Dumbarton FC lose 2-1 to Cowdenbeath

Nov 20 2009 by Andy Galloway, Lennox Herald (main ed)

IT may have been disappointing, but there's no need to panic after Dumbarton's unbeaten run came to an end at Cowdenbeath.

Saturday's game was frustrating as Andy Geggan gave Sons an early lead, only for Paul McQuade's double to give the home side the points.

Jim Chapman's men were below par in the second half, but it has been clear from recent games that they have what it takes to consolidate.

And the league leaders also got their equaliser from a penalty decision that was, to say the least, questionable.

Sons are well capable of bouncing back – but Saturday's home game with Peterhead now becomes just a bit more important.

In the second division, every game is vital and teams cannot afford to go too long without a win, so a return to winning ways is crucial.

Geggan was back in the team after two games out through injury but replaced Chris Craig instead of Ross O'Donoghue, who had deputised for him.

And that decision proved an inspired one after only five minutes when the midfielder pounced on slackness in the Cowden defence.

His 20-yard shot was out of the reach of the home keeper and found the corner of the net to give Sons a dream start.

Ryan McStay nearly made it two with a long-distance effort shortly after, but it was just the wrong side of the crossbar.

But on 17 minutes, things started to go wrong when Stevie Murray challenged McQuade in the area, only for the striker to go down.

Referee Iain Brines, ranked as one of Scotland's top officials, awarded a really soft penalty, and McQuade scored from the spot.

Shortly after that keeper Jan Vojacek had to be on form to turn Craig Winter's shot from the edge of the area over the bar.

Sons finished the first half strongly, but Ben Gordon's header missed the target, while Geggan's cross bent towards goal but hit the bar.

However, the second half was dominated for long spells by Cowden, who showed why they are top of the league.

Vojacek turned Kenny Adamson's drive round the post before saving twice from Gareth Wardlaw.

He was then out to block from McQuade at point blank range, with O'Donoghue stopping Wardlaw from converting the loose ball.

Cowden felt the game should have been out of sight - but they finally got the breakthrough that had been coming with eight minutes to go.

When a cross came into the area from the right, McQuade was first to react, and made no mistake from six yards with his shot.

Only then did Sons threaten the home goal in the second half, but Roddy Hunter's shot was saved and Michael Dunlop's effort from the rebound was cleared off the line.

However, in reality, Dumbarton would have been lucky to take a point after a second half where they just didn't match their recent displays.

One defeat is no disaster for Sons' hopes of survival, especially when it is away to the leaders, but the game was a reminder that consolidation is the target this season.

Cowden are top because they have bounced back from the disappointment of being beaten to the third division title by Dumbarton last season.

Now it's Sons who need to bounce back – with Peterhead hopefully caught in the firing line on Saturday.

Dumbarton: Vojacek; O'Donoghue, Smith, Dunlop, Gordon, McStay, Chisholm (McNiff 83), Chaplain, Hunter, Geggan (Brannan 74), Murray (Carcary 65). Subs: Clark, White.

Booked: O'Donoghue (40, foul).

Referee: Iain Brines

Crowd: 389

Rock Star points: 3pts Geggan, 2pts Dunlop, 1pt Chaplain