Saturday 21st November 2015
WHAT looked to be another disappointing afternoon for Dumbarton ended in a remarkable three-goal turnaround in the closing minutes, securing a 3-3 draw against Raith Rovers at the Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium.
It was the worst possible start for Sons on four minutes. After a mix-up at the back, Craig Wighton’s unchecked pass gave James Craigen a simple tap-in at the back post to make it 1-0 to Rovers.
The rest of the half was low key at both ends, with Dumbarton’s only real semblance of a chance being a free kick blasted over the bar from 25 yards out.
Then just before half time Sons ‘keeper Mark Brown came out for a cross, missed it, and let Raith’s Mark Stewart turn the ball home for 2-0.
There was early pressure from Dumbarton in the second half, but the visitors soon resumed control.
On 56 minutes Scott Robertson looked to have wrapped up the game for Raith, driving along the 18 yard line before finishing neatly for 3-0.
Dumbarton could almost have been back in the game when Kevin Cawley and substitute Willie Gibson came close, before Steven Saunders gave the home side late hope with two goals from crosses on 81 and 83 minutes respectively.
Then, remarkably, Dumbarton won a penalty for handball on 87 minutes and Garry Fleming stabbed the ball home to equalise on 3-3.
The late excitement continued right to the end with chances to win at both ends.
Full match report and reaction to follow. Match pictures and Sons TV now online.
Simon Barrow