Sunday 2nd January 2022
DUMBARTON’S hopes of a change in fortunes after a poor end to 2021 failed to materialise when they lost to Airdrieonians.
Manager Stevie Farrell fielded an unusual starting eleven against their first foots for this early kick-off match at the Moreroom.com Stadium, with Gregor Buchanan and skipper Stuart Carswell missing out completely, and starts for Callum Wilson and Eoghan Stokes.
Ex-Sons manager Ian Murray fielded three former Sons players, midfielders Scott Agnew and Dylan Easton, and striker Calum Gallagher, with a fourth, full back Rico Quitongo, on the bench.
The visitors were in command in the opening minutes without creating chances, and the first chance came at the other end when a corner fell to Sam Muir, but his low shot was wide. It was a similar story a few minutes later Carlo Pignatiello hit a Muir corner over the bar.
In the 26th minute keeper Sam Ramsbottom pushed a long distance shot from Kerr McInroy over the bar. Shortly afterwards Andy Geggan was booked for a foul on Scott Walker. Two minutes from half-time the visitors hit a corner directly into the net, but it was ruled out because of a foul on Ramsbottom.
Early in the second period an Easton shot was saved, then Ross MacLean shot wide after Pignatiello won possession. The resultant corner was headed wide, and soon after on-loan Hearts striker Ryan Schiavone replaced Kalvin Orsi.
In the 69th minute Easton rolled home a shot from the edge of the area to give his side the lead, and soon after the same player hit the bar with a free kick. Immediately Evan Maley (pictured) made a rare appearance when he replaced Stokes.
Muir then had a bending shot saved, before Rhys McCabe saw his ferocious free kick turned wide by the keeper. With four minutes left Gallagher was replaced by Jordan Allan, who was then booked for a foul on Paddy Boyle.
In the final minute a Muir header followed a Paul Paton shot, but hopes of an equaliser were ended when the ball was hacked clear.
Donald Fullarton