DUMBARTON have lost 2-1 at home to Elgin City, with problems of their own making.
After struggling to create any clear openings early on, Sons fell behind on 16 minutes when Kane Hester stroked the ball home from close range.
They were then fortunate not to be 2-0 down, as only heroic goalkeeping by Brett Long denied Elgin in a goalmouth scramble.
But with two minutes of the first half remaining, Ryan Blair thrashed home a ferocious free kick from 20 yards.
Four minutes into the second half, Dumbarton had it all to do again, with Russell Dingwall converting a bizarrely conceded penalty.
Sons looked to get forward in the second half, but any threat to equalise was minimal and a first home defeat of the league season was registered.
It is a quick return to action for Sons when they are at home again on Tuesday night, against Stenhousemuir.
