Match Report

Deryn Lang bagged a goal, an assist and the Man of the Match prize as Dumbarton’s Premier Sports Cup campaign ended with victory against Cove Rangers.

The summer signing from Stranraer set up Leighton McIntosh for an early opener, before finishing off a slick team move for his first goal as a Son against the League One Toonsers.

Having enjoyed a week without any midweek fixtures, boss Frank McKeown made one change to the side that had lost an eight goal thriller against East Kilbride a week previous – as Josiah Sowa replaced Kai Kirkpatrick.

In perfect conditions at their adopted Coatbridge home, Sons got off to the perfect start – as they took the lead with just six minutes played.

Tenacious play from Deryn Lang robbed Ryan Harrington of possession in his own penalty area, and he kept his cool to square to former Cove man Leighton McIntosh – who drilled a low finish beyond Balint Demus for his third goal in two matches.

A huge chance followed soon after for Sons to double their lead.

Scott Honeyman’s clever pass sent Lang in on goal, but he attempted to dink the ball over the onrushing Demus – and the big keeper gratefully plucked it out of the air.

Josiah Sowa’s pace made him the next man to threaten, as he raced onto a Tommy Robson pass and cut the ball across the face of goal but found no takers. With Mikey Doyle recycling the ball from the other side, but also failing to find a teammate.

Goalscorer McIntosh then let rip with a dipping 25 yard half-volley that ruffled the roof of the net, before the visitors started to grow into things.

Ex-Cove captain Mikey Doyle was perfectly placed to clear former Scotland international Chris Maguire’s effort off the line – before Sons keeper Aidan Rice did well to clutch a Liam Parker header at the far post.

The half ended as it had started however, with Dumbarton on top.

Another slick interchange on the edge of the area created an opening for McIntosh, who flashed wide with Demus at full stretch – before the Hungarian keeper superbly denied Scott Honeyman after Josh Todd’s pass had carved open the away side’s defence.

Cove boss Paul Hartley made a switch at the break as Edimond Oppong replaced Reuben McAllister, and the Toonsers were the first to threaten in the second-half, with Destiny Oladipo turning sharply before drilling just wide of the far corner.

That jolted the hosts back into life however, as Sons went in search of a killer second goal.

Another good save from the busy Demus denied Leighton McIntosh from the edge of the box.

More driving play from Deryn Lang saw the forward dig out a cross for Josiah Sowa. The Canadian winger’s first touch with his chest was superb to cut inside, but his second saw him blaze a volley high and wide.

Sons wouldn’t have to wait long for that all-important second goal however, with Lang getting the strike that his performance had deserved.

A patient spell of play saw Scott Honeyman’s superb cross-field pass set Mikey Doyle racing clear, with his cross perfect for the onrushing Lang to guide a header beyond the full stretch Demus and into the net.

Former Son Jordan White went in search of an immediate reply for Cove, as he was sent in on goal – but Aidan Rice spread himself well to deny the veteran with a big stop.

That would be the last action of note as a raft of changes for both sides broke up the game’s rhythm, as Sons celebrated a first victory and first clean sheet of the new season ahead and just a second ever win against Cove Rangers.

Dumbarton 2

5′ Leighton McIntosh, 64′ Deryn Lang

Cove Rangers 0

Yellow card: 84′ Mark Souter

Referee: Graham Grainger
Attendance: 124

Post-match reaction

Match photos