Saturday 14th March 2015
RUNAWAY Championship leaders Hearts inflicted a sweeping 4-0 defeat on Dumbarton at Tynecastle this afternoon, despite a real effort from the visitors.
While Hearts had significantly more of the possession in the first half, Sons defended doggedly and created a couple of decent chances themselves.
The best came when Chris Duggan shrugged off challenges from Callum Paterson and Alim Ozturk before having his angled strike at the near post blocked by Neil Alexander.
Once again Dumbarton keeper Danny Rogers came to his side’s rescue with a couple of fine saves — the second a finger-tip effort high and to his right to deny Osman Sow. The ball hit the crossbar and the alert goalie collected the rebound.
Sons pressed early after the break, but it was the home side who took the lead as Sow converted from a goalmouth scramble following a corner. The visitors’ protests about an apparent foul on Rogers were ignored.
Hearts looked as if they might extend their 1-0 lead as the half progressed, but Dumbarton remained disciplined and resolute at the back for the next period.
Eventually the Championship leaders’ pressure paid off, as captain Danny Wilson headed home to make it 2-0 after finding far too much space in the area.
From then on it was largely one-way traffic, though late on Sons put several good moves together before Hearts sub Billy King made it 3-0 with a fine solo effort and then hammered in a fourth right at the end.
Before the match began there was a well-observed minute’s silence for departed Scotland legend Dave MacKay. Both teams wore black armbands in respect.
Next up for Sons is a trip to Livingston next Saturday.
Full match report to follow. Match photos and Sons TV now online.
Simon Barrow