Saturday 10th September 2016
DUMBARTON fought bravely against Ladbrokes SPFL Championship favourites Hibernian at the Cheaper Insurance Stadium this afternoon, losing out to a first half penalty.
The game was even for the first half hour, with both sides having chances and Sons doing well to contain Hibs’ attack
Then on 31 minutes referee Greg Aitken changed the course of the game when he gave what appeared to be a soft spot-kick for an infringement by Gregor Buchanan on Grant Holt.
Jason Cummings stepped up with a confident conversion past Alan Martin to put the visitors into the lead.
Dumbarton reeled from that blow, but quickly recovered their discipline and started well again after the break.
Neither side looked like adding to the score in a tight second half, but Sons could almost have stolen an equaliser right at the end, when Darren Barr headed just past the near post.
There was also the frustration of a strong Sons penalty claim turned down by the referee.
In the end Hibs hung on to their lead and to their position as league leaders, while Dumbarton slip to sixth place on four points from five games.
Also of note is that Garry Fleming’s appearance today as a second half sub was his 150th outing in a Sons shirt.
Next up for Dumbarton is another tough game at the Rock, when St Mirren come calling on Saturday 17th September.
Full match report and match photos now online. Reaction and Sons TV to follow
Simon Barrow