Sunday 20th September 2015
DUMBARTON boss Stevie Aitken has expressed appreciation for the efforts of his squad in this weekend’s match against Rangers.
Despite losing 2-1, Sons were the first Championship side this season to deny the Ibrox men a first half goal, keeping the match even for over an hour.
“I thought the players competed really well,” said the gaffer after a competitive game at the Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium.
“In the first half we kept them to one shot on goal from 30 yards, hit the post ourselves and had other chances.
“The difference between the sides was that we switched off a slight second for the first goal and made a bad mistake for the second one, which ultimately cost us the game.”
He continued: “In terms of how far we’ve come in a short period of time – we only put this group together 12 weeks ago – and the fact that we can compete with a team that we all know is going to win the league, I’m really proud of the players.
“I’m pleased with their efforts. They gave a good account of themselves.
“It’s always difficult playing against the big sides in terms of effort, and there’s a few tired legs now – but I’m proud of all of them.”
“At one-nothing you’ve always got a chance; two-nothing makes it difficult.
“I’m delighted we got the goal at the end. The supporters went away happy with that, and I think we deserved it from the effort we put in.
“Overall I’m happy how the team played,” concluded Aitken in his post-match interview.
Next up for Sons is a trip to Kirkcaldy to face Raith Rovers on Saturday 26th September, before the visit of Livingston to the Rock at the beginning of October.
Simon Barrow