DUMBARTON manager Jim Duffy hailed the attitude and spirit of his players after Saturday’s vital 2-1 win at home to Brechin City.

Calum Gallagher’s winner was the decisive moment after ex-Sons defender Dougie Hill scored at both ends.

Sons now go to Forfar Athletic on Saturday.

Duffy said: “It’s a step forward in terms of winning matches but there are still a lot of tough games ahead.

“We’ve just got to try and get as many points as we can and today was an important three points.

“I’ve never questioned the attitude of the players or their desire. We’ve just made basic errors at times and those have cost us goals.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: On-loan defender David Ferguson helps to keep City at bayOn-loan defender David Ferguson helps to keep City at bay

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“But there’s been no lack of effort and the players’ attitude has been terrific. We had to roll our sleeves up today and we started OK, but Brechin got a bit of control in the midfield and it was three against two.

“After about half an hour I thought we moved the ball about quicker and Kyle Hutton and Stuart Carswell were terrific. Once we did that we were much more in the game.

“We also had to rely on Grant Adam with a terrific save late in the game. It was a tough match at a nervy time in the season but we’re delighted with the players.”

Dumbarton have four matches left to play, starting with Saturday’s trip to face Forfar Athletic, who are all but guaranteed to be in the play-offs for a place in next season’s Championship.

Sons have lost all three games against the Loons this season, including a 3-2 defeat back in January, so there is something to address there, as well as the battle to put points on the board.

READ MORE: Jim Duffy urges Sons to pick up points and avoid nerve-wracking end to the season

They then return home for two more fixtures at the C&G Systems Stadium, against East Fife and Stranraer, the latter of whom are also scrapping for survival in League One.

The scheduled league season then ends on Saturday, May 4, away to champions-elect Arbroath, who are likely to be presented with the League One trophy that day.