Dumbarton’s first public friendly ahead of the 2023/24 campaign ended in defeat against Hebburn Town on Saturday.
The Northern Premier League Division One East side ran out 3-2 winners in a competitive affair at The Rock.
Dean Briggs had fired the visitors ahead before Jinky Hilton, one of eight players wearing a Dumbarton jersey for the first time, finished well from Carlo Pignatiello’s low cross to level things up.
Olly Martin then restored Hebburn’s lead when he capped off a swift counter attack before Amar Purewal glanced in a header from a long free-kick to make it 3-1 on the stroke of half-time.
Ross MacLean stroked the ball home from close range to half the deficit on the hour but Sons couldn’t find an equaliser despite seven substitutes being introduced.
Dumbarton are back in pre-season action on Tuesday when Premiership side St Mirren visit G82 before a trip to Workington on Saturday.