Saturday 11th August 2018
DUMBARTON slumped to a 2-0 defeat against League One rivals Forfar Athletic in a disappointing first home game of the new season at the C&G Systems Stadium this afternoon.
Neither side grabbed hold of the match in the first 25 minutes, though Sons could have been ahead when Rory Loy nodded a free header wide from Ross Forbes’ cross shortly after the start.
Then on 26 minutes the visitors were in front. Neat footwork from John Baird in the six yard box gave the Forfar striker the momentum to slot home for 1-0.
Dumbarton could have levelled when Calum Gallagher was fouled in the area on 39 minutes. But his mid-height penalty was easily saved by Marc McCallum in the Loons’ goal.
Bobby Barr replaced Gallagher for Sons after the break, but the shape and pace of the game did not change dramatically.
More possession was going to Dumbarton as the second half progressed, but to little effect in the final third.
Then on 70 minutes Forfar struck a killer blow from a breakaway, as Baird raced onto the ball and claimed his and his side’s second goal with a fine stroke into the bottom corner from 18 yards.
Sons had a couple of chances in the last 15 minutes, but could not capitalise on them or find their way back into the game.
Speaking to the media afterwards, gaffer Stevie Aitken called the performance “a wake up call” and said he would be looking for a significant improvement in the next game.
Full match report to follow. Match photos and SonsTV coverage now online.
Simon Barrow