Dumbarton boss Jim Duffy hailed his defence for keeping free-scoring Montrose at bay in a goalless draw at the Rock on Tuesday night – but knows that his side need to start finding the net themselves.
The Gable Endies were the top scorers in the division heading into the game, having scored 24 goals in their 14 matches, but failed to find a way through the Sons defence.
At the other end, Duffy’s side had few chances of their own and remain in the relegation play-off spot in League One, with the six goals scored by his team this season the lowest tally in the SPFL.
Sons' last four home games – including Saturday's Scottish Cup clash with Aberdeen – have ended in 1-0 defeats, despite there not a lot being between the teams on each occasion, and the 61-year-old was pleased to see that run of losses come to an end.
Speaking to the Reporter post-match, he said: “We want to win and need to win, but the important thing this time around was not being on the end of a scrappy 1-0 loss, which we’ve been on the end of a couple of times.
“The attitude has been brilliant – there’s no question of the attitude and work ethic and commitment.
Dumbarton remain in the League One relegation play-off spot despite holding the division's top scorers to a 0-0 draw on April 6 (Photo - Andy Scott)
READ MORE: Duffy full of praise for battling Sons after narrow cup loss to Aberdeen
“The two centre-backs, after the performance they had at the weekend, had to dig deep to the reserves of energy, but they’re willing to do it so fair play to them.
“There’s areas around the pitch we know that we need to keep working on, and you’re just hoping you get a wee break somewhere along the line.
"There was one or two right across the face of goal that didn’t quite land for us and maybe they are the moments that you need to get a bit of good luck.
“I think Montrose are one of the better sides in the division, with good depth in their squad, and have been very consistent the last couple of seasons.
"Under Stewart [Petrie, Montrose's manager], they’re a difficult side to play against so I think it’s a decent point.”
Dumbarton remain in the League One relegation play-off spot despite holding the division's top scorers to a 0-0 draw on April 6 (Photo - Andy Scott)
There was no substitute goalkeeper for Dumbarton in Tuesday's squad after Chris Smith left the club due to work commitments, however the club are expected to add Jamie Barclay on an ongoing emergency loan deal from Kilwinning Rangers ahead of their next match against East Fife on Thursday.
Duffy made three changes to the side that narrowly lost out to Aberdeen with Rico Quitongo, Rabin Omar and PJ Crossan replacing Sam Wardrop, Adam Frizzell and Robert Jones.
Sons' number one Sam Ramsbottom, fresh off a man-of-the-match performance against the Dons, was called into action in the opening quarter of an hour as he pushed away Lewis Milne’s shot.
For Dumbarton, most of their joy going forward was coming from Kilmarnock loanee Tomas Brindley – he had a cross nearly put into his own net by the experienced Sean Dillon and his ball for Crossan was just behind the number 24 preventing him from getting any power in his header.
READ MORE: Lacklustre Sons slammed after home loss to Peterhead
Dumbarton remain in the League One relegation play-off spot despite holding the division's top scorers to a 0-0 draw on April 6 (Photo - Andy Scott)
The visitors racked up eight corners in the first half and it was a from a set piece they came close to finding the net just before the break, when Liam Callaghan’s free-kick from nearly half-way bounced over the bar.
Ramsbottom made an impressive stop just a few minutes into the second period as he got down sharply to keep out Graham Webster’s powerful shot and his defence scrambled the ball clear.
James Wallace and Robert Jones were introduced for Sons as the hosts looked to create more of an impact in the final third – and that nearly happened with 15 minutes to go when the two linked up and Jones had a shot held by Aaron Lennox.
The final chance of the evening fell to the Angus side as substitute Chris Antoniazzi watched his goalbound effort squirm wide of the post after a priceless block from Quitongo.
Sons are back in action on Thursday evening when East Fife visit The Rock – and with relegation rivals Clyde and Forfar Athletic facing each other on the same night, taking something from the game is vital for Duffy’s side.
READ MORE: Catch up with all Dumbarton and the Vale's latest news headlines here
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