Published: Tuesday, 20th October, 2009 3:00pm

Dumbarton enjoy away-day cruise

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Sons' roll on the road continues against Alloa

DUMBARTON'S impressive away form continued on Saturday with a third successive victory on the road at Alloa.

The performance was impressive throughout and indicative of a side improving in confidence.

Their passing and movement belied the fact that they started the afternoon bottom of the league.

Following last week's victory at Methil, Jim Chapman understandably fielded the same starting 11.

Dumbarton's first attack produced a flowing move involving Andy Geggan, Iain Chisholm and Chris Craig before the ball was deflected for a corner.

After 16 minutes, Dumbarton took the lead after some neat interplay from Ryan McStay and Geggan set Scott Chaplain clear.

His effort was half blocked by former Sons keeper David Crawford, but the ball fell invitingly for Geggan to steer it home from 20 yards.

With their first meaningful attack of the game, the home side equalised.

From a free-kick on the left, Vojacek punched the ball upwards rather than out, the defence failed to clear and Alan Cook dithered, allowing Mark Gilhaney to drive home from a tight angle.

Before half time, young Alan Cook showed his character, putting the error behind him by restoring Dumbarton's lead.

Craig showed some trickery on the right wing before his fine cross was met at the back post by Cook to score from close range.

Both sides had chances to score in the second half's early exchanges.

From a Craig cross, Chris Smith's header was well saved by Crawford.

At the other end Cook had to be alert to clear the ball off the goal-line.

Craig and McStay then exchanged passes, but McStay could only shoot wide.

The third goal for Dumbarton came on the hour.

From a corner, Smith's header was cleared off the goal-line but Alloa failed to clear completely.

When the ball fell to Craig, his near-post cross was squeezed home by Chaplain from close range.

As Alloa tried to get back into the game, they had plenty of possession, but few chances. Dumbarton keeper Jan Vojacek had to be alert to save a Scott Agnew shot low at the post before a fine Ben Gordon challenge was required to stop former Son Iain Russell in his tracks as he prepared to pick his spot.

In the final stages, Geggan almost put the icing on the cake when he made a surging 50-yard run before playing a one-two with McLaughlin, but his shot was too high.

Delighted Dumbarton boss Jim Chapman said: "We were excellent. The players are beginning to get the rewards for all their hard work.

"They are now beginning to show the form we have always known was there.

"With three straight away wins, it is important we now begin to show this form at home.

"It was a fantastic, solid performance with some really good bits of quality from us.

"Things are now getting into place and the players are starting to get the results that their play deserves.

"Obviously our home form is an area that needs improvement and the objective now is to turn our recent form into a home win."

DUMBARTON: Vojacek, Geggan, Smith, Dunlop, Gordon, McStay, Chisholm, Chaplain, McLaughlin, Craig, (Brannan 79), Cook. Subs Not Used: McNiff, Murray, O'Donohue, White.

Referee: N Watters. Crowd: 575.