Saturday 23rd October 2021
DUMBARTON finished with eight men and no points after losing 3-2 to Airdrieonians in an action-packed and controversial match.
Stevie Farrell’s men arrived at the Penny Cars Stadium after successive heavy defeats and the loss of eight goals without reply.
Given a start up front, for the first time in a senior game, was young on loan Hearts striker Ryan Schiavone, Andy Geggan and Paul Paton started in midfield with Joe McKee and Callum Wilson, with Kavin Orsi and skipper Stuart Carswell on the bench.
It was not a good start. Rhys McCabe converted a penalty in the 7th minute after Gregor Buchanan was adjudged to have tripped Callum Smith. Three minutes later a Schiavone lob went wide, then a low cross from Carlo Pigniatello was hit over the bar by McKee.
After Paton was booked for dissent Wilson came close, and in the 25th minute Sons equalised when McKee set up Ross MacLean (pictured) to shoot under keeper Max Currie. Another chance followed when Pignatiello set up McKee who headed over.
The home side came close three minutes before half-time when ex-Son Adam Frizzell advanced to the edge of the box, but could not hit the target. Geggan then became the fourth Son booked by referee Scott Lambie following Buchanan, skipper for the day Ryan McGeever and Paton, and the interval arrived with the sides level.
The visitors had an early chance after the break when MacLean set up Wilson, whose shot was saved. Two minutes later Ian Murray’s side were awarded another penalty, MacLean was sent off, then keeper Sam Ramsbottom saved McCabe’s spot kick.
In the 62nd minute the home side had the ball in the net, but it was ruled out for offside. Carswell replaced Wilson, but soon after Frizzell had two efforts saved by Ramsbottom. However with Sons down to ten men Schiavone was impressing as a lone striker.
McGeever went off injured, with Conner Duthie coming on, then Orsi replaced the hard working Schiavone. In the 83rd minute Ramsbottom and McKee made it seven Sons bookings.
Chances followed for Paton and ex-Son Calum Gallagher, then Buchanan was sent off and Sons were down to nine men. Worse followed when Dylan Easton netted an 89th minute goal, and Geggan was red-carded.
Paul Paton then equalised, but Salim Koiuder-Assia netted the winner in the sixth minute of added time.
Donald Fullarton