Saturday 15th January 2022
DUMBARTON gained a vital and morale-boosting 2-0 win over East Fife at the Moreroom.com Stadium.
Manager Stevie Farrell had hoped to field this week’s two new signings, striker Josh Oyinsan and on loan Rangers keeper Kieran Wright, in his starting line-up for the bottom of the table ‘six-pointer’ at home to the cinch League One bottom side — but Wright was injured in the warm-up so Sam Ramsbottom played.
Making his first appearance as a signed player was Gregg Wylde at left back, with Ross MacLean and Conner Duthie on the wings to provide the crosses. He also fielded a trialist right back, while Kalvin Orsi and Andy Geggan dropped to the bench.
The visitors had an early chance, but Kyle Connell’s curling shot was wide. In the 7th minute Carlo Pignatellio and Duthie linked up well and crossed, and skipper Stuart Carswell nearly had a chance after keeper Scott Gallacher pushed the ball out.
Five minutes later Gallacher cleared after a fine run and shot by MacLean, but Oyinsan could not capitalise. At the other end Ramsbottom pushed away a Ross Davidson effort, then a MacLean cross led to blocked shots by Oyinsan and Duthie.
The towering striker then marked his debut with his first booking in Scottish football. As half-time approached Pignatellio showed skill in sending over crosses, but they were cleared and there was no scoring before the break, despite Sons having the better chances.
In the 55th minute Oyinsan netted his first goal for Sons, nodding home a Wylde cross, then MacLean had the ball in the net but it was ruled off by referee Alan Newlands for a foul on the keeper by Oyinsan. Four minutes later it was 2-0 when Wylde (pictured) slammed a long range shot in off the post.
Paul Paton controlled the ball well and sent in a volley in the 82nd minute, but Gallacher saved. Then Oyinsan was applauded off as he was replaced by Orsi, and with four minutes left Callum Wilson replaced Wylde.
Donald Fullarton