Dumbarton Football Club - Sons of the Rock 1872

Albion Rovers (1) v Dumbarton (3)

Saturday 13^th September 2008, Kick Off 3pm

Irn Bru SFL Division Three

DUMBARTON returned to winning ways with a convincing 3-1 win away to Albion Rovers.

Goals by Ross Clark and Ben Gordon had them 2-0 up within 17 minutes. Paul McLeod added a third with a penalty on 59 minutes before Pat Walker, also from the spot, got one back for Rovers a minute later.

However, Sons managed to see the game out and ended up worthy winners.

Manager Jim Chapman said: "I feel we have been doing quite well without taking chances, but we did that yesterday and were very comfortable winners. There were a lot of pleasing aspects but there is still a long way to go.

"It helps you settle when you score early doors. We've been doing a lot of hard work at our finishing this week and it paid off with Ross's fabulous goal. He deserved it as he's taken an ankle knock but wanted to play, which is a great attitude. He and Andy Geggan complemented each other well and totally bossed the midfield. Paul Keegan led the line brilliantly and it was good to see Paul McLeod so determined to take the responsibility of scoring the penalty. Overall it was a very good day's work.

"If people look at things objectively then we are playing some good football, and we are encourating the players to play that way. However, we needed the third goal as 2-0 is a horrible score to try and defend. We could have scored a few more goals in the first half but instead had a two-goal lead. In that situation one wrong decision or lapse in concentration can let the opposition back in.

"Players are now returning from injury but they have to prove they are 100 percent fit and better than what is on the pitch. We now have the luxury of quality players ready, or nearly ready, to come back into action and that pushes us on. The thing, though, is that we are still developing as a team and a club and it means everybody has to play and train at 100 percent of their ability.

"Mark Canning is not quite there yet and Alan Gourlay is also nearly ready to return. Michael Moore said he is ready to play again but I felt the conditions would not have suited him to return from injury. He still has a bit of rehab to do but he now feels ready to come back into action."

After McLeod's early header went just over, Clark blasted home from long range on seven minutes to open the scoring after a neat passing move by Sons.

Keegan's header was then off target, but Gordon got the second goal on 17 minutes.

The Rovers defence failed to clear Stevie Murray's corner and the defender blasted in.

The home side responded with a Bobby Barr effort that hit the post and a Walker header which went wide.

Keegan and McLeod had further chances to extend the lead before the interval, but neither could find the target.

Sons failed to create as many chances in the second half but McLeod was unlucky when Todd Lumsden just stole Derek Carcary's cross from him.

However, the striker got his debut goal from the spot after Alan Reid fouled him in the area.

Rovers, though, had a spot kick of their own after Michael O'Byrne clashed with Walker in the area. The striker scored from 12 yards.

Lumsden had a shot just wide before the rest of the game was played out without event.

Albion Rovers September 2008
Exclusive copyright photos by Donald Fullarton.

Prints can be ordered by emailing dsf@btinternet.com, or by using the Contact Us facility on http://www.donaldfullartonphotos.co.uk

Paul Keegan beats a defender (1)

Ross Clark celebrates his goal (2)

Striker Paul McLeod on his debut (9)

Keeper Dave McEwan saved this free kick (12)

Paul McLeod nets the spot kick (15)

Derek Carcary battles (17)

Defenders chase Stevie Murray (18)

 

Albion Rovers: Scott; Reid, McGowan, McGoldrick, Lumsden, Donnelly, Barr, Harris, Coyne (Pollock 46), P Walker (Watt 79), Adam. Subs: R Walker, Smith, Mitchell. Booked: McGowan, Adam.

Dumbarton: McEwan; Lennon, Wilson, O'Byrne, Gordon, Clark (Tiernan 63), Carcary (Cusack 88), Geggan, McLeod, Keegan (McNiff 82), Murray. Subs: Gray, McGeown. Booked: O'Byrne.

Referee: Brian Winter