Geggsy's tough call

Despite their torrid time in the SPL, my nearest professional football neighbours, Hibernian, are now in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup, having dispatched First Division Ayr United this afternoon.

Outwith beloved Dumbarton, my sympathy is with fellow Leithers, of course. The taxi-driver who ferried me to a BBC Radio Scotland interview last week is a Hibee, as are many of my neighbours. Following Scottish football from England in my youth, I remember well the Pat Stanton era, the 1973/4 UEFA Cup matches against Leeds United (I have the first-leg programme), and more from Hibs' glorious past.

That said, I'm also an underdog backer, and the Honest Men now have midfielder Andy Geggan, a former Son who gave great service at Dumbarton, with 145 appearances and 9 goals between 2006 and 2011. So I'd have had reason to cheer this one going either way, frankly.

As it turned out, it wasn't Geggsy's day. His bundling over of Isaiah Osbourne at a Hibs corner gave the visitors a penalty, which Wolves loanee Leigh Griffiths put away for his home town club with aplomb. It was a tough call for Geggan, but a fair one.

Andy might have had something at the other end, too. On 55 minutes Ayr's Micheal McGowan sent in a good cross, Geggan fired, but Hibs' Graham Stack made an effective save.

So it was not to be for the First Division side. The Leithers went through 2-0, the other goal coming on 6 minutes from Roy O'Donovan. I'm backing them for the Scottish Cup this year, Celtic notwithstanding.

Catching up...

Yes, I know, it's been ages. Almost six months, to be precise. Some of you may have wondered whether OnlyJustOffside has died. No, it's just been the victim of circumstance - namely a rather crazy work (and life) schedule. Over the next week or so I hope to get up to speed again: particularly curating my Sons View columns, a few newspaper pieces, reports and summaries from the Dumbarton FC site, Changing Scottish Football material, and more. But I'll have to squeeze that in between paid work and other priorities. Hopefully though, "watch this space" will gradually give way to "watch this filled space".

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).

Green versus green

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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Hard fought draw for Sons

DUMBARTON had to settle for a 1-1 draw against ten-man Airdrie United in a tough game at the Rock this afternoon, with both sides missing opportunities to claim three points.
 
A penalty converted by Mark Gilhaney gave Sons the lead on 27 minutes, following a foul against Pat Walker. But the Diamonds were level just eight minutes later, when Jamie Stevenson capitalised on a swift breakaway that left the defence stranded.

The visitors' Kevin Green received a red card for pulling down a clear-through Bryan Prunty before the break. However, in the second half it was Dumbarton who often found themselves pinned back, despite their advantage in numbers.

A late flurry of attacking activity from Sons failed to produce a winner. The two goalkeepers had fine games, denying the forwards on both sides on several occasions.

Dumbarton claim first home win

SONS claimed their first home win of the season with a 2-1 victory against Albion Rovers and ended the first quarter of the campaign on a positive note.

Dumbarton triumphed in a poor game spoiled by blustery conditions thanks to a goal in each half by Ross McKinnon and Scott Agnew.

Steven Lawless gave the Wee Rovers hope with a late strike but the on-loan Motherwell man's effort was too little too late for the visitors allowing Sons to register three points and keep the Coatbridge side at the bottom of the division.

Sons now leap to 7th on 10 points. (18 Oct 2011)

Sons lose to Stenhousemuir

DUMBARTON'S league woes continued against Stenhousemuir, as they went down to a 3-1 defeat on a dark and windy afternoon at Ochilview.

An unstoppable shot from Andy Rogers before the half hour and a well taken header from Ross MacMillan just before the referee blew his whistle to end the first half gave the home side a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break.

Sons had the ball in the net shortly after the restart, but Pat Walker's strike was disallowed for offside. MacMillan made it 3-0 to Stenny with a close range header on 77 minutes. Scott Agnew secured a consolation for Dumbarton shortly afterwards, curling a free kick around the home side's wall.

Next up for Sons is an important game at the Rock against bottom side Albion Rovers on Tuesday night, with Airdrie United the visitors next Saturday. (15 Oct 2011).

Meanwhile, in another era...

Who will reign after Spain?

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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