Wednesday 28th April 2021
THERE was more than three points for Conner Duthie to be relieved about when his shot hit the net for Dumbarton against Forfar Athletic.
With two minutes remaining, and the game fading into a goalless stalemate, he found the ball coming his way from PJ Crossan’s low cross.
Then he heard a voice behind him. It was Ross Forbes claiming a shot set up perfectly for his left foot.
It would be a brave player to deny him that opportunity and take it on himself. Conner was that player.
The gamble paid off. One swing of the left boot, the ball rippled the net, Dumbarton had three priceless points.
He’d only come on to the field less than 10 minutes earlier, replacing Adam Frizzell, but he did so with only one thing on his mind.
In the end, he had more of a triumph than just the team winning, although that was his priority.
It came in unique circumstances as well, with the postponement of Clyde’s game against East Fife adding extra intrigue to the evening.
Speaking to www.dumbartonfootballclub.com, Conner said: “To be honest, it was more just going on thinking that we needed a result. It was more about the boys than individuals.
“When the ball came to me I could hear Ross behind me, but being left footed I thought it was a chance I had to take.
“Fortunately I hit it cleanly and it hit the back of the net, so everybody was delighted.
“I know that Ross probably has the best left foot at the club, so if it hadn’t gone in he’d have been right on my case.
“We were just glad to get the three points in the end and we’re now looking forward to Saturday.
“We just knew we had to concentrate on our own games, rather than the games involving those around us.
“As long as we get the points we need we don’t need to worry about Clyde or anybody else.”
Conner and Robert Jones celebrate last night’s winner. Copyright Andy Scott Photos 2021.
It is now on to Saturday’s crunch game away to Clyde, with the Bully Wee having a trip to Forfar tomorrow evening while Sons have the night off.
While Conner enjoyed his moment in the sun last night, another three points will be the important thing at Broadwood.
He added: “The boys will be up for the game on Saturday. We know we need a result but the games are going to be tough and we’ll need to play well.
“We’ve been playing Saturday/Tuesday this week and next and I think it’s a good thing were not playing on Thursday. It gives the boys a rest after all the games we’ve had.
“All the games have been hard, especially with the split in the league. We do have some decent teams but East Fife on Saturday was probably the biggest team to play.
“As long as we are getting the results in, that’s the most important thing. It’s good to get a goal or two, but more about the team and if we can produce the goals that’s the key thing.
“We’ll be ready for another tough game on Saturday.”
Andy Galloway