Striker Paul McLeod glad to be back in the picture at Dumbarton FC

Apr 10 2009 by Andy Galloway, Lennox Herald (main ed)

PAUL McLeod hopes he has proved a point to Dumbarton manager Jim Chapman.

The striker made his first start on Saturday since March’s 1-0 defeat to Montrose and, although he didn’t score against the Warriors, he was pleased with his performance.

He said: “It was great being back in the team, but the main thing was that we got the victory as we needed the three points.

“We were the better team and wanted to win it more. Stenhousemuir came into it in the second half but we deserved it overall.

“Michael Dunlop and Ben Gordon were outstanding in central defence and Stenny couldn’t create much as a result.

“I was also happy with my own performance. I felt my work rate was very good and hopefully, I’ve shown the gaffer what I can do.”

Paul is optimistic that the good run can continue. He added: “We had heard that Cowdenbeath were losing to Elgin, but it is still good for us that they dropped points.

“We are treating every game like a cup final, but just taking it one game at a time and hopefully we can finish on a high.

“There is a genuine optimism among the squad but we are not getting ahead of ourselves. We know the work that lies ahead.”

SONS could go top of the third division on Saturday when Berwick Rangers visit the Rock.

That depends on three things – a Dumbarton win at Forfar last night (Tuesday), another victory over the Borderers on Saturday and league leaders Cowdenbeath losing at Albion Rovers. If that all happens, Sons will be top on goal difference.

Sons have beaten Jimmy Crease's men 2-1 at Shielfield twice, and of course, there was the fantastic performance at the Rock in November which saw them record a 5-2 win.

A positive atmosphere in the ground on Saturday is a must, and fans are asked to turn out in numbers and get right behind Sons.

Kick-off is at the usual 3pm, with the supporters' bar open from 12.30pm to season ticket holders and 1.15pm to fans paying on the day.

Voting will take place in the bar and home concourse for three of the Sons Supporters Trust's awards for the end-of-season awards dance.

Fans can cast their votes for player and young player of the year and goal of the season. For details of how to buy tickets for the big night on Saturday, May 2, see Rock Talk.

To check how the Forfar match went, visit www.lennoxherald.co.uk