Saturday 27th July 2013
DEFENSIVE frailties and a disappointing second half performance cost Sons dear at Stair Park this afternoon, as they exited the Ramsdens Cup at the first attempt, going down 4-2 to Stranraer.
Things started brightly for Dumbarton, but on 10 minutes they found themselves a goal behind. Attacking midfielder Sean Winter, who tormented the visitors all afternoon, opened the scoring on the break for the Blues.
Sixteen minutes later Garry Fleming, who looked constantly dangerous for Sons, equalised. Then just on the stroke of half-time, new striker Kevin Smith gave Dumbarton the lead.
After the break, neither side was dominant, but it was Winter who helped put Stranraer back in the game, feeding Martin Grehan to pull the score back to 2-2.
With seven minutes remaining it looked as if the match was heading for extra time. Then Chris Aitken struck with the first of two goals, the second of which came from the penalty spot after a handball, sending Dumbarton crashing out of the competition.
The Ramsdens Cup has been unhappy hunting ground for Sons, who now continue their preparations for next Saturday’s home Scottish League Cup clash against Albion Rovers with a friendly against juniors Clydebank on Tuesday night.
Full match report and photos now online.
Simon Barrow