Saturday 30th October 2021
DUMBARTON’S run of defeats continued when they lost 2-1 to League One’s bottom side East Fife.
With Ross MacLean, Gregor Buchanan and Andy Geggan suspended and Ryan McGeever injured, manager Stevie Farrell had to reshuffle his side for the trip to New Bayview.
Ryan Schiavone was paired with Conner Duthie up front, while Paddy Boyle, skipper Stuart Carswell and Edin Lynch formed a new look back three as Sons hoped to end a losing run.
Keeper Sam Ramsbottom had to make an early save from Connor McManus, and Sons first chance fell to Schiavone who beat several defenders in the box but saw his shot blocked.
In the 29th minute Paul Paton was the first to receive a yellow card for a foul on Kyle Connell, and Scott Mercer came close from the resulting free kick. Seven minutes later Carlo Pignatiello sent over a cross from the byline but Duthie’s shot was wide.
East Fife opened the scoring through Liam Newton in the 36th minute, and half-time arrived with Sons trailing 1-0.
Early in the second half Duthie went past a defender but his shot was off target, then in the 60th minute good hold-up play from Schiavone created a chance for Paton who shot wide, then at the other end Ryan Wallace came close.
Eoghan Stokes and Kalvin Orsi replaced Callum Wilson and Sam Muir, before Boyle headed over from a Joe McKee free kick. However the revival was short-lived, with the Fifers making it 2-0 in the 71st minute through on loan Kilmarnock striker Connell.
Soon after Stokes was booked for a foul on Chris Higgins, and the home side held on for a much needed three points despite a Duthie consolation goal for Sons in the 90th minute.
Donald Fullarton