A vital win for Dumbarton

THIS season Sons have played far better than this and lost. Today the difference between us and visitors Alloa Athletic was this penalty from Garry Fleming on 42 minutes. 

The result leaves Dumbarton in seventh position in the SPFL Championship, nine points clear of the two relegation spots. There's still work to be done, but this afternoon's graft could prove absolutely vital come the end of April and beginning of May.

(And, yes, since you ask, OnlyJustOffside is back, and will catch up on missing match reports and summaries as soon as possible.)

Time of reckoning

Sons hold Accies in six-goal thriller

This match summary also appears on the official DFC website.

Dumbarton have taken a valuable point from an exciting 3-3 draw against Hamilton Accies away at New Douglas Park.

An amazing last gasp goal, thanks to a superb header from Chris Kane, ensured that Sons deservedly took something from the match -- after Accies had fought back from 2-1 down to lead 3-2 with only minutes to go.

The game started disappointingly for Dumbarton when Hamilton's James Keatings grabbed an opener on three minutes. But Sons were level after 27 minutes thanks to a great strike from Jordan Kirkpatrick.

The visitors went in front on 67 minutes through good work from Andy Graham, given as an own goal by Stephen Hendrie.

Hamilton stormed back. Keatings got his second before Jason Scotland looked to have stolen the match for Accies. Then up popped young Kane to head in at the near post for Sons, with just millimetres to spare.

Dumbarton slipped down one place to fifth in the SPFL Championship, after mid-table rivals Queen of the South beat Livingston, who now travel to the Bet Butler Stadium to face Sons on Wednesday night. The 5th February midweek game begins at 7:45pm.

We hoped it would be the winner

But it wasn't. I didn't quite whip my camera out quite in time after the free kick that set this up was awarded. But I caught 'the end of the goal' that made it 2-1 to Dumbarton on 67 minutes. Sons' Andy Graham put the hard work in, but it went down as a Stephen Hendrie own-goal for Hamilton Accies. we hoped that would seal it, but then James Keatings equalised with bhis second of the afternoon, and Jason Scotland made it 2-3…. before Chris Kane rescued the day. I wish I had captured that one. A sublime header, squeaking in at the near post. Just one point, but we celebrated it like three!

Practice makes… (well, we can hope)

Off to New Douglas Park today, to see the rejuvenated (but on this Saturday, depleted) Dumbarton take on Hamilton Accies. It was sunny in the morning, but the afternoon became progressively more overcast until the rain broke. This picture was from the midway point, about fifteen minutes before kick-off. Shooting practice at the away end. Good stop by young Josh Lumsden. You can actually see the blue sky giving way to grey. It was a battle between those two elements in the game itself, too. It ended 3-3. Another good result, all things considered.

Sons draw with Cowdenbeath

Dumbarton shared the spoils with Cowdenbeath in a 0-0 draw in an energetic game at the Bet Butler Stadium this afternoon.

Sons started the first half with pace, attitude and aggression, but as the tempo slowed down Cowdenbeath gradually came back into the game.

Jordan Kirkpatrick saw an outstanding strike crash against the crossbar, and both Mark Gilhaney and Mitch Megginson came close for Dumbarton. By half-time the game was still goalless, despite chances at both ends.

The visitors were fast out of the starting block after the restart. Kane Hemmings struck the ball over the bar from a rebound off Jamie Ewings' near post.

The Sons 'keeper made a fine save from another break as the Blue Brazil piled on the pressure. At the other end, Megginson was also denied by the woodwork.

The Sonstrust Man of the Match was doughty midfielder Chris Turner. The draw means Dumbarton remain in seventh place in the SPFL Championship.

Cowdenbeath are back at the Rock next Saturday, 2nd November, for a third round William Hill Scottish Cup tie.

[First published on the official DFC website]

Paying the penalty

It was a little difficult to 'take the positives' from Dumbarton's second league game of the season, away against Hamilton Accies this afternoon. But at least Scott Agnew's penalty was something of a consolation in the second half. It didn't sop Sons from losing 4-1, however.

Solid beating for Sons

Dumbarton received a thorough 4-1 beating from Hamilton Accies at New Douglas Park this afternoon, in their first away fixture of the season in the new Scottish Championship.

After a bright start, Sons went behind just before the half hour when the referee adjudged that a follow-through from an Aaron Barry tackle, which caught another player, was a penalty infringement. James Keating made no mistake with the spot kick on 28 minutes.

Two minutes later things went from bad for worse when lax defending allowed Keating to grab his and Hamilton's second of the afternoon. Dumbarton were not able to pull a goal back before the break.

In the second half they tried to press a little more, and on 67 minutes Scott Agnew gave the visitors hope with a sweetly struck penalty after an Accies foul in the area.

For a brief time it looked as if Sons had the momentum and might storm back. But then more lapses allowed Accies' Grant Gillespie (72 minutes) and Anthony Andreu (77 minutes) to put the game well beyond reach.

Next up for Dumbarton is a home match at the Rock against Greenock Morton on Saturday 24th August, before Premiership side Dundee United visit the Bet Butler Stadium on Wednesday 28th in the second round of the Scottish League Cup.
----------

Dumbarton 1 -v- Falkirk 1

Dumbarton secured the first point of their Championship campaign against Falkirk at the Rock this afternoon, pulling back a goal late on to claim a 1-1 draw.

The match started tentatively, but ended with passion and energy. Sons have started poorly over the past few years, taking ten games to pick up a point last season. This time they got going straight away.

The 2013/14 Championship season began with a heart-felt minute's applause for Sons legend Colin McAdam, who died unexpectedly earlier this month.

In the early exchanges, both sides were clearly testing one another. Falkirk appeared more direct and physical than last season. They have a number of promising youngsters in their squad who will take time to bed in.

There was an early panic for the home side, when a half-clearance went to Roberts and almost gave the Bairns an opportunity to break through.

New Sons loan signing Aaron Barry reacted quickly to the oncoming Roberts, but could do little other than to pull him down and was booked.

There were tense exchanges in the middle of the park, with the visitors looking to push forward. Both teams were losing the ball too early.

Then Dumbarton broke through. Garry Fleming went down under a challenge in the box. There were appeals for a penalty.

The referee took a different view however, and Fleming became the second Sons player to be shown a yellow card in a short space of time.

A good chance came Dumbarton's way when Scott Agnew curled in a trademark free kick to give Barry a virtually free header. But the Sheffield United youngster's effort went frustratingly wide.

Shortly after it was Agnew's turn to test Michael McGovern in the Bairns' goal. A short corner came to the playmaker and he unleashed a fierce shot.

The 'keeper was up to the challenge, producing an extraordinary diving save to tip the ball over the bar.

At the other end, Rory Loy got in behind Scott Smith to cuts the ball back for the onrushing Blair Alston, This time it was Jamie Ewings' turn to show his goalkeeping prowess for Dumbarton, saving well.

Both sides then had chances to open the scoring in fairly quick succession. First an attempt by Loy was ruled offside. Then, for Sons, Mark Gilhaney tormented the visiting defence and crashed the ball across goal.

His strike ricocheted off a Falkirk defender, hit McGovern and was somehow scrambled clear by the Falkirk defence.

Barry made a fine tackle to stop Loy once more, as the Bairns pressed forward towards the end of the first half.

However, neither side was able to find the net in the opening 45 minutes, and the match was poised goalless and even at the break.

In the second half, Falkirk upped the pace, and for the first ten minutes or so looked by far the more likely to score. They pressed forward, controlling the ball and forcing Dumbarton onto the back foot.

Just after the hour, the visitors' efforts were rewarded. After a quick breakaway Conor McGrandles positioned himself well and fired the ball at Ewings.

The Sons 'keeper looked as if he had it covered, but it deflected off Andy Graham to give Falkirk a 1-0 lead and send Dumbarton back to the drawing board.

If the home side were deflated, they did not show it for long.

First, however, it was necessary to stop the Bairns pressing their advantage yet further.

Roberts got into a one-on-one situation with Ewings, who saved the ball impressively and then blocked the rebound.

Ian Murray made his first switch of the afternoon on 63 minutes, bringing on Mitch Megginson for Steven McDougall.

The youngster looked keen and busy almost straight away, using his skill and determination to test the visitors' back line.

Dumbarton began to come back into the game. An Agnew shot was pushed away in the midst of a busy penalty area.

Sons were pressing for an equaliser, but it was not coming. The bench decided that it was time for more change.

Popular striker Bryan Prunty, famous for his award-winning overhead kick goal last season, replaced the busy Garry Fleming, who had been starting to tire, to give the line up a more attacking flavour.

There was annoyance for Sons when a promising looking forward move was halted when the referee blew for a knock on Jay Fulton a few seconds earlier. However, the Falkirk man seemed unhurt, and the game resumed.

As the game headed towards a conclusion, Dumbarton were looking ever more urgent in their efforts to find an equaliser.

The reward came on 79 minutes. Great play from Smith held the ball up for substitute Prunty. He took one deft touch and then fired home, leaving McGovern no chance.

At 1-1 it was suddenly all Sons, as the home side surged forward in search of a winner, and Falkirk looked to break back themselves when they had the opportunity.

A later corner for the Bairns looked dangerous, but it was decisively cleared by Barry.

When the final whistle went, Dumbarton had earned their first point of the season with a strong all-round performance, and were rewarded with enthusiastic applause from the sizeable crowd.

Photo: (c) Donald Fullarton.
--------------

Hard fought draw for Sons

Dumbarton secured the first point of their Championship campaign against Falkirk at the Rock this afternoon, pulling back a goal late on to claim a 1-1 draw.

The match started tentatively, but ended with passion and energy. The first half proved a fairly even affair, with chances at both ends. But the teams went in level and goalless at the break.

In the second half Falkirk upped the pace and began to control the game, taking the lead on the hour after a goalmouth scramble. Conor McGrandles did the damage for the Bairns.

But Sons fought back bravely and were rewarded when substitute Bryan Prunty made it 1-1, finishing well at the end of a good move.

As the game drew to a close Dumbarton had several other chances, but could not quite snatch a victory.

-------------

Everyone's a winner...

Sons go down 3-1 at Cliftonhill

DISAPPOINTING Dumbarton lost out 3-1 to an energetic looking Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill Stadium this afternoon.

The curse of the ex-player struck twice in the first half. Former Son John Gemmell scored a brace, including a close range header, to give Albion a big advantage and the visitors an uphill task.

Bryan Prunty pulled one back for Dumbarton with a scrambled goal before the break. But in a low key second period it was the Wee Rovers who maintained overall control of the game, making sure of all three points through a firm, low strike from Robert Love.

There was no way back for Sons after the third goal for Albion. They slip to fifth in the Irn Bru SFL Second Division, but will be seeking to get back on track when Stenhousemuir visit the Rock on Saturday 17th December. (10 Dec 2011)

Dumbarton draw with Forfar Athletic

HAVING led for most of the game, Sons ended up having to share the points in a 1-1 draw with visitors Forfar Athletic at the Rock today.

On a freezing, windy afternoon, Pat Walker put Dumbarton 1-0 up on 16 minutes, but neither team could add to the score before the break.

In the second half, Forfar were much the stronger side. Sons had one strong penalty appeal turned down, and Alan Lithgow saved them with a remarkable clearance off the line.
It looked as if Dumbarton might just hang on for a win until Kevin Motion spoiled the party by heading home for the visitors in the fifth minute of time added on.

Due to other results, Sons now encouragingly occupy the last promotion play-off place on goal difference. Next up is a challenging trip to Albion Rovers on Saturday 10th December.

Sons draw away to Cowdenbeath

DUMBARTON took a significant point in a 0-0 draw on the road against league leaders Cowdenbeath this afternoon.

Conditions at Central Park were grim weatherwise, and both teams struggled to make much of the game - despite chances at both ends, especially towards the close.

Lewis Coult headed close for Cowden on 84 minutes, while Dumbarton's Martin McNiff almost broke the deadlock in the final minute of the match.

The result keeps Sons well in touch with the play-off places in the Irn Bru SFL Second Division. Next up is a visit from Forfar Athletic to the Rock on 3rd December.

Sons draw away to Cowdenbeath

DUMBARTON took a significant point in a 0-0 draw on the road against league leaders Cowdenbeath this afternoon.

Conditions at Central Park were grim weatherwise, and both teams struggled to make much of the game - despite chances at both ends, especially towards the close.

Lewis Coult headed close for Cowden on 84 minutes, while Dumbarton's Martin McNiff almost broke the deadlock in the final minute of the match.

The result keeps Sons well in touch with the play-off places in the Irn Bru SFL Second Division. Next up is a visit from Forfar Athletic to the Rock on 3rd December.

Sons crash out of the Cup at Brechin

DUMBARTON'S road to Hampden was blocked today following a comprehensive 3-0 defeat at Brechin City.

A lacklustre performance from Sons saw them dumped out of the Scottish Cup in tough conditions at Glebe Park.

Malloy opened the scoring for the home side on 26 mins and veteran Charlie King made it 2-0 to City in the 77th minute.

Sons were thrown a lifeline late on when they were awarded a penalty but Gilhanery missed and Walker's follow-up flew wide. This episode summed up the day for Dumbarton.

Substitute Paul McManus wrapped things up for Brechin in stoppage time to seal a deserved win.

Dumbarton win against East Fife

DUMBARTON secured a convincing 3-0 victory over East Fife at the Rock this afternoon, dominating for significant periods of the game and looking much more solid at the back.

In the first half Sons struggled to turn possession into real chances. Then Scott Agnew opened the scoring on 35 minutes with a superbly flighted free kick from a central position.

The visitors came out fighting after the break, but Sons were soon back in control. Good goals from Mark Gilhaney on the hour and Alan Lithgow eight minutes later put the result beyond doubt.

The result means that Dumbarton move into fourth spot in the Irn Bru SFL Second Division. Next up is Brechin City in the Scottish Cup, before a visit to Cowdenbeath in the League. (12 Nov 2011)

Sons lose Final on penalties

SONS' grip on the Stirlingshire Cup, which they had won on the two previous outings, was finally broken tonight, following a 5-4 penalty shoot-out defeat away against Falkirk.

With the match tied at 1-1 after 90 pulsating minutes, the Bairns triumphed in a dramatic spot-kick contest that went to sudden death.

The match sprang to life in 9 mins when Ally Graham expertly headed the opening goal. But Sons drew level through a fine David Winters chip on 38 minutes, and 'keeper Jamie Ewings' heroics kept Sons alive with some superb saves.

Both teams created chances in the second half but could not break the deadlock. As the destiny of the Cup went to penalties, Ryan Borris missed the first kick and Sons had to wait until Falkirk's fifth penalty before Jamie Ewings saved to force a decider.

Youngster Jamie Lyden could not convert, leaving Jay Fulton to fire in the winner. The sizeable Dumbarton travelling support gave a generous ovation to both sides. (1 Nov 2011).

Sons lose to Lichties despite fightback

A DISASTROUS six-minute period in the first half cost Dumbarton dear, as they went down 4-3 to Arbroath at Gayfield, despite a fightback that almost levelled the score late in the match.

Two strikes and a free kick put the Red Lichties in a commanding position before the break, as Sons' defence looked continually vulnerable from crosses and set play situations.

But in a storming second half it was a different story. Battling Dumbarton pulled the score back to 3-2 with goals from Martin McNiff and Scott Agnew. Then just as it looked as if they might equalise, Kevin Nicoll was controversially red carded for a robust tackle.

In a frantic end to a tempestuous match, Arbroath struck again to make it 4-2. Then McNiff claimed his second from a header. But ten-man Sons ran out of time, despite maintaining the pressure right until the end. (5 Nov 2011).

Victory for Sons against Stirling Albion

A SECOND half goal from Scott Agnew sealed a vital 1-0 win for Dumbarton against Stirling Albion at Forthbank this afternoon.

Sons dominated play for large chunks of the first half, but were unable to find and convert the opportunities in front of goal that they needed to consolidate their superiority.

After the break the Binos pushed back hard, but Dumbarton held on and made several chances themselves before Agnew latched on to a ball during a goalmouth scramble late in the game, slotting home past the visitors' 'keeper to give Sons all three points.

Next up is the Stirlingshire Cup Final at Falkirk on Tuesday night, followed by a trip to Arbroath in the league campaign on Saturday. (29 Oct 2011).