Wednesday 9th March 2016
DUMBARTON secure a crucial 3-1 victory against Alloa Athletic at the Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium last night, thanks to an inspiring performance from three-goal hero Christian Nade.
The win puts Sons on eighth place with 28 points in the Ladbrokes SPFL Championship, four points ahead of Livingston and 15 points ahead of Alloa, with a game in hand over both of the teams below them.
Nade struck the ball home to give his side the lead with nine minutes on the clock, following a corner from Jamie Lindsay.
Ex-Son Mitch Megginson equalised for the visitors just after the half hour, capitalising on good set-up play by Iain Flannigan.
But Dumbarton struck back immediately. Nade headed in his and his team’s second goal to give the side a 2-1 half time lead.
Immediately after the break Sons increased their lead to 3-1 when the Frenchman completed his first ever hat-trick.
The ball bounced up nicely for Nade, who pinged it into the far corner of the net with his left foot.
However, the game was far from over. Dumbarton had to play the final 26 minutes plus four minutes stoppage time with 10 men, as Jon Routledge received a straight red card from the referee for a lunge in midfield.
Alloa pressed forward with determination for the remainder of the game. But a well organised Sons defence denied them any chance of a fightback.
Next up for Dumbarton is a tough home fixture against Championship form side Falkirk, who are in second place in the division. The game takes place at the Rock this coming Saturday, 12th March.
Full match report, further reaction, and Sons TV to follow. Match photos now online. See the post-match interview with Christian Nade here.
Simon Barrow