Sons shine without their pace makers

Oct 24 2008 by Andy Galloway, Lennox Herald

NO Stevie Murray and no Derek Carcary – but Dumbarton still moved within two points of the top of the league with this win against Montrose.

Ross Clark opened the scoring in the first half before Paul McLeod doubled the lead soon after the interval.

The game's only downside came in injury time when Stephen Black’s consolation goal denied Sons their first clean sheet of the season.

But the result was rarely in doubt as Jim Chapman's men rediscovered the winning form they were in before the international break.

And that was despite the loss of two speedy, and highly influential players.

Murray was known to be out before the game and was replaced by Liam Cusack, but Carcary was set to be involved until minutes before kick-off.

He injured his hamstring in the pre-match warm-up, giving sub Iain Chisholm an unexpected start, with David Gray moving on to the bench.

Keeper Mark McGeown kept his starting place despite Dave McEwan's return to fitness, and was involved in the first real action of the game on 27 minutes.

Black found space to meet a cross from the right but his fierce drive was well saved by the keeper.

Four minutes later Sons took the lead when Ben Gordon's free kick found Andy Geggan inside the Montrose area.

The midfielder couldn't get his header past a defender, but the ball fell for Clark to drill home his fifth goal of the season.

Near half time, Sons had chances to extend their lead, with Geggan's shot saved before Chisholm's shot across goal hit the post.

But six minutes into the second half came a goal of real quality from McLeod, which started when he intercepted a ball 30 yards out.

He then outpaced two Gable Endies defenders and calmly shot past the keeper for a great solo effort.

Geggan was having an excellent game in midfield and went close with two attempts on goal, the second an audacious 30-yard volley which the keeper did well to save.

The fast-paced start to the second half didn't last, although Sons were keeping the home side out easily.

That was until injury time when Chris Hegarty's cross found Black at the far post and he headed home.

Many had viewed this as a tough game for Dumbarton, but they fully deserved the three points – even without two key players.

The visit to league leaders Stenhousemuir on Saturday, November 8 already looks like a mouthwatering prospect.

Dumbarton: McGeown; Lennon, Wilson, O'Byrne, Gordon, Clark, Chisholm, Geggan, McLeod (Gray 85), Keegan (Logan 65), Cusack (Brannan 79). Subs: Canning, McEwan.

Booked: Chisholm (84, foul).

Referee: Anthony Law

Crowd: 570

Rock Star points: 3pts Geggan, 2pts Clark, 1pt McLeod