DUMBARTON have cruelly been knocked out of the Scottish Cup after a late 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
Despite Killie being overwhelming favourites, Sons more than held their own in the opening stages of the game.
The closest chance for either side was when Joe Wright shot over in space for Kilmarnock.
Half time arrived with the clean sheet intact, and hope just slightly increasing that the large and vocal away support, reported as 300 strong, would have something to cheer.
The second half started in even more promising fashion, with a David Wilson (pictured) shot turned away by the home keeper. Gregg Wylde could not convert the loose ball but was flagged offside in any case.
Kilmarnock pressed and pressed, and with five minutes left, a Christian Doidge shot rolled against the post and was scrambled clear.
But in the 90th minute, Jordan Jones rolled home the winner after the ball spun loose in the box.
It is the fourth season in a row Sons have exited the Scottish Cup to top flight opposition with a 1-0 scoreline. An all too familiar feeling, but as with the other three, an outstanding effort which deserved better.
League business resumes for Sons next Saturday, at home to Bonnyrigg Rose.