Published: Tuesday, 18th November, 2008 09:30
Old boy haunts shocking Sons
By Alan Findlay
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East Stirling 5 Dumbarton 2
Dumbarton in action
Pic by: Alex Craig
A FAMILIAR face came back to haunt Dumbarton as the Shire brought them down to earth with a massive bump at Ochilview.
Andy Rodgers put his former club to the sword on Saturday, helping to end Sons’ eight match unbeaten run in the league and inflicting their first loss since August.
While it was Sons’ worst performance of the season so far, East Stirling played some very good football on the plastic pitch with Rodgers instrumental throughout.
His own performance was topped with a goal from the penalty spot, his first against his former colleagues in 14 attempts — a moment he clearly savoured.
Dumbarton’s promotion challengers found themselves on the back-foot from the very first whistle as Rodgers burst into the box, turned two defenders inside out and forced a corner.
It failed to trouble Mark McGeown in the Sons’ goal, but all the early positive football came from the Shire.
An uncharacteristic slip by Ben Gordon gifted Dean Richardson a glorious chance to open the scoring for the home team, but his shot from six yards only found the perfectly positioned McGeown.
But Shire did manage to capitalise on their good work, taking the lead on 22 minutes.
Richardson, who tormented Sons skipper Gordon Lennon all afternoon, dashed down the left and slid a square pass which found Brian Graham at the far post.
The on-loan Morton striker was afforded too much space by the Dumbarton defence as he drilled home from a tight angle.
In an attempt to get back on level terms. Stevie Murray — who had a quiet afternoon by his own high standards — tested Barclay with a speculative shot which took a wicked bounce off the surface.
Then Michael Dunlop, making his competitive debut at left-back, released Derek Carcary in a move of genuine quality, and his cross was met by the onrushing Paul McLeod, but the striker’s header flashed just wide.
Carcary came close again with an angled shot, but Sons were really struggling to impose themselves on the game.
And just before the break, Shire doubled their advantage with Richardson heavily involved again.
His cross was aimed for Graham, but it didn’t reach the striker as the ref adjudged Mick O’Byrne’s close attention was a push and awarded a penalty.
Rodgers stepped up and fired easily past McGeown.
The half-time whistle was music to the ears of Sons boss Jim Chapman, but just one minute after the restart, the game was effectively finished as a contest.
Lennon was caught out when Derek Ure ghosted past him and his perfect cross provided a tap in for Craig Donaldson.
Michael Moore replaced Lennon, who had an afternoon he will want to forget, and Sons tried to re-group.
Before any changes could take effect, Graham added his second and Shire’s fourth, his half-volley from the edge of the box completely deceived McGeown, rebounding off each post before nestling into the net.
And just four minutes later, Shire went nap. A needless free-kick given away by Dunlop saw sub David Dunn crack home a spectacular drive from a tight angle, one McGeown won’t want to watch again.
With the game over as a contest and fans beginning to drift away, Dumbarton decided to play some football.
And with three minutes remaining, Carcary indulged in one of his trademark runs, exchanged passes with Moore, and fired in from 18 yards.
Gordon added a second consolation goal on 90 minutes, but it was too little too late.
This was a bad day at the office and while Sons remain second in the division, the heavy defeat has allowed Montrose and Cowdenbeath to catch up, meaning this weekend’s clash with Albion Rovers is a must win game.
East Stirling: Barclay, Hay, Richardson (Dunn 62), Forrest, Bolochowecky, Tully, Donaldson (Kelly 47), Anderson, Graham (McKenzie 71), Ure, Rodgers. Subs not used: Cramb.
Dumbarton: McGeown, Lennon (Moore 52), Dunlop, O’Byrne, Gordon, Clark (Canning 76), Carcary, Geggan, McLeod, Chisholm, Murray. Subs not used: McKillen, Cusack, McEwan.
Crowd 516.
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