Saturday 3rd April 2021
DUMBARTON suffered yet another 1-0 defeat at the hands of premier league Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup round three tie at the sunlit C & G Systems Stadium — a repeat of last year’s cup scoreline.
Florian Kamberi shot wide after a Niall McGinn shot was blocked by Robert Jones in the 7th minute as the visitors started positively. Three minutes later Sons keeper Sam Ramsbottom (pictured) made the first of several great saves, pushing away an Ethan Ross effort.
Adam Frizzell had the home side’s first chance in the 15th from a Nick McAllister cross, but he shot over the bar from close range before being pulled down by keeper Joe Lewis. His appeals for a penalty were turned down.
A minute later a McGinn shot came close as the Dons attacks continued. In the 30th minute a Morgyn Neill header was just missed by Ryan McGeever. Then Ramsbottom made another brilliant save to defy Lewis Ferguson, then Nat Wedderburn madea fine block.
Sons best chances came in the 38th minute when Neill headed down but McGeever’s shot lacked power. Half-time arrived with no score, and at the restart Rabin Omar replaced Tomas Brindley.
Omar made an immediate impact, coming close to beating Lewis, then Frizzell shot wide. However Aberdeen began to take control, and ex-Son Ross McCrorie came close, then Jonny Hayes volleyed over the bar. At the other end the powerful Robert Jones was impressing as he challenged defenders.
Sons continued to defend bravely until the 84th minute when Callum Hendry made space for himself and gave Ramsbottom no chance with a low shot into the corner. Soon after, Rico Quitongo and PJ Crossan replaced Frizzell and Jones.
Jim Duffy’s men took tremendous credit from this performance, but now it is back to the League One survival struggle.
Donald Fullarton