Saturday 8th January 2022
DUMBARTON were on the wrong end of a goal feast as they slumped to a 6-2 defeat by Falkirk.
Manager Stevie Farrell made three changes to his starting line-up for this crucial cinch SPFL League One match between two out of form sides at the Falkirk Stadium.
Winger Conner Duthie and centre half Gregor Buchanan returned after isolating, and a trialist was fielded at left back. Eoghan Stokes and Joe McKee were on the bench, with Paddy Boyle not listed. Striker Anton Dowds returned to the Bairns line-up after a spell on loan at Arbroath.
Falkirk forced an early corner, but Brad McKay headed over. Sons replied with two corners sent over by the trialist, then Calumn Morrison could not make contact with a Cammy Williamson cross.
But the first goal was not long delayed as Dowds netted from close range in the 8th minute. Five minutes later it was 2-0 for Falkirk when Morrison rounded keeper Sam Ramsbottom and slotted home.
At the other end in the 23rd minute Andy Geggan set up skipper Stuart Carswell who volleyed over. A minute later Ramsbottom made a double save from Morrison, then Carswell’s shot from distance was just over the bar, then Ramsbottom again denied Morrison.
In the 37th minute a clash between Carswell and Charlie Telfer ended in both being booked by referee Calum Scott. Soon after Duthie came close with a back post header, but a minute before half-time Dowds made it 3-0 for the home side.
The second period started in much the same way as the first, a Falkirk corner, and Morrison coming close. Goal no.4 was not long delayed, Aaron Taylor-Sinclair tapping home from a corner. A minute later Geggan was booked, then a deflected shot by Paul Paton (pictured) beat keeper Paddy Martin to pull a goal back.
In the 59th minute Callum Wilson replaced Geggan, six minutes later Sons were awarded a penalty which Carswell netted for 4-2. In the 73rd minute it was 5-2 when a Telfer free kick was diverted into the net by Aidan Keena.
Next a Paton pass was clipped across goal by Kalvin Orsi, but Duthie’s effort was saved. Then Orsi and Buchanan were both booked, and just before full-time Dowds made it 6-2 to complete his hat-trick.
Donald Fullarton