Saturday 22nd March 2014
DESPITE dominating most of the first half and enjoying a number of chances, Dumbarton had the game snatched from their grasp, losing 1-0 a late defensive mix-up at home to Dundee.
Sons forced their top-of-the-table opponents back into their own half for much of the first 45 minutes, but just could not find the net.
When Dees ‘keeper Kyle Letheren fumbled the ball into his own goal, Dumbarton players, staff and fans alike were convinced they had taken the lead. However referee Brian Colvin had already blown his whistle for a push at the back.
After the break Dundee started to regain the initiative, looking increasingly dangerous in the final third.
The fatal blow came when Sons goalie Stephen Grindlay was forced to head the ball clear from the edge of his area after some lax defending, and substitute Peter MacDonald beat him with a shot from a tight angle as he rushed back to his line.
It looked as if Dumbarton could claim back a deserved point when Chris Kane was fouled in the area near the end of a competitive match. But Bryan Prunty’s penalty kick was too near Letheren, who clawed it away.
Speaking after the game, Sons manager Ian Murray commended his players for an excellent display before the break, and expressed “huge disappointment” at taking nothing from the game after so much effort.
Defender Mark McLaughlin was awarded the Sonstrust Man of the Match award for a stalwart display at the back.
Next up for Dumbarton is a series of three away games against Falkirk, Livingston and Morton.
It’s a tough schedule, but the team will be determined to grab back the initiative in the SPFL Championship promotion play-off race.
Full match report and photos now online.
Simon Barrow