period, so what's the difference?

It's often difficult for coaching staff to identify the 'trigger', let alone the rest of us! Usually it's a combination of factors. For my money there are six key changes. First, Alan Adamson is picking a relatively settled team. Second, some key players (Pat Walker, Mark Gilhaney, Ryan McStay, Andy Geggan and Nicky Devlin come especially to mind - but the others are doing well, too) are firing on all cylinders. Third, the work rate and cameraderie among the players looks really good. Fourth, the fans have started to get behind the team strongly, especially away from home (attendances at SHS are still disappointing - bad news travels faster than good news, so people are still catching up with the idea that this is the 'New Sons'). Fifth, the team has shown a capacity to fight back when goals have been lost and mistakes made - rather than to roll over. Sixth, and as a consequence of all the above, confidence is high. As the old cliche has it, "we're on a roll".

Mind you, this coming Saturday's away game against Forfar Athletic is going to be tough. The next three matches are against sides at the top of the table, so this will be a solid test. The important thing is to approach each game as a distinct challenge. As soon as you start asking yourself, "can we keep up a six-game unbeaten run?" or "will we make the record for the most number of consecutive away wins in a season?" doubts based on probability kick in. Sure, the Mighty Sons will lose again at some point. It could be the next game, it could be three down the line. But that's not where the attention should be. The focus needs to be on where the life and energy is. 'Mon, Sons!
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A remarkable turnaround

2011-02-23T07:18:00.001Z

This article also appears on the official DFC website as Sons Go Top of the Form. See also Alan Findlay's season-long bar chart there.

Dumbarton are currently the 'form team' in Irn Bru SFL Division Two, following a remarkable six-game undefeated run.

With five wins and a draw, Sons have gone top of the table – at least as far as current form is concerned. Livingston are second over the same period, one point behind, and with both sides enjoying a plus 8 goal difference. But Dumbarton have scored one more goal (14).

Sons' goal average per game over the last six outings is 2.3. It's a remarkable turnaround since the beginning of the year, when the team lost four out of their first five games and languished at the foot of the table.

Now Dumbarton are sixth in the division, on 29 points from 24 games.

But further challenges undoubtedly lie ahead. The next three games are against top of the table opposition (Forfar, Brechin and Livingston), and a number of sides have games in hand over Sons.

However, with unity on and off the field, the chance to secure the Club's place in Division Two and achieve a positive finish to the season is clearly there.
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Dumbarton beat Peterhead convincingly

2011-02-23T00:46:00.002Z

This article appears as the match report on the official DFC website.

Sons leave the field to rapturous applause

Dumbarton continued their current fine run of form with a convincing 3-0 victory over Peterhead at SHS - their second win over the Toon in four days.

Sons got a good passing game going early on, but Peterhead were solid in central defence and looked to break from deep positions.

On the quarter hour a floating cross found Jon McShane on the edge of the area, but his second-touch shot flew just wide of John Bateman’s upright.

Minutes later the big number 9 nearly opened the scoring for Sons with a well-struck free kick from 25 yards which rose and dipped before clipping the post.

Ryan McStay had another close range opportunity for the home side four minutes later, as Sons piled the pressure on, and only a high, long-distance shot from the Blue Toon’s Ryan Strachan showed any real menace at the other end.

Then on 33 minutes Mark Gilhaney, who moments earlier had almost caught the Peterhead ‘keeper and defence off-guard with a teasing lob, got onto the end of a well crafted, determined attacking move and slotted the ball low past Bateman. 1-0 to Dumbarton.

Toon’s first real opportunity of the half came on 39 minutes, but was thwarted by a fine, diving save from Stephen Grindlay and then a decisive tackle by Ben Gordon to block the follow-through.

Instantly Dumbarton were back on the attack, and when Peterhead’s David Donald pulled down Sons’ Jordan Halsman just as he was about to shoot on goal, the referee had no choice but to pull out his red card.

Another angled shot from Pat Walker, going inches wide, marked both Sons’ overall dominance and the end of a busy half.

The ten-man Peterhead came out in determined mood for the second period, claiming some sustained possession for the first time in the match.

But Dumbarton resisted the pressure, and on 55 minutes broke again. Tormenting the visitors’ defence on the right, Mark Gilhaney deservedly claimed his second goal of the evening with a neatly taken shot, making it a comfortable 2-0 for Sons.

Things got even better on the hour, as Nicky Devlin went on a devastating run and Jon McShane found himself in the right place in the centre of the box to square the ball firmly past Bateman in the Peterhead goal. 3-0 to Dumbarton.

Sons kept pushing forward. At one point a 36-pass sequence, cheered wildly by the crowd, was brought to an end only by the offside flag.

On 68 minutes Derek Carcary replaced Jordan Halsman for Sons. Almost immediately McStay and Walker combined down the middle and almost added a fourth.

The Blue Toon responded with a double substitution, which included bringing off ex-Dumbarton striker Dennis Wyness - himself an earlier sub. But they still could not conjure up a fight back.

Sons’ Andy Geggan almost had another 'Goal of the Month' contender on 78 minutes, heading just over the bar from a long, looping 45-yard lob by McStay. Ben Gordon was denied when a powerful close range header was tipped over by Bateman moments later.

Ross Campbell replaced Walker on 82 minutes, followed by Iain Chisholm on for Devlin on 84 minutes. Campbell nearly added another goal for Sons before the end, but at the final whistle it remained 3-0 to Dumbarton.
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Another victory at the Rock

2011-02-22T23:24:00.002Z

This summary first appeared as Fine win for Sons against Peterhead on the official DFC website.

Dumbarton resume another attack

Dumbarton continued their current fine run of form with a convincing 3-0 victory over Peterhead at SHS this evening - their second win over the Toon in four days.

A brace of goals from Mark Gilhaney either side of the break on 33 and 55 minutes, and another from Jon McShane on the hour, settled the outcome of a match dominated by a confident Sons side playing a fluid, passing game.

When Peterhead's David Donald pulled down Sons' Jordan Halsman just as he was about to shoot on goal late in the first half, the referee had no choice but to pull out his red card.

The ten-man Blue Toon looked as if they might push back at the beginning of the second period, but Sons reasserted themselves determinedly and could well have had several more goals.

Dumbarton 'keeper Stephen Grindlay, who made a vital stop tonight, also achieved a first clean sheet of the season.
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Sonstrust praised by Trusts' group

2011-02-22T17:14:00.001Z

Adapted from my article Praise for Sonstrust Campaign on the Sonstrust website.

Supporters Direct in Scotland has praised the membership and awareness-raising initiative launched by the Sonstrust at the Airdrie United game on 12 February 2011 – and says it hopes other Trusts will follow suit.

There was particular acknowledgment for the link between recruiting and involving fans in Dumbarton Football Club, and the current debate about the ‘reconstruction’ of Scottish football.

SD development officer James Proctor declared: “Strengthening individual Trusts and building the Trust movement in Scotland is really important at a time when big decisions are being made over the future of the game.

“Henry McLeish’s report into Scottish football recommends the inclusion of fans in the decision making of the SFA and the SPL have recently started to engage with supporters’ trusts and Supporters Direct over their proposals for reorganisation of the leagues. Therefore having a democratic and Scotland-wide fans organisation is an important step in improving the game and ensuring fans are represented.

“The Sonstrust at Dumbarton have set a great example with their recruitment drive, which is emphasising the importance of being part of Supporters Direct, as well as encouraging community ownership and giving fans a bigger say. We hope others will be inspired by their initiative.”
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In the SonsTV frame

2011-02-21T17:29:00.000Z

This article first appeared as Gary’s SonsTV Eye Is Still On The Ball! on the Sonstrust website.

Gary on duty at Peterhead

SonsTV maestro Gary Black would be crossing his fingers for the home game against Peterhead tomorrow – if they hadn’t been mostly frozen off in the stand at Balmoor. Even so, he’s more than willing to give a warm welcome to new TV assistants!

Since the appeal for help with filming Dumbarton FC matches at the beginning of the month, Gary has had a couple of expressions of interest, which he’s following up. From the beginning of the season, Tommy Crocket has been helping with editing the footage for the SFL, too.

But there’s still a lot of work to be done – especially as the hope is that we can expand the role of TV and new media in the work of the Trust and the Club.

So… if you know senior school pupils, college or university students, or someone looking to get practical experience of the communications and media industry, please put them in touch.

“We’re not saying this will make you famous or get you an instant TV career,” says Gary. “But who knows, it might be a step towards bigger and brighter things – as well as being an interesting way to spend your Saturday afternoon.”

Good computing skills would be a definite advantage. Gloves can be provided!

Anyone offering help, or who knows someone it might be worth approaching, please email secy@sonstrust.net in the first instance.
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Over the top and into the net

2011-02-20T23:10:00.003Z

Congratulations to Dumbarton midfielder Andy Geggan, who has been nominated in the latest Scottish Football League 'Goal of the Month' competition, for his wonderful strike on 80 minutes against Alloa Athletic on 18 January 2011. It was the final twist of the track in a corner-turning 4-1 win for Sons. Whether it was a 35 yard or 40 yard lob is a moot point. My match report suggested the former. Watching the video, it looks to be nearer the latter. Either way, it was superbly judged. No doubt Andy will appreciate your votes. Here are the 'before' and 'after' photos.

Incidentally, Andy did the business against East Fife on another cold evening recently - adding the third in Dumbarton's 3-1 win at Methil. The announcer decided his name was 'Greggan', and Sons' fans responded with a lusty chant of, "There's only one Andy Greggan!"
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Where Barca fear to tread?

2011-02-20T19:29:00.001Z

In what may seem the unlikely (but not impossible) event of Leyton Orient beating Arsenal in the replay of their FA Cup Fifth Round tie at the Emirates stadium on 2 March 2011, their reward would be an away tie at Manchester United ten days later.

After today's remarkable home 1-1 draw against the Gunners, the Os fans were chanting, "We're better than Barcelona!" - referencing Arsenal's equally notable 2-1 midweek win against the Catalans in the European Champions League.

The merchandisers are on song too, I see -- with an eBay auction for a video of today's Brisbane Road encounter already up and running. Meanwhile, Orient goalscorer Jonathan Tehoue was not among the seven things the Gunners had been advised to watch out for in East London... a cunning ploy from Matt Simpson (author of Leyton Orient Greats) in the West Stand, no doubt.

Barry Glendenning also makes a good point about the future of the competition that has engineered this little piece of football magic, too: "Leyton Orient's players are as jubilant as you might expect and have just been joined by their chairman Barry Hearn, who looks beside himself with excitement. Hearn featured in the Observer this morning saying it would be crazy to do away with FA Cup replays, and those scenes are proof that further meddling in the format of the FA Cup just to please Premier League titans who can't be bothered to field full-strength teams to win matches first time out would be most unwelcome."

Speaking on Sky Sports News, Hearn says of today's result: "We can play a lot better than that... there's still a long way to go in this tie." He pays tribute to manager Russell Slade and says this is the best Orient team in sixteen years.

The money from the Cup tie will be used to fight the EPL, the Football League and West Ham over the Olympic Stadium issue, he says. "This is going to run longer than an Agatha Christie novel!"
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Half way and more for the Os

2011-02-20T17:36:00.015Z

The BBC's Chris Bevan reports at half-time: "So far, so good for Leyton Orient, who are halfway to a money-spinning replay at the Emirates. They have been out-passed but not outclassed by the Gunners and, for the most part, restricted Arsene Wenger's men to shots from range." The Telegraph's Thom Gibbs adds: "Fair play to Orient... for keeping this game so tight. Arsenal's tactic will surely be to pass their opponents into oblivion and deliver a killer blow when tiredness kicks in at around the 77 minute mark."

The Guardian's feed has rather more entertaining anecdotage, incidentally - including the biscuit saga and fashion news about well-paid commentators and summarisers slumming it in the East End of London. On the football front, Barry Glndenning reports: "Leyton Orient get the second half started and they've a fresh pair of legs on the team. Tom Carroll, who's at Brisbane Road on loan from Spurs comes in for Jason Crowe, who's been struggling with an ankle injury.

53mins: 1-0 Arsenal, courtesy of Tomas Rosicky. Orient are still trying though, and Jonathan Tehoue has added different options and energy up front. Some great stops from Os 'keeper Jamie Jones, too. Time to bring Spurs loanee Harry Kane off the bench, methinks (18.07). He's a goalscorer.

"The hosts appeal for a penalty, but the tide marks on Squillaci's face prove otherwise," says Sam Lyon. Chris Bevan again: "For all Orient's energy and effort, Arsenal have bossed this game from the start. The League One side are looking tired now too - the pitch at Brisbane Road is the biggest in the Football League and chasing the ball for most of the game is taking its toll on the O's, who are running out of time and ideas."

Orient's Smith in action

And then, football being football, Orient equalise! Sam Lyon again: "Incredible! Orient, so adept at late comebacks this season, have done it again - and on the biggest stage of their season so far. Substitute Jonathan Tehoue is the hero, dancing between Kieran Gibbs and Ignasi Miguel and slamming a fierce low shot under Arsenal 'keeper Manuel Almunia's dive and home to send the home fans ballistic. Unbelievable."

18.24: FULL-TIME Leyton Orient 1-1 Arsenal. "What scenes at Brisbane Road. The players are lapping up the acclaim - of which there is more than enough to go around. The home fans are going postal and owner Barry Hearn, understandably, looks just about ready to implode. How sweet will the prospect of a replay taste?"
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Big test for the Orient lads

2011-02-20T17:03:00.002Z

Kevin Scully

In between other tasks, I'm keenly following the progress of Leyton Orient as they take on Arsenal at Brisbane Road in the FA Cup this afternoon. They are, you could say, my "London team". I must have seen them a dozen or more times over the last few years, courtesy of the good man in the picture.

Anyway, concerns about the future of the Os in the light of West Ham's Olympic stadium bid can be put aside for a few hours today, as the Waltham Forest maestros hunt a bit of glory at the expense of Arsene Wenger's crowd-pleasing millionaires.

East end priest, writer and Leyton Orient season ticket holder, Kevin Scully, was (unusually for him) reduced to clichés in the lead up to his team's clash with the Premiership titans. Arsenal are 43 places above the League One side, who often play at home to crowds of fewer than five thousand.

"It will be a big test for the lads in the Cup of Dreams but, by all reports, they are up for it," he said. There is a good delegation coming from Bethnal Green, where Kevin - a good friend - is the Rector of St Matthew's Church. "The afternoon draw means that the supporters from the church can be in both holy places in one day," he added. "I will make sure I am in the appropriate dress for both venues."

Initial impressions are good. A driving 25-yard strike from O's Charlie Daniels on the quarter hour has been the best chance of the game so far. BBC Sport's Chris Beva declares : "Orient promised to get 'in Arsenal's faces' and they have definitely done that so far. The League One side are setting an incredible early tempo."

16.58: "Twenty-six minutes gone at Brisbane Road and Leyton Orient more than holding their own, despite conceding the great majority of possession. Exactly as home boss Russell Slade would have planned."

Fingers crossed. So to speak.
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Sons heading up the table

2011-02-20T00:30:00.002Z

About to kick-off in the second half

This article also appears as the match report on the official DFC website.

On their second League visit of the season to Balmoor, Dumbarton cheered the vocal away support yesterday, beating Peterhead 2-1 with a workmanlike and occasionally inspired performance in tricky conditions.

With a swirling wind making conditions difficult for both teams, Peterhead enjoyed much more of the possession for the opening period of the first half, but failed to capitalise on it.

However, Dumbarton looked more menacing in attack when they did break - with first Pat Walker and then Andy Geggan threatening the home side on the edge of the area.

On 25 minutes Sons pinned back the Blue Toons' defence after a corner floated in by Jordan Halsman. Ryan McStay latched onto the ball a few feet away from the line and turning neatly, slotted it home to open the scoring. 1-0 for Dumbarton.

Ten minutes later, after Peterhead started to press back, a well-worked move involving Pat Walker and Jon McShane created another opportunity for Andy Geggan, but he could not quite summon enough power behind his shot to trouble Toon 'keeper Jon Bateman.

Just before half-time Mark Gilhaney threaded Walker through once more, but Sons could not add to their tally.

In the second period both teams came out with clear attacking intent. However it was Peterhead who struck first, with Stuart Smith scrambling the ball past Stephen Grindlay after it was momentarily slowed down by a muddy patch in front of goal. 1-1.

Suddenly the Toon started to look much sharper. But Dumbarton did not relent. On 57 minutes Ryan McStay tried a 40 yard lob that almost deceived Bateman. Peterhead hit back straight away, and Sons' Ben Gordon had to time a last minute tackle very well to avoid further damage.

Though occasionally looking vulnerable to counterattacks, Dumbarton pushed hard to get in front again. Amidst a series of corners and half chances, Walker struck the upright on 70 minutes and then headed just over the bar from a driving Mark Gilhaney cross.

Finally, on 77 minutes, Jon McShane put Sons 2-1 in front with a sweetly struck winning shot, driven low and hard into the corner of the Peterhead net.

The result extends Sons' unbeaten run to five games, four of them wins, and lifts the team to sixth place in the Irn Bru Second Division.
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A Scottish League, not a regional one

2011-02-19T23:13:00.000Z

This article first appeared as Is 'regionalisation' dead? on the Sonstrust website.

The future of Scottish football still depends on hints, rumours and second- or third-hand reports of meetings behind closed doors. But there is one bit of good news, apparently.

According to the BBC and Jim Spence, “[p]roposals to regionalise the lower divisions in the Scottish Football League are dead”, following the meeting on Thursday 17 February between the SPL, the SFL and the SFA.

Spence quotes one (anonymous) Third Division chair as saying: “Clubs want to play in a Scottish league, not a regional set up. The proposal has gone. It is dead in the water… We are in a consultation period just now with the SPL about their views for the game and we will canvas opinion to see whether there is interest in a pyramid system. But I’m not sure there is any real interest.”

Whether moves towards a pyramid – which many favour on its own terms – is straightforwardly co-terminus with regionalisation of what are now the Second and Third Divisions is a moot point, of course.

Equally, whether the rumour-mill is correct on the demise of the regionalisation proposal remains to be seen. It’s good if it is, but continuing pressure from supporters is necessary – not least because there appears to be much more ambivalence about the idea of SPL ‘colts’ being forced on the lower leagues.

Meanwhile, Sonstrust is pushing Supporters Direct to keep the pressure up. While we are driving forward with membership and publicity, little direct seems to have come out of SD since the gathering of Trusts in Falkirk a month ago (if you’ll pardon the pun!). But we hope to have more to report next week – and behind the scenes, the negotiation with the footballing authorities is ongoing.
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Dead in the water?

2011-02-19T17:43:00.000Z

This article appeared as Is ‘Regionalisation’ Dead? on the Sonstrust website.

The future of Scottish football still depends on hints, rumours and second- or third-hand reports of meetings behind closed doors. But there is one bit of good news, apparently.

According to the BBC and Jim Spence, “[p]roposals to regionalise the lower divisions in the Scottish Football League are dead”, following the meeting on Thursday 17 February between the SPL, the SFL and the SFA.

Spence quotes one (anonymous) Third Division chair as saying: “Clubs want to play in a Scottish league, not a regional set up. The proposal has gone. It is dead in the water… We are in a consultation period just now with the SPL about their views for the game and we will canvas opinion to see whether there is interest in a pyramid system. But I’m not sure there is any real interest.”

Whether moves towards a pyramid – which many favour on its own terms – is straightforwardly co-terminus with regionalisation of what are now the Second and Third Divisions is a moot point, of course.

Equally, whether the rumour-mill is correct on the demise of the regionalisation proposal remains to be seen. It’s good if it is, but continuing pressure from supporters is necessary – not least because there appears to be much more ambivalence about the idea of SPL ‘colts’ being forced on the lower leagues.

Meanwhile, Sonstrust is pushing Supporters Direct to keep the pressure up. While we are driving forward with membership and publicity, little direct seems to have come out of SD since the gathering of Trusts in Falkirk a month ago (if you’ll pardon the pun!). But we hope to have more to report soon – and behind the scenes, the negotiation with the footballing authorities is ongoing.
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Dumbarton secure a vital win at Peterhead

2011-02-19T17:22:00.003Z

Second half tussle at Balmoor

Another good, determined performance saw Dumbarton claim a crucial 2-1 win against Peterhead at a windy and wet Balmoor this afternoon.

After an initial period of possession by the Blue Toon, Sons pushed back and took the lead on 25 minutes, after Ryan McStay latched onto the ball in a goalmouth scramble following a corner floated in by Jordan Halmsan.

Peterhead looked determined and threatening following the break, and struck back when Stuart Smith forced the ball past Stephen Grindlay from close range.

But Sons did not give up. Though looking occasionally vulnerable to counter-attack, they pushed forward resolutely, created several chances and were rewarded when Jon McShane struck a firm, low drive into the bottom corner of the Peterhead net.

The result puts Dumbarton above Airdrie United in sixth place.
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Whether the weather...

2011-02-19T13:29:00.001Z

Driving winds, rain and a bit of snow on the way up to Peterhead from Edinburgh this morning. Ideal conditions for a quality football match! So here we are, enjoying the hospitality of the Blue Toons' social club, hoping that the game goes ahead and Dumbarton get the chance to move further off the bottom of the Second Division. Peterhead return to SHS on Tuesday night, so there are six big points at stake. Well, they're the same size as any other points, but it would make a huge difference if we could claim four, or preferably all, of them. Interim gaffer Alan Adamson commented: "At least now we are looking up the table and not behind us. The lads have been performing very well recently and the win at Fife was particularly pleasing."
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