DUMBARTON manager Stevie Aitken is convinced the team’s opening two results have shown that the Sons can be a force in this season’s Ladbrokes Championship.

Sons followed up their opening day victory over Hibs by taking all three points at St Mirren Park on Saturday to complete an astonishing start to the season.

In taking maximum points from two full time teams, and two fancied to challenge and the top end of the table this year, Aitken insists Dumbarton have sent out a warning shot to their league rivals.

He said: “It couldn’t have been a harder start, especially with a group of players who only got together maybe seven weeks ago. We have had a big turnaround this year, that isn’t ideal as a manager but we worked hard to get the right players in the summer.

“I think the last two results have shown what we are capable of this year. I think the last two games we have merited to win the game, we looked dangerous every time we broke up the park against St Mirren.” The Dumbarton boss reserved special praise for Garry Fleming, who put in another eye catching display and won the match with an 82nd minute penalty.

He said: “He was different class. I thought his work rate was great. He has been great since I came in, he had a wee strop at East Fife and he came off the park.

“That is all forgotten about now, he is back in the good books. He has been at the club for a while now, he is a local lad, I am delighted for him.”