Friday 23rd November 2012
DEFENSIVE slips cost Dumbarton dear at East End Park this afternoon, as the visitors went down 4-0 to joint First Division leaders Dunfermline Athletic.
Sons put in a generally solid first half performance, and might even have gone one up when a powerful Alan Lithgow header went just over the crossbar.
But then just after the half hour Pars’ Josh Falkingham was allowed to cruise in behind the defence, nodding the ball in to give the home side the lead.
Six minutes later a calamitous mix up at the back made it 2-0 to Dunfermline. Andy Graham’s clearance attempt just failed, and went down as on own goal.
What began as a low key second half was sparked by controversy on 68 minutes. Dumbarton ‘keeper Stephen Grindlay was sent off after Joe Cardle fell in the area. Ryan Wallace converted the spot-kick to make it 3-0.
A couple of fine clearances off the line prevented further damage to ten-man Sons, as Dunfermline pushed forward in search of more goals. But just before the end Cardle unleashed an unstoppable drive give the home side a 4-0 victory.
Next Saturday Dumbarton have a break from league action with a fourth round Scottish Cup tie against Hamilton Accies at the Bet Butler Stadium.
Full match report and photos now online.
Simon Barrow