Saturday 29th January 2022
DUMBARTON shared the spoils with visitors Cove Rangers thanks to two penalties by their skipper.
Facing the runaway League One leaders at the Moreroom.com Stadium, manager Stevie Farrell restored Gregg Wylde to the starting eleven and Stephen Bronsky made his first start as a fully signed Sons player. The other recent signing, on loan Dundee United youngster Adam Hutchinson, was on the bench, as were striker Kalvin Orsi and playmaker Joe McKee.
Paul Hartley’s men had the wind at their backs at the kick-off, and it took only two minutes for his skipper, ex-Son Mitch Megginson, to shoot past keeper Sam Ramsbottom but just wide. On ten minutes Bronsky managed to put a dangerous cross behind for a corner.
Seven minutes later keeper Sam Ramsbottom made a good save when Fraser Fyvie broke through the defence and sent in a powerful shot. Soon after Harry Milne headed over the bar, then a Wylde break gave Ross MacLean Sons first real chance, but keeper Stuart McKenzie saved. Next MacLean had another chance but his looping volley went just over.
In the 31st minute Conner Duthie headed over from five yards as Sons kept up the pressure, then Connor Scully replied with a long range effort which went wide. MacLean was fouled by ex-Son Morgyn Neill in the 40th minute, referee Alan Muir awarded a penalty, and skipper Stuart Carswell (pictured) gave his side the lead from the spot.
Sons had the rare pleasure of starting the second half in the lead, and with the wind behind them, but soon found themselves under pressure. Ramsbottom saved early from Iain Vigurs, the visitors then won a penalty and Rory McAllister netted. Almost immediately Cove took the lead through Scully.
In the 64th minute Ramsbottom palmed away a header, Gregor Buchanan cleared the follow-up off the line, then Paddy Boyle and Paul Paton made blocks. Soon after Orsi came on for Josh Oyinsan up front, before Scully shot over from close range. Next Callum Wilson replaced Wylde.
Sons gained a second penalty when Carlo Pignatellio was knocked down in the box, and Carswell netted a well directed spot kick in the 85th minute — his fifth league goal of the season.
Donald Fullarton