Things are (still) looking up

Cookie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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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