Tuesday 6th October 2020
GAFFER Jim Duffy was impressed with the efforts of his players in tonight’s game against Dunfermline Athletic and felt the way the game was lost was harsh.
Dumbarton went down 1-0 to the Pars in their opening Betfred Cup tie, with a controversial penalty making the difference.
Morgyn Neill was adjudged to have handled in the area on 27 minutes, with Kevin O’Hara stepping up to score from the spot.
Despite the scoreline, the manager felt there were positives to take, although his injury woes were added to by Stefan McCluskey going off with a dislocated shoulder after landing awkwardly.
Jim said: “We competed really well against a very good side, but I am really frustrated with how we have lost the game.
“We have had meetings with referees and it was explained that if the ball bounces up and hits a player’s hand, it is not a penalty.
“That is exactly what happened and that is what baffles me. I am not disputing that the ball has hit Morgyn’s arm but the meeting was only yesterday and I am really confused.
“Dunfermline are a very good side who are capable of winning the game so I have no complaints about that, but it is just really frustrating.
“We also went close when PJ Crossan was very unlucky with the shot that hit the post.”
The usual dugouts were not in use tonight, with the front of the stand on either side of the tunnel being used as technical areas.
On his new vantage point, Jim said: “I don’t mind sitting there. I am a bit detached from the game and it’s not quite as animated, but sometimes it’s good to take a step back.
“We can look at the first game from there, and we knew it was going to be extremely difficult. We have a very limited squad but we enjoyed it. There were some frustrating things, but it’s good to be back to competitive football again.”
Andy Galloway