Saturday 3rd December 2016
TWO first half goals, including a screamer from Ryan Stevenson, meant that Sons collected three points at Dumfries this afternoon.
Mark Docherty failed a pre-match fitness test, and with goalie Jamie Ewings also calling in sick with a back complaint, manager Stevie Aitken had to shuffle his squad to suit.
Joe Thomson returned from injury and Daniel Harvie started at left-back, following his enforced absence against Bonnyrigg Rose last week.
Early pressure from Queen of the South set the tone for most the afternoon, but stout and resolute defending from an impressive Sons rearguard kept the home team at bay.
Alan Martin twice kept Queens out with top quality goalkeeping before Ryan Stevenson spectacularly put Sons ahead in 32 minutes.
And it was a classic strike from the former Hearts man.
Finding space 20 yards-out, his left-footed drive had Queens ‘keeper Robinson well beaten as the ball flew past his despairing dive.
Sons doubled their lead when Garry Fleming converted from the penalty spot following a push on Robert Thomson.
The home side, who had enjoyed the majority of possession, tried to get back into the match but found Sons goalkeeper Alan Martin in top form once more.
Three outstanding stops kept Queens out, with one save in particular right out of the the top drawer.
The Doonhamers started the second half with a flurry, but again Sons’ defence stood strong, superbly marshalled by captain Darren Barr.
Substitute Lyle managed to breach Sons backline with ten mins remaining. However Dumbarton held on to record a fine away win and move up to eighth place in the division.
Full match report, match photos, comment and SonsTV coverage to follow.
Alan Findlay