Published: Tuesday, 13th October, 2009 9:00am

Sons secure a vital away win

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Battling display earns Dumbarton victory at East Fife

DUMBARTON put last week's defeat behind them and produced a gutsy display to return from Fife with all three points.

It was a much-improved display from the Sons, with a stout defensive display required to keep a clean sheet.

Up front, chances were again spurned but former Hearts star Denis McLaughlin made the breakthrough on the hour mark.

Goal hero McLaughlin said: "We are a quarter of the way through the season and only Cowdenbeath have outplayed us.

"If we can move on from here, we have nothing to fear."

In terms of excitement, this was a game of two halves.

Few chances were created in the first, but both teams could have scored several times in the second period.

Scott Chaplain had Dumbarton's best effort in the opening period when his shot was well saved by Stewart Baillie in East Fife's goal.

At the other end, Paul McManus bore in on goal but he was thwarted by the joint efforts of Jan Vojacek and Mick Dunlop.

Late in the half, David Muir headed over from a good cross by John Ovenstone.

In the opening exchanges of the second half, the home side almost took the lead.

A long through ball found McManus in space just outside the penalty area.

The experienced striker had time to control the ball and pick his spot but he drove the ball wide from 15 yards.

In 58 minutes Dumbarton took the lead.

Alan Cook's shot from the edge of the penalty area was missed by everyone on its

way through to Denis McLaughlin, who

had time to control the ball before

steering it wide of Baillie and into the bottom corner.

Twice in a matter of minutes, the Sons 'goal came under threat, firstly when

Cook was forced to head clear deep in his own box, before Vojacek raced from his area to clear.

Both chances came as a result of Dumbarton conceding possession in midfield.

After 67 minutes a miscued clearance fell to Jonathon Smart but he was thwarted by Vojacek who raced from his line to block the shot.

Dumbarton responded by creating chances of their own.

A fine move involving McLaughlin and Rod Hunter resulted in Chaplain firing over.

Then McLaughlin knocked a cross into the path of Hunter, but the substitute couldn't get a shot away.

Late on, East Fife fired long balls, corners and throw-ins into the Dumbarton box but the visitors' defence stood firm.

An Aaron Conway free-kick brought a great save from Vojacek - and Jan was the man moments later when, following a scramble he pushed a shot for a corner via the post.

A delighted Jim Chapman said: "We are starting to get there.

"Today we defended properly but I would have liked us to take our chances and make the game less stressful.

"I would be more concerned if we weren't creating the chances.

"Our fans were right behind us. They were the only ones singing throughout."

Dumbarton: Vojacek, Geggan, Smith, Dunlop, Gordon, McStay, Chisholm, Chaplain, McLaughlin, Craig, Hunter 66),Cook.

Subs not used: Harvey, Murray, O'Donohue, White.

Goal: (McLaughlin 58)

Crowd: 684.