Saturday 21st August 2021
WITH both sides having poor defensive records, a goalfest was expected when Dumbarton faced Cove Rangers at the Rock, and so it turned out — with Cove winning 3-1.
Manager Stevie Farrell, who missed last Saturday’s defeat away to Queen’s Park, reshuffled his side, with the very promising Callum Wilson starting between Ross MacLean and David Hopkirk behind striker Kalvin Orsi, and Paul Paton lining up alongside skipper Stuart Carswell in midfield.
Both sides probed in the opening minutes, without creating any chances until David Hopkirk shot straight at keeper Kyle Gourlay.
But midway through the half Paul Hartley’s men scored twice, first through their skipper, ex-Son Mitch Megginson, then a minute later with a looping header from midfielder Robbie Leitch. It was the fourth successive game Sons found themselves 2-0 down.
Three minutes later a good strike from Hopkirk came close, then a great cross from Carswell gave Orsi a heading opportunity. In the 38th minute Edin Lynch got clear of his marker, but his header was off target. Half-time arrived with no further scoring.
The second half had barely started when Carswell (pictured) pulled one back with a great free kick, and keeper Sam Ramsbottom then saved from striker Megginson. At the other end Gourlay saved well from MacLean.
In the 73rd minute Conner Duthie replaced Hopkirk, and seven minutes later Eoghan Stokes replaced Carswell as Sons pushed for an equaliser. Then a Wilson free kick was just missed by Gregor Buchanan in a good position.
In the 83rd minute the visitors were awarded a penalty, and veteran striker Rory McAllister made it 3-1 from the spot to wrap up the three points.
Donald Fullarton