Tuesday 26th August 2014
AFTER bravely leading 2-0 in the second half, Dumbarton were stunned by a late Hibs fightback that gave the home side a 3-2 Scottish League Cup victory at Easter Road tonight.
The first half saw some good open play from both teams, with Hibs attacking hard and coming close on four or five occasions.
Sons looked better organised than at Ibrox, but had to weather some serious pressure. The home side had eight corners before the break.
However, Dumbarton started the second half with determination, running threateningly at their opponents’ back line for the first time in the match.
The reward came on 51 minutes. Mitch Megginson reacted quickly to a Scott Agnew corner glanced on by Colin Nish, making it 1-0 with a half volley.
Eight minutes later Sons were in dreamland. A goalmouth scrap after another corner lead to a crucial second for the visitors.
Mark Gilhaney had the last touch for Dumbarton into the bottom left-hand corner of the net, with the ball just crossing the line.
Then it all unravelled. On 77 minutes Hibs struck back. El Alagui headed in a cross from the right, leaving Sons keeper Danny Rogers stretching in vain.
Shortly afterwards the same player made it 2-2 with a further powerful header from the centre of the area after he was left unmarked.
On the 90th minute Hibernian grabbed the winner with a breathtaking strike into the top corner from substitute Sam Stanton.
Despite the last gasp defeat, Dumbarton will take considerable pride in a boosted performance: one that they now need to take into the league campaign.
Full match report now online. Match photos to follow.
Simon Barrow