Saturday 10th April 2021
DUMBARTON’S hopes of two wins in a row were dashed when the long journey north to Aberdeenshire ended in a 1-0 defeat at the hands of second-placed Cove Rangers.
Paying their first ever visit to the Balmoral Stadium, Sons got off to a bright start, with Rabin Omar (pictured) heading just wide from a PJ Crossan assist. At the other end former Son Mitch Megginson, the Cove captain, had a shot held by keeper Sam Ramsbottom.
In the 16th minute a Fraser Fyvie shot from distance was just wide. Next Rico Quitongo blocked one free kick, then Ramsbottom saved another. Half-time arrived with the scoresheet blank.
The home side took the lead in the 55th minute through the ever-dangerous prolific striker Rory McAllister, who tried to force the ball over the line after Ramsbottom made a great save from a corner. Claims the ball did not cross the line were waved aside by ref David Lowe.
In the 68th minute the Sons keeper kept out a swerving strike from Fyvie, and this was followed by a triple change for the visitors, Adam Frizzell, Robert Jones and Nat Wedderburn coming on for Crossan, Omar and Tomas Brindley.
Ten minutes later Conner Duthie and James Wallace replaced Sam Wardrop and Jaime Wilson in a late push to take something from the game. Duthie had a shot saved by keeper Stuart McKenzie, then Connor Smith hit the post at the other end.
The final whistle arrived to herald another 1-0 defeat for Dumbarton. Match report and photos now online.
Donald Fullarton