Match Report

MATCH REPORT
Dumbarton v Stenhousemuir at the C&G Systems Stadium Dumbarton on 10.11.18
Ladbrokes SPFL League One Att 605
Dumbarton 2 [Forbes 23 pen, Thomas 56] Stenhousemuir 1 [McGuigan 33 pen]

Dumbarton – Smith, Ballantyne, Perry, Hutton, Gallagher, Forbes, Spencer [b81], Russell [Carswell 73], Paton [Barr 70], Allardice [b62]and Thomas [b56]. Subs not used – McGowan and Dyer

Stenhousemuir – Smith, Reid [b25][Ross 77], Donaldson, Neill [b81], Ferry [b22], Gibbons [Vaughan 85], McGuigan, Duthie [b63], Dickson [Paton 63], O’Hara and McBrearty. Subs not used – Tena, Halleran, McMinn and McMenamin

Referee – David Lowe Assistants – Gary Hilland and Jordan Cousland

The talk before this bottom of the league clash was the dismissal of Brown Ferguson and Jim Paterson and how the players would react after the decision. By half time in some ways normal service had been resumed as there had been enough talking points during the first period to keep the supporters occupied.

Interim manager Colin McMenamin and his assistant brought Alan Reid back into the defence but his first real involvement was actually at the other end of the pitch when he shot over the bar. There was a let off for the visitors in the 8th minute when Iain Russell was picked out by Dominic Thomas and he really should have done better than blast the ball over the bar. Kevin O’Hara was getting some joy down the flank and he had an effort blocked in the 13th minute before his subsequent cross just eluded Mark McGuigan.

The home side were awarded a penalty in the 23rd minute for a Mark Ferry handball. The Warrior was booked as well but in all fairness he knew nothing about it as he had fell to the ground and was trying to get back up with his back to the ball when it struck him. Ross Forbes converted the spot-kick though Graeme Smith was unlucky not to save it at the base of the post.

In the 33rd minute it was Dumbarton’s turn to feel aggrieved by a refereeing decision. Chris Smith the ex-Warrior had made a hash of a punch that had spun behind him. As players from both sides tried to get the ball the referee spotted an infringement in the box. Thoughts about what had happened were different depending on who was asked. It transpired that Cammy Ballantyne had handled the ball but it looked as if he had been nudged by Mark McGuigan onto the ball. The striker was to take full advantage though to tuck the ball away and level the score.

McGuigan had a good chance just after the resumption but for once elected to pass when in a good position and the danger was cleared. At the other end there was a scare when Conner Duthie failed to control the ball and following a counter attack Calum Gallagher shot wide of the target.

The home side didn’t have long to wait though for their second goal when Thomas was given time to switch feet before firing an effort into the corner of the net. The strike was worthy of a bigger stage and he could have increased the lead five minutes later but shot over after poor play by Moryn Neill.

As the game progressed the Warriors fought hard to try and get back into the game and Mark Ferry and O’Hara came close. The best chance though fell to McGuigan in the 83rd minute who managed to slip the ball past Chris Smith but Ross Forbes was able to get back and clear off the line.

The final whistle blew with Dumbarton still ahead and by virtue of picking up all three points they leapt above Stenhousemuir who not occupied the bottom spot despite putting a lot of effort into this game.