Dumbarton fell to a 2-1 defeat against Morton, with a controversial penalty being awarded to the Ton at Cappielow Park on Saturday.

Andy Stirling’s goal was not enough to spark a comeback, but the big talking point was around Aidan Nesbitt’s penalty.

The 19-year-old appeared to trip over his own feet, with referee John Beaton pointing to the spot, judging that Darren Barr had brought the player down.

Michael Tidser fired it in to give the hosts a 2-0 lead after 66 minutes, with Gregor Buchanan diverting the ball into his own net in the first half.

And despite great chances from Gregor Thomson and Buchanan to score, with late substitute Christian Nade flashing his effort over, the Sons were unable to grab a point.

Dumbarton remain in eighth place, two points above Ayr and nine points above St Mirren.

Morton, who remain unbeaten at home this season, continue their strong season and sit in third.

Sons boss Stevie Aitken made several changes to his side, with Daniel Harvie suspended, Craig Pettigrew coming in to what was to be his last game for the Sons, and with Stirling coming in for the already departed Joe Thomson.

The visitors started slowly, and it proved to be costly.

After 19 minutes, Nesbitt drilled in a low cross, which was put into his own net by Buchanan.

The centre-back had the chance to make immediate amends, with Stirling putting in a cross to the back post, with Buchanan completely missing the header.

Dumbarton were having the better of play heading into the break, with efforts by Buchanan and Sam Stanton cleared off the line. Pettigrew put in a great ball for Robert Thomson, but the striker flashed his header just wide.

In the second half, Dumbarton pressed for an equaliser, but it was Jim Duffy’s side who had the first chance.

Nesbitt carved out a chance down the wing to cross for Ross Forbes, but his shot was palmed away by substitute goalkeeper Mark Brown, who replaced Alan Martin in the first half.

And the on-loan Celtic winger was at at the heart of the action again when Beaton pointed to the spot.

Despite protests from the Sons players, the referee adjudged that Darren Barr had clipped Nesbitt’s heels. And after the heated discussions had subsided, Tidser stepped up and slotted his penalty home to double the advantage.

Aitken rang the changes, bringing on Nade for his second Sons debut, with Stirling scoring a minute afterwards.

The former Stranraer player was given space on the edge of the box, and his shot was deflected into the net, past the helpless Derek Gaston.

It turned into an end-to-end game afterwards, with both sides looking for the crucial goal.

Nade came the closest, with the Frenchman hitting his half volley just over the bar.

But they were unable to snatch a point at the end, and attentions turn to Saturday’s game against Hibernian, kick-off is at 3pm.

DUMBARTON: Martin (Brown, 25), Pettigrew, Docherty (Nade, 67), Buchanan, Todd, Fleming, Thomson (Vaughan, 70), Stanton, Barr, Smith, Stirling.

Subs not used: McCallum.

MORTON: Gaston, Kilday, O’Ware, Doyle, Forbes, Oyenuga (Scullion, 10), Lindsay, Nesbitt (Orr, 90+1), Tidser, Russell, Murdoch.

Subs not used: McGowan, Oliver, Tiffoney, Strapp.