Tuesday 5th April 2016
DESPITE a gutsy performance, Dumbarton went down 1-0 at Ibrox tonight, as Rangers claimed the Ladbrokes SPFL Championship in the closing stretch of an eventful season.
Sons were under pressure for most of the opening period, but remained solid and resolute in defence.
Midway through the half, and again towards its conclusion, Dumbarton managed to break forward a few times, but never really looked like threatening a buoyant Rangers side.
After the break it was more of the same. Finally, with 50 minutes on the clock, Dumbarton’s determined resistance was broken down.
Rangers’ James Tavernier found some space on the edge of the area and swung a shot wide of Sons’ keeper Jamie Ewings to make it 1-0 to the home side.
On 72 minutes Christian Nade, up front on his own for most of the match, flashed in a drive from 25 yards which Wes Foderingham just managed to scramble away.
Rangers kept up the pressure for the last 15 minutes of the game, but neither side was able to find a further breakthrough.
The whole team are already receiving plaudits for a fine display, with particular credit going to goalkeeper Jamie Ewings.
The attendance this evening of 48,568 constitutes the largest crowd Dumbarton, Scotland’s original champions, have ever played in front of in their proud 134 year history.
With Hibs beating Livingston, Sons retain their two point lead and game in hand over their nearest rivals, one place clear of the play-off spot in the drop zone.
Full match report, comment, match photos and Sons TV now online.
Simon Barrow
