Hard-working Dumbarton earn cup win

Oct 31 2008 by Marc McLean, Lennox Herald (main ed)

THE wind may have dominated this game – but Dumbarton didn’t blow the chance to reach the Homecoming Scottish Cup third round on Saturday.

Iain Chisholm's header 10 minutes into the second half was enough for Sons to see off Fraserburgh's brave challenge.

But the game was played in a very strong wind which made flowing football near impossible for either side.

Sons defended against the elements in the first half and were perhaps lucky not to be behind at half time.

After the restart the result was rarely in doubt, although clear-cut chances were still somewhat lacking.

Fraserburgh forced the first opportunity of the game after only four minutes after a mix-up in the Sons defence.

Robert Morrice looked set to score with the goal gaping, but Ben Gordon cleared with keeper Mark McGeown stranded on the edge of the area.

Sons soon found their stride and Paul Keegan shot wide before Paul McLeod ran through on goal, but was off-target.

However, the Broch came more into the game just before half time and Graham Johnston shot wide of the far post on 38 minutes. McGeown then turned Morrice's shot over in first-half injury time.

The second half had similarly few chances, with Dumbarton now making use of the wind advantage.

Seven minutes after the restart, Andy Geggan's shot was deflected on to a post and McLeod's effort from the rebound was turned away by the keeper.

But Fraserburgh had another opportunity just after that when McGeown saved from Morrice as he ran in on goal.

And Sons took advantage on 55 minutes when Stevie Murray crossed for Chisholm to out-jump the keeper and score.

After that the game became a bit of a scrap, although late in the game another Murray cross nearly forced yet another own goal.

A home defender deflected the low ball towards his own net, but the keeper spared his blushes. Had the ball gone in it would have been the fourth own goal to count for Sons in four games.

However, they managed this victory by themselves and have now gone more than two months undefeated in any competition.

Dumbarton: McGeown; Lennon, Wilson, O'Byrne, Gordon, Clark, Chisholm (Canning 84), Geggan, McLeod, Keegan (Cusack 69), Murray. Subs: Brannan, Tiernan, McEwan.

Booked: Clark (32, foul), Wilson (67, dissent), Lennon (88, persistent fouling).

Referee: Brian Colvin

Crowd: 517

Rock Star points: 3pts Chisholm, 2pts Gordon, 1pt Geggan