Saturday 1st August 2015
DUMBARTON exited the Scottish League Cup at the first attempt in Methil this afternoon, losing to East Fife in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw and extra time.
Following a goalless first half, the League Two side went into the lead when Nathan Austin cleverly lobbed Sons’ keeper Mark Brown after some questionable defending.
The visitors were back on level terms when a Waters crossed was punched away by the East Fife goalie, only for Kevin Cawley to head home and make it 1-1.
Neither team could add to the score for the remainder of the second half or the two periods of extra time, meaning that the first round tie went to penalties.
The Fife side missed two efforts, but Dumbarton then failed twice to capitalize on the opportunity.
Sons went down to their lower league opponents when the shoot-out proceeded to sudden death and luckless Cawley — who had also had a goal disallowed during the match — missed first.
East Fife won 4-3 on penalties, and move on the second round of the competition.
Now all attention in the Dumbarton camp focuses on the big season opener next Saturday against Hibernian at the Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium.
Full match report and match photos now online. Sons TV to follow.
Simon Barrow