Saturday 14th August 2021
DUMBARTON’S spell at the top of the SPFL cinch League One ended today when they were well beaten 3-0 by joint leaders Queen’s Park.
Assistant manager Frank McKeown was in charge in the absence of manager Stevie Farrell when Sons travelled to Firhill to play ground-sharers Queen’s. Joe McKee made a welcome return to the midfield after injury, while Paddy Boyle made his second league debut.
The early exchanges were even, but the Spiders took charge with striker Simon Murray missing with a header but then scoring the opener in the 23rd minute. It was the 35th minute before Sons created a good chance, but Gregor Buchanan headed over the bar.
As half-time approached keeper Sam Ramsbottom — back after a period of isolation — did well to save another Murray effort, then tip Stuart Morrison’s header over the bar. The interval arrived with no further scoring.
Four minutes into the second period — and for the third match in a row — Sons went 2-0 down with striker Louis Longridge tapping home. A minute later McKee had a deflected shot well saved by keeper Wullie Muir.
After two good saves from Ramsbottom a Sons attack in the 65th minute led to Andy Geggan’s cross being headed wide by Kalvin Orsi, then a Geggan strike was blocked.
Young striker Ryan Schiavone (pictured), on loan from Hearts, then replaced Orsi and Callum Wilson came on for Geggan. Soon after Conner Duthie replaced the injured Boyle.
In the 87th minute midfielder Liam Brown made sure of the points with a third goal before a Ross MacLean shot was well saved.
Donald Fullarton