Dumbarton manager Stevie Farrell admits his side put in their poorest defensive showing he has seen in a number of weeks – but insists being able to keep another clean sheet is a positive sign.

Sons were held to a goalless draw by Stranraer on Saturday with both sides finding themselves guilty of lacking in the final third.

Ben Armour missed a couple of great chances for the Stair Park side as Tam Orr also missed a one-on-one to earn the points in the final minute, whilst Carlo Pignatiello and Kalvin Oris had the pick of the chances for the visitors but were denied by Lewis Budinauckas.

The clean sheet was Sons’ fifth successive shut out and made it six games without defeat as they look to keep the momentum going heading into the promotion play-offs.

The Castle Road side secured their play-off spot last week but with two matches of the regular season still to go, Faz is keen to see his troops maintain their high standards.

Speaking to the Reporter, he said: “Stranraer had a couple of great chances where we haven’t defended well enough but we had one or two great chances ourselves so we’ve created a lot of opportunities as well.

“Over the piece, going away from home, I was quite pleased to get another clean sheet and keep the unbeaten run going.

“It’s the longest period we have had the same back five so it’s no coincidence that parentships are developing and we are keeping clean sheets.

“Saying that, I thought it was the worst we had defended over the last six weeks but the fact we are still coming away with a clean sheet is a good sign.

“We need to make sure we continue in this vein of form, it’s difficult because I’m trying to give as much game time as I can in the next few weeks to make sure everyone is as fit as they can be but we also want to keep this momentum going so it’s about finding the balance.”

Sons host Elgin City this weekend in their final home match of the cinch League Two season ahead of the League One promotion play-offs.

Previous meetings this campaign have been tight with Elgin winning 2-0 at Borough Briggs in September before a couple of 1-0 victories for Dumbarton in November and January.

City have puled themselves away from bottom spot in recent weeks with three draws against three of the top four, securing their League Two status along the way, and although Faz has hinted he make the most of his squad, has warned his side to focus on Saturday before looking ahead to any play-offs.

He added: “We went up there in January and were one of the few that went up there and won in a really tight game so I expect nothing else on Saturday.

“It’s our only focus and we’re not looking at anything beyond that in the league or the play-offs.

“I’m trying to get as much game time as I can around the squad but we don’t want to be resting guys for too long.”