The Warriors extended their gap at the top of the league after a goal late on from James Berry saw Stenhousemuir run out 1-0 victors away at Dumbarton, Angus Blacklock reports.

Stenhousemuir travelled to a wet Dumbarton to take on the sons in the cinch league 2. The Warriors were hoping to build on their hard-fought victory at home to Bonnyrigg Rose last week. Gary Naysmith made one change with Ross Taylor coming into the side for the suspended Adam Brown.

Dumbarton had had a week off with their game being postponed last weekend. They were hoping to build on their victory in the Scottish Cup away at Annan two weeks ago.

The opening stages were fairly even in the match with both teams having half chances try to test each other’s defence.

Dumbarton had the first big chance of the match on 18 minutes when Ryan Wallace’s close-range header forced a fantastic save by Darren Jameson.

Stenhousemuir had their first big chance in the match on the 23^rd minute when Euan O’Reilly drove forward, cut onto his right foot but put his shot wide of the target.

Stenhousemuir started to come into the match around the half hour mark having more chance with Yates, Taylor and Aitken all having efforts.

Matty Aitken had the ball in the back of the net after Ross Taylor played him in however the linesman had his flag up for offside.

The Warriors ended the half the better of the two sides applying pressure to Brett Long in the Dumbarton goal.

Dumbarton had the first couple of chances in the second half. There was a scramble in the Stenhousemuir box after a Dumbarton corner however the home side were unable to get a shot away.

Stenhousemuir had a fantastic opportunity to take the lead in the 55^th minute. Taylor ran down the right wing before playing a ball to O’Reily who unfortunately could not get a decent connection on his shot.

Stenhousemuir had a couple of big chances in the 65^th minute, O’Reily is played in by Taylor but his effort was saved by Long. Edin Lynch got a head on the rebound however he could not find the target.

Dumbarton had a chance through a free kick from Ryan Wallace. But his cross went all the way out for a goal kick.

The middle of the second half was very even with both teams battling it out in the middle of the park. The game became very end to end with both teams having big chances.

Stenhousemuir took the lead in the 85^th minute, Mikey Anderson’s shot was deflected off substitute, James Berry, and left Dumbarton goalkeeper Bret Long helpless and send the visiting supporters into raptures.

Dumbarton pushed late on for an equaliser, but the warriors were able to see the game out and secure the 3 points and extend the gap at the top of the league to 5 points.