Thursday 18th July 2013
THERE was plenty of energy on display in a high scoring friendly between Dumbarton and Queens Park at Lesser Hampden this evening.
However, despite a second half revival from Sons, it was the Third Division side who ran out winners, with three of their goals coming before the break and two resulting from penalties.
Dumbarton had more of the game in the first period. But they could not turn possession into scoring advantage and looked vulnerable to fast counter-attacking moves.
In the second half, the match turned on its head. Within 20 minutes of the restart, Scott Agnew had claimed a hat-trick.
One of his three goals came from the spot, one from open play and a third from a beautifully curled free kick.
Sons then added a fourth goal courtesy of substitute Jordan Kirkpatrick, who supplied a confident, well-angled finish on the end of a good set-up.
In between, Agnew missed another penalty for Dumbarton, while Queens Park gained what turned out to be their winner from their second spot kick.
It was a strange game overall. There were plenty of positives for Sons, but it is clear that they need to rectify defensive slips before the new season gets underway.
Next up is the Stirlingshire Cup Final against Falkirk. The match takes place on Tuesday 23rd July at the Bet Butler Stadium, starting at 7.30pm. There is no game for Dumbarton this coming Saturday.
[Photo: Tommy Hughes]
Full match report and additional photo now online.
Simon Barrow