Recap

ONE of the biggest cheers of the afternoon was reserved for a home supporter who headed the ball back after it went into the stand.

Truth be told, there was not that much else to get excited about. But fortunately for Dumbarton, there was one other moment.

Gregg Wylde’s goal on 15 minutes made him the first Sons player to score in open play against Bonnyrigg Rose in five meetings of the sides. More importantly, it was the goal that sealed another three points.

Even with 11 months left of 2023, this is unlikely to make any listings of the greatest games of the year. It was 90 stuffy minutes which were not suggestive of a top v bottom clash.

But defensive resilience, such a cornerstone of Dumbarton’s successful league season to date, was important again, as clear chances for the visitors to threaten that lead were scarce.

The afternoon was seen out, and the four-point cushion at the top remained intact as Sons returned to winning ways.

After Ally Love had an early chance saved, the game grew scrappy straight away, with neither side able to create much.

However, with a quarter of an hour played, Kalvin Orsi sent a low ball into the box which sat up nicely for Wylde to strike home on his right foot.

Bonnyrigg were the dominant side in terms of possession and corners for the rest of the first half, but there was nothing too dramatic in front of Sons’ goal.

Dean Brett did try and find the corner with an angled effort, but Brett Long was equal to it.

The second half was just as much of a slog, with neither team displaying its creative side to the best effect. It was literally half an hour after the restart before much of significance happened.

And it could easily have resulted in an equaliser for the visitors. Newly-introduced substitute Callum Connolly got his head to a corner, but headed over from point blank range.

Soon afterwards, a corner broke to Martin McNiff on the edge of the visiting box, but his effort flew just past.

And there wasn’t really a lot else. But Dumbarton had won again.

Dumbarton: Long; Wylde (Ross MacLean 73), Buchanan, Carswell, Orsi, D Wilson, Love (Gray 73), Lynas, Blair, McNiff, Wallace (Russell McLean 77). Subs: Broun; Lynch, McKee, Byrne, Vata.

Bonnyrigg Rose: Martin; Brett, Martyniuk, Young, Stewart, Faye, Grigor, Arnott, Doan (Connolly 76), Smith (Hall 76), Kane (McGale 84). Subs: Andrews; Horne, Currie, R Gray. Booked: Brett, Young.

Referee: Alan Newlands.

Pictures below by Andy Scott.