Saturday 19th September 2015
TWO second half goals were enough to give Rangers all three points in a 2-1 victory at the Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium this afternoon, despite a resolute performance from Dumbarton and a late consolation goal from the penalty spot.
After an early opportunity for the Blues, Sons has the best two chances of the opening half hour.
First Willie Gibson threatened from a fast, high free kick that flashed past the post and crossbar.
Then Garry Fleming rose above ‘Gers Lee Wallace to head Gibson’s cross onto the woodwork.
The visitors maintained the majority of possession during the first half, hitting the post themselves near the end.
But Sons defended solidly, had more of the chances, and deservedly went in to the dressing room level after 45 minutes.
Dumbarton continued to frustrate their opponents in the opening exchanges of the second half.
Then on 64 minutes Martyn Waghorn opened the scoring for Rangers with a swerving right-footed drive from outside the box that left keeper Mark Brown partially unsighted.
On 73 minutes Sons were reduced to ten men when Kenny Miller burst through and the referee penalised Gregor Buchanan for a late challenge from behind.
Waghorn converted confidently from the resulting penalty kick, making it 2-0 for Rangers.
Brown acrobatically denied the visitors a third goal with minutes to go, before Garry Fleming claimed one back from a spot kick on the cusp of time added on.
Overall it was a brave performance from a well-organised Sons team, but not quite enough to thwart powerful opponents.
Full match report and Sons TV to follow. Match photos now online.
Simon Barrow