Saturday 17th September 2016
DUMBARTON secured one point from a lively 1-1 league draw against visitors St Mirren at the Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium this afternoon.
There were opportunities for both sides during the opening quarter of an hour. Robert Thomson and Daniel Harvey came close for Sons, with Gary Mackenzie almost getting a goal for Saints.
Then on 16 minutes Dumbarton opened the scoring. David Smith drove the ball across the six yard box and Andy Stirling (pictured) was on hand to slot home at close range to give his side a 1-0 lead.
The match remained even until, on 41 minutes, St Mirren’s loanee from Rangers, Ryan Hardie, found plenty of room in the box to place a header into the corner of the net and equalise for the visitors.
In the opening spell of the second half Sons had a raft of chances but were thwarted by Saints’ goalie Gallagher. Joe Thomson, Daniel Harvie, David Smith and Josh Todd all can close to putting Sons back in front.
By 70 minutes Dumbarton appeared well on top, securing seven corners in a row. But still they could not find the back of the net.
At the other end it took a brilliant one-handed save from Sons’ keeper Alan Martin to push a Callum Gallagher effort wide before Hardie came perilously close.
As the match neared its conclusion there was a frantic scramble by both teams in vain search of a last minute winner.
In the end an honourable 1-1 draw leaves St Mirren still perched at the foot of the Championship table. Dumbarton drop to eighth position on five points from six games, two points and two places above today’s visitors.
Next up for Sons is a trip to Kirkcaldy in seven days time to face Raith Rovers on Saturday 24th September.
Full match report, Sons TV, and reaction to follow. Match photos now online.
Simon Barrow