Dumbarton Academy fell to a 2-1 defeat to Dalzieil in their Caledonian League Premier Division fixture on Saturday.

The home side had opened the scoring via Alan Morton, before Accies struck back through Tom McHard.

But Dalziel struck early in the second half to claim the win.

Accies reshuffled their line-up with the injured Alan Gourlay replaced by Alan Nicholson and McHard replacing the unavailable James Crowhurst.

The match started at a frantic pace with opportunities for both teams in the opening 10 minutes, Dalziel’s Graham Donaldson firing over and Accies’ Conner McGlinchey shooting off target following a McHard layoff.

Shortly after, a good move between Andrew MacDonald and Callum Shipcott saw the latter cut back to McHard whose shot narrowly went over with Dalziel keeper Robert McMahon beaten.

Accies were left to rue that miss on 24 minutes. A momentary hesitation between Colin MacPhee and keeper Andrew McGillivray saw the ball arrive at Morton’s feet, he tapped home from 18 yards to put Dalziel in front.

Accies did not have to wait long for their equaliser.

A good exchange between Shipcott and Nicholson saw McHard released beyond the home defence.

An excellent first touch from McHard and then a quick shot brought the sides back level.

The winning goal came shortly after the interval, following a controversial penalty call by referee Steve Craven.

Accies defender Craig Cavana rose high to head the ball from inside his box but was penalised for leaning on an opposition player.

Despite a good effort from goalkeeper McGillivray, Dalziel’s Graham Donaldson’s penalty found the bottom corner of the net.

The best opportunity for Accies to equalise came with 15 minutes left, with Shipcott firing over.

Dumbarton Academy have been drawn at home to Caledonian League counterparts Cambria in the second round of the Scottish Amateur Cup, to be played on Saturday, October 1.

Accies : McGillivray, Goodwin, MacPhee, Cavana, Daremas, Nicholson, MacDonald, Buchanan (capt), McHard, Shipcott, McGlinchey.

Subs : Davie, Sweeney, Packham