It was a game that will not live long in the memory, lashing rain and strong winds made it difficult for any good football to be played. Sons will be the happier of the two teams with the result, having lost 3-0 and 4-0 to Queens already this season, Ian Murray would no doubt have taken a point before the tie.

The Sons boss made three changes to the side which was humbled 3-0 at Hibs the previous week. Captain Andy Graham, Chris Turner and Chris Duggan replaced Mark Wilson, Mitch Megginson and Archie Campbell. James Fowler brought his Queens side to the Rock aiming to keep their impressive record over the Sons intact. The Doonhamers boss made one changes to the side which lost 2-1 to Hearts. Ian McShane replaced Paul Burns.

Sons set up in a 4-4-1-1 formation with Garry Fleming playing behind main striker Chris Duggan who was making his first start since signing on loan from Partick Thistle.

The game was just five minutes old when Sons’ keeper Danny Rogers was called into action for the first time. After some good play by Queens’ right full back Andy Dowie and Lewis Kidd, Queens worked the ball to the left side of the box, from there it was cut back and Kidd had plenty of time to strike from 12 yards out, but it was a tame effort straight at Rogers.

The opening stages were scrappy in truth, as the players got to grips with what would be tricky conditions as rain battered down at the Rock and the pitch cut up as play went on.

The Doonhamers should’ve been in front after 22 minutes. Good work down the right from Derek Lyle gave him the chance to cross, his delivery was perfect for McShane who headed down. As the ball rose off the turf the travelling Queens fans cheered with delight. They were premature though as the ball cannoned off the inside of the post and bounced clear.

It was a warning for Dumbarton and James Fowler’s side were cranking up the pressure. McShane was next to test Rogers, his effort from range was tipped over the bar.

From the resulting corner Mark Millar got free at the back post but his header was poor and the ball flew over the bar.

Dumbarton responded, keeping possession in good areas but without the cutting edge to get a clear shot at Zander Clark in the Queens goal.

Dylan Easton would have Sons first shot on target after 38 minutes, but his effort from range was straight at the goalkeeper. Mark Gilhaney struck an effort wide minutes later.

The half-time whistle would bring the supporters a welcome respite from what had been a turgid first 45 minutes.

The second half started in the same vein with neither side being able to take the game by the scruff of the neck. The first chance of the half came for the home side. A Danny Rogers punt was well flicked on by Duggan for Gilhaney. The midfielder ran onto it and took a strike from just outside the area but it flew wide of the right post.

Queen of the South went close on 56 minutes. Dumbarton failed to clear their lines and the ball ended up at the feet of McShane. His effort looked goal bound until Rogers stuck out his left hand and diverted it wide, it was a great reaction stop from the on-loan Aberdeen man.

On the hour mark James Fowler made a double substitution to try and turn the match in his side’s favour. Off went Millar and Danny Carmichael to be replaced by Iain Russell and Paul Burns.

An off the ball incident between Duggan and Chris Higgins led to a booking for the Queens man and a free kick for Sons about 20 yards out in the middle of the goal. Scott Agnew took it but he couldn’t keep it down.

On 68 minutes Fleming went off for Archie Campbell.

Sons went close with 10 minutes to go, a Duggan flick gave Campbell the chance to run in behind. From a tight angle at the left side of the box he fired wide.

With time running out the Doonhamers were looking the more likely to break the deadlock. With three minutes to spare a blocked shot spun up and Lyle found himself free in the box with a chance to wrap up all three points, his header was straight at Rogers though as Sons breathed a sigh of relief.

Following a Queens corner Rogers was fouled. Queens tried to retrieve the ball to get play started again and a scuffle ensued between Derek Lyle and Campbell. The Queens striker was sent off and was seething about the decision, he had plenty to say to the Sons fans who were booing him on his way off the park.

In stoppage time Sons nearly made their numerical advantage count. A Wilson free kick found Graham free in the box, the captain’s right footed strike looked like it would make the net bulge, with the Sons faithful out of their seat in anticipation, they would have their head in their hands though as the shot was blocked on the line and the final whistle blew.