Dumbarton boss Stevie Farrell admits his side put on their worst attacking display of the season despite picking up three points against Albion Rovers on Saturday.
Sons were up against it for much for the afternoon as the home side enjoyed a majority of possession, but the visitors did create the better of the opportunities as Joe McKee’s free-kick was pushed away and Ryan Wallace had an effort hacked off the line before sub Ally Love found the winner to clinch Sons’ second Cliftonhill win of the season.
Dumbarton ended 2022 with a 1-0 win over Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill on Saturday (Photo - Andy Scott)
But if the mark of a title-winning team is one that can grind out results without setting the heather on fire, Saturday’s win could yet prove to be one of Dumbarton’s most crucial of the season – not least because it maintains their advantage over Stirling Albion at the top of the table.
Sons remain four points clear at the top after the Forthbank side saw off Stenhousemuir on Saturday – and Farrell hailed the bond in his team’s dressing room.
Dumbarton ended 2022 with a 1-0 win over Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill on Saturday (Photo - Andy Scott)
Reflecting on his team’s attacking performance in Coatbridge, Farrell admitted: “We were absolutely rubbish.
“It’s the worst we have played offensively. But this game is magnificent, because people only think about you for a poor performance if you don’t pass the ball right.
“They never think of you for a magnificent performance if you defend properly, and that’s what this team can do.
Dumbarton ended 2022 with a 1-0 win over Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill on Saturday (Photo - Andy Scott)
“We had to defend our box time and time again and that’s what gets you rewards.
“Ten clean sheets in 18 games is phenomenal and 40 points halfway through a season is phenomenal.
“The boys ground it out again and once we go 1-0 up we’re a hard team to come back at.
Dumbarton ended 2022 with a 1-0 win over Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill on Saturday (Photo - Andy Scott)
“There’s a real spirit and determination about this group, and that comes from an inner sanctum in the dressing room that we believe from the start of the season that we know where we can get to if we stick together.”
Dumbarton remain unbeaten at home in League Two this season as they prepare to host Stirling at the Rock this Saturday – but Farrell says that despite the top-of-the-table status of the game, he isn’t looking at it any differently.
Dumbarton ended 2022 with a 1-0 win over Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill on Saturday (Photo - Andy Scott)
“It’s just another game as far as we’re concerned,” he said, “because after that there is still 48 points to play for.
“It’s a big game, and a home game, and we want to keep our home record going and intact.”
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