Saturday 28th August 2021
DUMBARTON surprised joint League One leaders Montrose with a 2-1 away win.
With several players unavailable because of injury or having to isolate, manager Stevie Farrell welcomed back midfielder Carlo Pignatiello from injury as Sons new away strip of black top with yellow shorts and black stockings made its debut at a warm and sunny Links Park.
After four minutes Kalvin Orsi (pictured) tried a shot, but keeper Allan Fleming saved. But in the 21st minute Sons took the lead when a Callum Wilson free kick was helped into the net by Gregor Buchanan.
In a reverse of recent matches, they went 2-0 up in the 31st minute when fine play by Ross MacLean set up Orsi to net his first goal for the club. It stayed that way until half-time.
The home side started the second period on the attack with a couple of corners, then keeper Sam Ramsbotton was booked for taking too long with a goal kick. Soon after Buchanan also saw yellow, before Ryan McGeever stopped Graham Webster from shooting.
A minute later a Webster shot was just wide, then on loan Hearts striker Ryan Schiavone came on for Sons in place of MacLean.
The Gable Endies came close to scoring in the 73rd minute when ex-Son Cammy Ballantine hit the post, then Lewis Milne nodded the rebound wide. Soon after Conner Duthie replaced Wilson.
With ten minutes to go Duthie broke forward, but Pignatiello shot wide from the edge of the box. A minute later Ramsbottom saved well, but Edin Lynch then fouled Andrew Steeves and Webster pulled one back from the resultant penalty to set up an exciting finish.
In the 90th minute the home side won a free kick just outside the box, but the resultant effort bounced wide and Sons held on for a valuable three points.
Donald Fullarton