Dumbarton booked their place in a national semi-final for the first time in 41 years after beating Raith Rovers 2-0 in the Challenge Cup at the Rock on Saturday.

Sons took the lead after 20 minutes, left-back Chris McLaughlin scored his first senior goal from close range, with Ally Roy capitalising on a defensive mistake four minutes after the break.

It was a dominant performance from the hosts over the League One side, and it could have been worse after Greg Spence was sent off for Rovers for handball on the line, but Tom Walsh missed the resulting penalty.

It’s the first time Dumbarton have reached the semi-final of this competition, and their first time since playing Hearts in the Scottish Cup in 1976.

Stevie Aitken opted for one change in defence from last week's 1-0 win away to Brechin City, Craig Barr returned from suspension in place of Dougie Hill.

Despite missing a few first team players, the part-timers were in control for large parts of the afternoon, and started on the front foot.

McLaughlin carved out the first chance, his searching cross from deep on seven minutes found Calum Gallagher, but the forward was unable to get enough power on the attempt and Raith goalkeeper Graeme Smith was down well to save.

The home side after some sustained pressure however opened the scoring.

Gallagher headed Walsh’s corner back across goal, with McLaughlin waiting to toe poke the ball across the line.

Sons looked for an second immediately after the break, Kyle Hutton pinching the ball of Ross Matthews and looked to counter, but Walsh fired over from outside the box.

Raith’s first shot at goal came on 26 minutes, ex-Dumbarton loanee Lewis Vaughan’s free kick going well over from 30 yards out.

Rovers have been in impressive goal scoring form this season, scoring in 18 out of 19 games before heading into the quarter-final.

But the visitors were poor, with Dumbarton goalkeeper Scott Gallacher often a spectator Raith not having a single on target throughout the 90 minutes.

Dumbarton had further chances before the break, with Mark Stewart and Gallagher having chances to extend their lead.

And while Sons might have rued not taking their chances, they extended their lead shortly after the break.

Smith played the ball to Iain Davidson, who was caught in possession by Roy, who coolly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to double Sons advantage.

The visitors made two changes as they looked to claw their way back into the tie, but it got worse on 57 minutes.

Craig Barr’s header was blocked on the line by Spence, with the referee pointing to the spot and giving the striker his marching orders for handball.

Walsh stepped up, but his penalty was tame and straight down the middle, Smith easily saving his effort, which would have killed off the tie.

Raith threatened on the counter as Sons looked for a third, Sam Wardrop going close, with Stewart and David Wilson also having efforts blocked.

But Dumbarton were able to see out the game for a comfortable victory, and will be in the hat for the semi-final draw on Tuesday at 1pm.

Sons next game is in the Scottish Cup against Elgin City, kick-off is at 3pm at the Rock on Saturday.

DUMBARTON: Gallacher McLaughlin, Dowie, Carswell, Gallagher (Johnston, 79), Stewart (Prior, 89), Walsh, Wardrop, Hutton, Roy (Wilson, 66), Barr.

Subs not used: Smith, Hill, Ewings.

RAITH ROVERS: Smith, Thomson, Watson, Herron, Murray, Berry (Buchanan, 48), Spence, Vaughan, Matthews, Davidson (Robertson, 48), Osei (McKay, 59).

Subs not used: Brian, Barr, Court, Stevenson.