Dumbarton gave their chances of survival a huge boost after beating Queen of the South 2-1 at Palmerston Park on Saturday.

Stephen Dobbie had given the hosts an early lead, firing Queens in front after 12 minutes.

But a superb Sam Stanton free-kick and Robert Thomson’s goal after 39 minutes secured the Sons’ first double away against the Doonhamers since 1992.

The Sons move up to seventh, three points clear of the relegation play-off spot and five clear of the relegation place with two games left to play.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter:

Stevie Aitken made one change to his starting line-up, David Smith dropping to the bench in favour of Christian Nade, and Ross McCrorie moving to right-back and Stanton to centre midfield.

The home side showed their attacking intent early on, with former Son Dobbie curling a shot in the first minute, but Alan Martin was equal to the effort.

Sam Stanton was the first Sons player to register a shot on goal, with Stirling clipping the bar after 13 minutes.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter:

But it was Queen’s who opened the scoring.

Dobbie was allowed too much space in the box, swivelling and firing the ball into the bottom left after 15 minutes.

But Sons hit back just five minutes later, Stanton was brought down by John Rankin, and dusted himself down to convert it himself,burying it into the top right-hand corner.

The visitors doubled their tally after 39 minutes.

After a free-kick was not cleared, Nade fired in a cross from the right, which Thomson headed in at the back post to score his 10th league goal of the campaign.

With the advantage back in the away team’s favour, Dumbarton were able to sit back on their advantage and try to pick Queen of the South off on the break.

The second goal clearly deflated the hosts, and boss Gary Naysmith used all his substitutions by the hour mark as he looked to spark a reaction.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter:

But Sons were able to stand firm for the remainder of the game, their best chance coming after a quick free-kick caught Dumbarton off-guard after 84 minutes.

Dobbie was played in, but McCrorie made an excellent sliding tackle to deny the former Son a shot on goal, a vital intervention.

Substitute Garry Fleming almost gave the Sons a third in the dying stages of the game, stealing the ball off Jacobs, and trying to lob the goalkeeper from a tight angle, but the ball rolled just wide.

Queens goalkeeper Lee Robinson went up for their final free-kick, but the visitors were able to hold on to seal the three points at Palmerston, their first away win since the end of January when they beat Raith 3-1.

Dumbarton next head to Tannadice to face Dundee United, kick-off is at the later time of 5.15pm, with the game being shown live on BBC Alba.

QUEEN OF THE SOUTH: Robinson, Marshall, Brownlie, Higgins, Rankin, Hilson (Thomas, 60), Dobbie, Jacobs, Thomson (Dykes, 46), McManus, Murray (Carmichael, 60).

Subs not used: Atkinson, Dowie, Tapping, Mercer.

DUMBARTON: Martin, McCrorie, Buchanan, Carswell, Thomson, Harvie, Barr, Stirling (Smith, 90), Vaughan (Docherty, 83), Nade (Fleming, 75).

Subs not used: Ewings, Lang, Gallagher, Nuttal.