Oxford teach Sons a lesson

Published 20 Jul 2010 10:00 0 Comments

OXFORD United, recently re-instated to the Football League, gave Dumbarton a thorough workout on Saturday.

In the first half, the visitors created a number of chances and but for a number of Stephen Grindlay saves, the margin at the break would have been more comfortable than a single goal.

After the interval, the game became more pedestrian and the usual raft of substitutions disturbed the flow of the game.

It took the visitors just eight minutes before James Constable beat the offside trap, but Grindlay saved with his feet.

Five minutes later the keeper had to save from Alfie Potter, but the Oxford striker was only denied for five more minutes.

Grindlay could only parry a Steven Kinniburgh shot and although he reacted quickly, the rebound ricoched off Potter and into the net for the opener.

The Sons were restricted to shooting from distance, with Graham Wilson, Derek Carcary and Andy Geggan all trying their luck, without success.

Just before the half hour, Constable muscled himself between Allan McManus and Ben Gordon, but Grindlay saved the day by deflecting the shot for a corner.

From the kick, Constable saw his effort return from the crossbar and within minutes another effort struck the post from the edge of the six-yard box.

As the half came to a conclusion, Grindlay held a Sam Deering free kick.

Dumbarton almost equalised in 55 minutes when Wilson and Ryan McStay set up Carcary, but the striker shot wide.

Midway through the half, Oxford doubled their lead.

Potter set up Ben Purkiss, but Grindlay was quickly off his line to parry the full back's shot.

The ball fell to Deering who deftly lifted the ball into the unguarded net.

Dumbarton tried to force their way back into the game but couldn't create a chance of note.

Dumbarton: Grindlay, Nugent, (Chisholm 72), McNiff, McManus, (Mushet 79), Gordon, McStay, (Jones 79), Geggan, Campbell, (Devlin 79), Trialist, (Brannan 72), Carcary, (Cook 72), Wilson.

Sub not used: White.

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

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