SONS BEAT BUDDIES AND SECURE SURVIVAL

Saturday 23^rd April 2016

THERE were exultant scenes at the Rock this afternoon, as Dumbarton beat St Mirren 2-1 to secure their place in the SPFL Championship.

Livingston’s 3-1 defeat away to Queen of the South means that they now go into the League One play-offs.

Sons started the first half slowly, and on ten minutes St Mirren found themselves in front.

A long throw in caught the home defence napping, allowing Calum Gallagher in to open the scoring for the Buddies with a well-timed strike.

Moments later Sons were within a post width of equalising. Steven Saunders met a corner well on the far side, but his header struck the post.

Both sides had chances as the half progressed, but it was Dumbarton who equalised before the break.

Mark Docherty overlapped Tom Walsh, driving the ball into the box, where it was inadvertently turned in by Saints’ Keith Watson to level the score.

The second half started in the best possible way for Sons, as the ball fell to Garry Fleming (pictured), who hit it first time on the volley from 20 yards right into the top corner of the net for a spectacular 2-1 lead.

St Mirren tried everything to get level again after that, but to no avail as Dumbarton defended valiantly and pressed back on the break.

At the final whistle the home end of the Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium erupted in celebration as the news of Sons’ survival – another incredible achievement – was announced.

The Sonstrust Man of the Match was selected by our visiting Swiss fans, who gave the honour to Gregor Buchanan.

Full match report, comment and Sons TV to follow.

Simon Barrow