Wednesday 2nd May 2018
DUMBARTON snatched a vital last minute goal to beat Arbroath 2-1 in the first leg of semi-final of the Championship play-off at Gayfield tonight.
The opening spell was scrappy, with both sides vying for early dominance but not providing any shape to the game.
On 24 minutes Sons’ first real attack of the game saw Arbroath keeper David Hutton pull off a fine one-handed save after a glancing header from Danny Handling.
Tom Walsh attacked the follow up, but that was also saved before the offside flag went up.
The only other big chance before the break fell to Arbroath. But thankfully for Sons the ball flashed wide across the front of the goal.
The second half began with the Red Lichties pressing forward. It was Dumbarton who went in front on 55 minutes, however.
Andy Stirling’s ball to the back post was knocked back across goal by Walsh and nodded in by Callum Gallagher for 1-0 to the visitors.
On 63 minutes Arbroath were level when Bobby Linn headed home from a free kick outside the area.
Suddenly the hosts were on fire. It took a fabulous save from Sons goalie Scott Gallacher to stop them taking the lead.
But Dumbarton had the dramatic final say after a ferocious spell right at the end.
In the third minute of time added on Craig Barr headed in from close range after the first snap was blocked.
Sons now go into the second leg with a crucial 2-1 lead.
Full match report, photos, reaction and SonsTV coverage to follow.
Simon Barrow