Wednesday 16th May 2012
SONS put in another gutsy display at the Rock this evening, claiming a crucial 2-1 win against strong Airdrie United opposition to gain the advantage in the Irn Bru SFL First Division Playoff final.
In a pulsating first half, Dumbarton absorbed some sustained pressure before pushing back and bursting into what looked like a commanding two-goal lead.
First Bryan Prunty clipped the ball past visiting ‘keeper Grant Adam after good work from Mark Gilhaney and Pat Walker. Then, two minutes later, Tony Wallace scored with a spectacular header from Scott Agnew’s free kick on the wing.
Airdrie United threw themselves forward with abandon. Their reward came after Wallace was adjudged to have committed a foul inside the box.
Goalie Stephen Grindlay made a fine save from Jamie Bain’s spot kick, but the Diamond’s forward slammed the rebound into the roof of the net before Sons’ defence had a chance to react.
After the break Airdrie United stepped up the pressure. Sons defended stoutly but sometimes rode their luck, as neither side could quite find a cutting edge up front. Ally Graham provided a fresh injection of pace for Sons, but the Diamonds were winning too much in the middle of the park in the second half.
Nevertheless, Dumbarton held on valiantly and now take a slender but vital lead to New Broomfield on Sunday 20th May, where they are just 90 minutes away from winning promotion to the First Division.
Full match report now online. Also watch the video highlights on Sons Player.
Simon Barrow