Saturday 8th September 2018
DUMBARTON have bowed out of the Irn Bru Cup in the second round at the C&G Systems Stadium, going down 1-0 to Montrose in a physical tussle on a sunny afternoon.
The visitors were more lively in the opening exchanges, but Sons defended well.
However, as Dumbarton started to come back Montrose struck. Graham Webster had acres of space on the right and his cross was met by Craig Johnston who rose high to head home for 1-0 on 19 minutes.
Sons had a couple of chances late in the half, but could not convert.
After the break both sides struggled to impose themselves on a game that often lacked shape and pace.
On 66 minutes Ross Forbes cut in towards the are for Sons. His shot from 22 yards crashed against the top of the far post — the nearest the home side had got to scoring.
In the final minutes there was a trio of chances for Dumbarton. One skimmed the crossbar from a corner, one was scrambled away and a third was plucked out of the air by Montrose keeper Jordan Miller.
The Gable Endies are visitors to the C&G Systems Stadium again next Saturday, for a Ladbrokes SPFL League One clash.
Full match report, reaction and SonsTV coverage to follow. Match photos now online.
Simon Barrow