League leaders stung by Sons

Published 20 Apr 2010 16:00 0 Comments

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Alloa Athletic... 1

Dumbarton... 2

JIM Chapman refused to count Dumbarton as play-off contenders, despite seeing his side dump Second Division favourites Alloa for the third time this season.

Goals from David Winters and Dennis Wyness sealed an impressive win over the league leaders, who went down to 10 men in the first half on Saturday.

Chapman didn't want to get drawn into talk of the Sons breaking into the top four even though they moved back to within four points of Brechin City.

However, the Dumbarton boss is proud of his players' achievements this campaign and believes they can build on this season's solid finish in the league.

He said: "We don't want to talk about the play-offs because every time we have been close enough to do it, we have imploded. We just want to get points on the board, but we are where we are on merit.

"It's still a work in progress at the club and we have solid foundations. As far as I'm concerned, this is where Dumbarton are. We're a mid-table Second Division side and that's a great platform to build for the future."

Dumbarton showed Alloa that they meant business early on as they forced three corners in the first eight minutes.

At the other end Andy Scott forced Michael White into an early save when he parried away the Wasps midfielder's powerful right-foot strike.

Mick Dunlop had a terrific chance to give the Sons the lead when his snapshot from 12 yards was headed off the line by David McClune.

The visitors looked comfortable against the Second Division pace-setters and deservedly went ahead in the 31st minute.

Andy Geggan swung in a menacing corner for Dunlop who nodded the ball onto Winters to flick the ball home at the back post. Things went from bad to worse for Allan Maitland's men six minutes later when McClune picked up his second booking for dragging down Winters.

Dumbarton looked like they could take advantage of their extra man just after the interval as Ryan McStay unleashed a stinging shot only to see his long-range effort fly wide of the target.

The Wasps drew level on 53 minutes when Declan McAvoy was pulled down by Chris Smith before Andy Scott fired past White from the spot.

Iain Chisholm nearly came up with an instant response six minutes later when his volley cannoned off the woodwork.

But Dumbarton were rewarded on 64 minutes when he latched onto Dunlop's accurate cross before rifling a low shot into the net.

Chapman was pleased with his side's magnificent display on Saturday and is looking for repeat performances to take them further in the league.

He added: "It was a great victory and I said that their willingness and desire made that happen.

"They demonstrated what they are capable of. Alloa have done brilliantly and are top of the league on merit.

"I've challenged them to show me they can take the club to the next step and on Saturday they showed me they can take that step."

Dumbarton: White, Clark (Carcary, 67), Smith, Dunlop, Gordon, McStay, Geggan, Chaplain, Winters (Murray 78), Wyness, Chisholm. Subs not used: Hunter, McNiff, Vojacek.

This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 20 Apr 10

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