Sunday 12th March 2017
SAM STANTON has never been so happy to put a team 3-0 up.
Because after the events of Dumbarton’s previous home game, his goal against Raith Rovers yesterday removed any doubt.
The forward admitted that a small element of caution crept in when Sons took a 2-0 lead against the Kirkcaldy club.
After the Ayr United game, when his two goals were cancelled out in injury time, Dumbarton had to be on their guard – but Sam’s goal two minutes after the restart settled any nerves.
In the end Sons were convincing 4-0 winners on a day when every player stood up and was counted.
And Sam, who turned in a convincing personal performance, was happy to help them to the result.
He said: “I’m happy with that. It’s pleasing as always to get another goal but the three points are more important.
“It was a win we all needed as we let a lot of people down last week at Dunfermline, including ourselves. We were all gutted about how that worked out so to bounce back the way we did was excellent.
“When we went 2-0 up I think the Ayr match was on everybody’s mind. It was all about keeping it tight and ensuring that we avoided a repeat of what happened in that game.
“We concentrated a lot more on the game and after we got the third goal that took some pressure off.
“The third goal came at a good time. It settled everybody down and gave us the character to play. We also defended really well and ensured a clean sheet.”
The only thing is that Sam can’t build on his performance next week.
As Dumbarton travel to face his parent club Hibernian, the on-loan player can’t take part in the match at Easter Road.
He will have a foot in each camp as he sits in the stand watching, but is excited for Sons to get the chance to take on the leaders – and won’t rule them out of getting a result.
And once the Leith trip is done, he’s aiming to get straight back into action in Dumbarton’s next game, a huge fixture away to Ayr United.
He added: “I’m looking forward to the game next week even though I’m unable to play. If Dumbarton can get another result then that will be great for the survival bid.
“I’m gutted that I can’t play as I want to play in every game, but I’m sure the players who do play will give it their best shot.
“Dumbarton certainly have a good chance. They lost narrowly the last time they went to Easter Road and it is exciting for them to play against these teams.
“If Dumbarton get a result against Hibs then I can’t expect to get my place back, but I hope to be involved against Ayr. That is a massive game.”
Andy Galloway