Saturday 26th January 2013
DUMBARTON climbed to eighth place in the Irn Bru SFL First Division, with a vital 3-1 victory over Hamilton Academicals at the Bet Butler Stadium.
Chris Turner opened Sons’ account with a header on 34 minutes. Despite chances at both ends, neither side added to the scoreline before half time.
The early pressure was coming from Dumbarton again after the break, but Accies were still looking dangerous on the counter-attack.
Then Mark Gilhaney put the home side 2-0 up on 56 minutes, with a shot into the bottom corner of the net.
There were tense times ahead when a poor clearance gifted dangerous Hamilton striker Stevie May with a chance. His controlled effort pulled the score back to 2-1.
Accies could have had an equaliser minutes later. Sons were struggling to clear their lines and found themselves on the back foot. But one again brave Dumbarton held on.
When an effort involving Bryan Prunty and Mark Gilhaney went in off defender Page to make it 3-1 in the first minute of added time, all three points were wrapped up, to the joy of the home fans.
This is the first occasion that Sons have been off the foot of the table since the start of the season.
The Accies win is the latest in a stunning series of successes under new manager Ian Murray. Dumbarton have now claimed three victories on the trot, and five wins in the last six games.
Full match report and match photos now online.
Simon Barrow