Dumbarton manager Stevie Aitken insists his side were determined to give a performance worthy of remembering Gilbert Lawrie by in Saturday's tie at Raith Rovers.

Sons battled to a 0-0 draw at Stark's Park, where there was a minutes applause prior to kick-off to remember club Chief Executive Gilbert who sadly passed away on Thursday.

Aitken revealed he was determined his side would put in a display worthy of paying tribute to someone who served the club with such distinction.

He said: "Everyone at the club was in total shock when the news broke on Thursday, we are all devastated. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends, it's going to take everyone a long time to get over it.

"A postponement was a possibility, we spoke to the league and we had the option to do that. But the board met and thought about what Gilbert would've wanted and one thing he loved was seeing his team play football on a Saturday.

"As management team and players we have tried to install a collective spirit in the club and we wanted to make sure we showed that we could rally around the club on Saturday and deliver a positive result and performance.

"I thought the players did that and were outstanding."

Aitken believes Gilbert's loss will be extremely difficult for the club to recover from as someone who was always willing to go above and beyond for his club.

The Sons boss also revealed that Gilbert played a key role in his arrival at the club in the summer.

He added: "Without people like Gilbert clubs don't run. At part-time clubs I don't think people realise the amount of work that goes in from a lot of people, and a lot of it is voluntary work.

"Giving your spare time up to get contracts signed, look at training venues, attend meetings. At Dumbarton there is good people behind the club so hopefully we will keep going strong but he will undoubtedly be a massive loss.

"When Dumbarton approached me to become their manager it wasn't an easy decision because we had built Stranraer up from nothing to being Championship contenders.

"Gilbert took me for a coffee and he quickly sold Dumbarton to me, his passion for the club shone through, the way he spoke and his vision for the club was fantastic. Without him I might not have been Dumbarton manager but I'm delighted he done that because I've really enjoyed being here.

"He was an absolute gentleman. He always got right behind myself, the coaching staff and the players and it's sad to think he won't be able to see the continued success we hope to have.

"In these difficult times at the club we all have to stick together and rally around each other."