Wednesday 28th August 2013
IT was a case of so near but so far for Dumbarton this evening, as Dundee United reached the third round of the Scottish League Cup with a narrow 3-2 win at the Bet Butler Stadium.
In a fast-paced opening 45 minutes, Dundee United enjoyed more of the chances, but Dumbarton defended well, held their own in the middle of the park, and pushed forward when they could.
With the game fairly evenly balanced, Sons delighted the vocal home support by taking the lead on 34 minutes. Paul McGinn found Kevin Smith with an artful cross. The front man controlled, turned and fired home to make it 1-0.
Dumbarton retained the lead through to the break. In the second half, the visitors hit the ground running. It was substitute Nadir Ciftci who broke back for United on 69 minutes, before Ryan Gauld put them in front for the first time eight minutes later.
As the clock ticked down, Sons stormed back thanks to an impressive equaliser from Mitch Megginson on 87 minutes. Then just as it looked as if the game was heading for extra time, indecision at the back cost the home side dear. Ciftci slipped through to claim his second and Dundee United’s third and winning goal.
It was an spirited and brave performance for Dumbarton against Premiership opposition, and they were unlucky not to get something out of the match.
Full match and photos now online.
Simon Barrow