SONS HELD AT HOME IN NO SNORE DRAW

Published 4 Nov 2009 09:00

DUMBARTON and Brechin City had to settle for a point each after this closely fought encounter.

Defences were on top in the first half with few goalscoring opportunities, but the second half produced a number of chances at both ends as the two managers refused to settle for a point.

Jim Chapman was forced to make a change to his side for the first time in six matches when Andy Geggan was declared unfit due to the ankle injury sustained last week. Ross O’Donoghue replaced him.

Dumbarton almost took an early lead when a Chris Craig corner was headed goalwards by Chris Smith, but Mark Docherty was on hand to clear the ball off the goal-line as goalkeeper Craig Nelson grabbed the loose ball gratefully.

As the game settled down, both defences were in command and both sides were restricted to shooting from long range.

The best move of the half came just before the interval when Ryan McStay, Denis McLaughlin and Iain Chisholm created space for McLaughlin but his 25-yard strike produced a fine save from Nelson.

The second half saw both teams go forward at every opportunity. Following a half chance for Craig, Steven Canning powered forward for City, but his shot was held by Jan Vojacek.

Then David Murie fired over from 25 yards following a free-kick. O’Donoghue found Chisholm in space and Nelson made a fingertip save.

Midway through the half Canning tried to lob Vojacek from the edge of the penalty area but the keeper was able to push the ball over the crossbar for a corner, from which Paul McLean headed just wide. Dumbarton responded with a corner of their own from which Ben Gordon’s header was held by Nelson.

After a McLaughlin shot was held easily by the goalkeeper, Canning had a free header from a cross ball but failed to make the most of it.

Dumbarton charged to the other end and almost took the lead. Stevie Murray and Chisholm created a chance for Derek Carcary but his header struck the upright and rebounded to safety.

As Dumbarton continued to press, McStay brought out another fine save from Nelson before a Mick Dunlop shot was cleared off the goal-line by substitute Mark Cowan.

In the dying minutes the visitors had two opportunities to take all three points. Cowan broke the offside trap and raced in on goal.

A poor touch allowed Vojacek to race from his line and smother the ball. With Dumbarton chasing the winner, Brechin counter attacked and Charlie King raced clear only to watch agonisingly as the ball cleared Vojacek but crept past the post.

Dumbarton: Vojacek, O’Donoghue, (Murray 60) Smith, Dunlop, Gordon, McStay, Chisholm, Chaplain, McLaughlin, (Hunter 60), Craig, Cook (Carcary 46).

Subs not used: Clark, White.

Referee: T Robertson. Crowd: 687.

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This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 03 Nov 09

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