Ian Murray made three changes from Dumbarton’s nine goal thriller with Hibs. Chris Kane came in for his first start since his injury lay-off, replacing Colin Nish. While David Van Zanten and Kieran MacDonald replaced Mark McLaughlin and Lee Mair. Sons were looking to maintain their impressive record over the Wasps, Alloa had failed to beat Dumbarton in the last 13 matches between the sides before Saturday.

Alloa were fresh from their historic 3-2 win over Rangers in the Petrofac Training Cup semi-final. Manager Barry Smith made two changes to his side — Ashgar and Buchanan dropping out for Ferns and Simmons.

After starting with a back three in the last two fixtures Ian Murray reverted to four at the back with Scott Taggart and Andy Graham at centre back. Van Zanten and Kieran MacDonald played at full back, Chris Turner and Scott Agnew occupied centre midfield. Mitch Megginson and Mark Gilhaney were wide while Garry Fleming played up top with Kane.

Three minutes in and some poor defending from Dumbarton nearly cost the away side. Chris Turner was outmuscled on the edge of the box by Stephen Simmons. The Wasps player’s shot bounced off the post and the ball rolled across goal – and to Sons, relief out on the opposite side.

This seemed to spark Dumbarton into life and after seven minutes they had their first effort on goal. Andy Graham headed over a corner from former Alloa man Scott Agnew. They wouldn’t have long to wait for the breakthrough though.

In the ninth minute another ex-Wasp, Mitch Megginson’s cross was headed back across goal by Andy Graham and met on the volley by Chris Kane who struck the ball into the net. It was his fourth goal of the season in as many starts.

Dumbarton pressurised Alloa after the goal with Kane’s movement causing problems for the home side, however they needed Danny Rogers to be alert to keep them ahead after 18 minutes. The on loan Aberdeen keeper getting down well to stop an Eddie Ferns effort from 10 yards.

Megginson and MacDonald then linked up well. With MacDonald offering well on the overlap, he took a shot which was saved by McDowall.

More good play on the left between Gilhaney and Fleming gave Gilhaney the space to cross. His ball was cleared as far as Van Zanten whose 20 yard strike was straight at McDowall.

At the other end Van Zanten was involved again as his challenge on Mark Docherty drew cries from the home crowd for a penalty, but it was waved away by referee Craig Thompson.

The left wing was continuing to prove profitable for Sons, Kane held the ball up well and found McDonald on the overlap, but his cross was just out of reach for Fleming.

In the 32nd minute Alloa were awarded their first corner and it nearly proved decisive. Rogers came out to claim but missed the ball, it bounced harmlessly wide with the keeper claiming for a free-kick which wasn’t given.

Dumbarton were forced into a change in the 37th minute when Turner came off injured and was replaced by Jordan Kirkpatrick.

Just before half-time Alloa could have been level. A corner was worked short and eventually the ball was played in — Simmons met it with a sweet volley which sailed just over the bar. Dumbarton would go in at half-time ahead 1-0.

Alloa started the second-half on the front foot. A lovely ball over the top from Ryan McCord found cup hero Greig Spence but his shot was straight at Rogers.

Chris Kane was still proving a thorn in the Alloa side, showing what Sons will be missing when he returns to St Johntstone in January. A Kirkpatrick cross on 50 minutes was met by the striker whose header went just past the post. He went close again after a surging run from Megginson, Kane was found and he struck a left foot shot which went close but wide.

As the second-half wore on Dumbarton pressed well in midfield without causing Alloa too many problems. With Kane’s pace they were happy to absorb what the home side had to offer, knowing Kane was a good outlet for counter attacks.

In the 65th minute Rogers again failed to deal with an in-swinging corner from the left after coming off his line. Fortunately for the keeper the ball was missed by the Alloa attackers and the danger passed.

Dumbarton offered a threat of their own on the 70th minute when Kirkpatrick tried his luck from 20 yards. He struck it well and his drive was well saved by Craig McDowall.

As the match went in to the latrer stages Sons appeared to have the advantage. Since Dumbarton last played Alloa had faced Hibs and Rangers, after their heroic efforts against the Gers it was a big ask for Alloa to get back in to the game late on. Due to injuries their options were limited to three substitutes who were largely untested young players.

On the 80th minute, after a neat one-two between Kirkpatrick and Kane, the forward’s struck at goal but it was well dealt with by McDowall.

With five minutes to go Sons had a great chance to wrap up the points. It was that man Kane again who found himself free in the box, but he screwed his left footed shot wide of the target.

Sons would see the game out and will welcome Raith Rovers next week buoyed by their victory.

Alloa: McDowall, Doyle, Gordon, Benedictus, Meggatt, Docherty, Simmons, McCord, Ferns, Hetherington. Subs: Hynd, Forsyth, Wilson, Gibson.

Dumbarton: Rogers, Van Zanten, Graham, Turner (Kirkpatrick, 37), Gilhaney, Agnew, Megginson, Taggart, Fleming (Nish, 76), McDonald, Kane (Campbell, 92). Subs not used: Mair, McLaughlin, McDougall, Ewings.