DUMBARTON’S battle to stay in League One next season was boosted by a vital 2-1 win at home to Brechin City after coming from behind.

Ex-Sons defender Dougie Hill scored twice in the match - unfortunately for him, one of those goals was for his former club after he put through his own goal.

That cancelled out the opening goal for City, scored by Hill at the right end, and two minutes after the equaliser, Calum Gallagher got what proved to be the winner with his fourth goal in five games.

It was not always comfortable for Dumbarton, especially when Brechin sub Kalvin Orsi hit the post in the second half, but they held on.

And with Stranraer beating Forfar while Stenhousemuir drew with Raith Rovers - only missing out on a win through an injury time equaliser - it was a vital result.

READ MORE: Dumbarton given reality check after home defeat to Stenhousemuir

Brechin were ahead on 17 minutes when Hill arrived unchallenged to power home a header from a corner on the left.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Calum Gallagher grabs his 11th of the season to secure crucial three points for Sons (Photo: Andy Scott)Calum Gallagher grabs his 11th of the season to secure crucial three points for Sons (Photo: Andy Scott)

Sons fought back well but were struggling to test the visiting keeper, although Dom Thomas and Bobby Barr each had shots which narrowly missed the target.

But after 36 minutes, Barr sent a cross into the area from the left, and when Hill and team-mate Lewis Toshney got in each other’s way trying to head it clear, the ball deflected into the net off Hill.

Within a further two minutes, Dumbarton led. Cammy Ballantyne’s menacing free-kick found Gallagher, who took advantage of slack defending by the visitors to place his header in the net.

A glancing header by Stuart Carswell from a corner was saved right on the whistle as Dumbarton looked to extend their lead.

However, in the second half they faced a tough test from Brechin, to whom they had already lost twice this season. After Craig Thomson shot narrowly wide, Kalvin Orsi, only just introduced as a substitute, found himself in on goal.

Fortunately for Dumbarton, his shot hit the bottom of the post and was scrambled clear.

Shortly afterwards came a major opportunity to seal it when Thomas got away down the right and set up Barr 15 yards out, but he sliced his shot past the post.

READ MORE: Duffy disappointed with Dumbarton's performance after Stenny loss

In the closing minutes Brechin introduced Jordan Tapping, who scored the injury time winner when the sides last met at Glebe Park back in January.

And it was him who keeper Grant Adam had to save well from not once, but twice, either side of Tam Scobbie shooting just over from distance.

The nerves had taken a battering, but Dumbarton held on. Having missed out on a favour from Forfar at Stranraer, it is the Angus side they face this Saturday, away at Station Park.

Dumbarton: Adam, Ballantyne, McLean, Carswell, Hutton, Gallagher (Melingui 77), Forbes, R Barr, Ferguson, Thomas, C Barr. Subs: Brennan, Russell, Armour.

Brechin City: Bowman, McLean, Burns (J Tapping 88), Hill, Jackson, Smith, Toshney (Orsi 51), Robertson, Thomson, Scobbie, Miller (Jamieson 67). Subs: O’Neill, Spark, C Tapping, Kavanagh.