Match Report - By Steven Mew

Report by Steven Mew

It was so near and yet so far again for 10 man City yesterday at Dumbarton as they continue to seek their first win in the Championship.

As the only part time outfits in the division, both sides are widely expected to be battling it out at the bottom end of the league and although it was perhaps a little early to consider it a ‘six pointer’, both sides knew a win would be pivotal in their quest to beat the drop at the end of the campaign.

After a hugely encouraging second half performance against Falkirk last weekend and no fresh injury concerns to contend with, it was unsurprising that Darren Dods went with the same 11 that started against the Bairns.

City got off to the dream start as they took the lead after just 86 seconds. JORDAN SINCLAIR received the ball out on the left and his audacious shot could only be palmed into his own net at the near post by Scott Gallagher.

Clearly buoyed by the early opener, City came close to doubling their advantage just five minutes later. Some good work from Willie Dyer on the left ended with James Dale shooting for goal from the edge of the box, but his effort was tipped over by Gallagher.

Stephen Aitken’s side then started to come into the game. Greek striker Dimitris Froxylias had a half chance which he dragged wide of the goal and five minutes later, the Sons came even closer when McLaughlin’s powerful strike from range went narrowly over the bar, with Smith getting a slight glove to it.

City came agonisingly close to getting a second goal on the quarter hour mark. Kalvin Orsi showed some impressive skill to get past his man on the left side of the box and his cutback was met by Connor McLennan - his shot was cleared off the line by former City man Dougie Hill.

City keeper Graeme Smith was called into action again midway through the first half. ‘Buzz’ managed to parry a stinging shot from David Wilson and on-loan Ross County striker Greg Morrison couldn’t force home the rebound.

The visitors continued to create opportunities on the break with the pace of Orsi and McLennan causing some problems – the latter made a good run down the left before cutting inside and shooting over the bar.

With half time approaching, Froxylias – central to most of Dumbarton’s attacking play, had a couple of half chances which he could only put wide of the goal.

Five minutes into the second period, Dumbarton came close an equaliser with Willie Dyer on hand to clear off the line from Craig Barr’s header.

As with many games this season, Jordan Sinclair was no stranger to having a pop from distance. On the hour mark ‘Sinky’ had a drive over the bar after the ball had been headed clear from a corner and five minutes later, the same player struck just past the post.

However, with 20 minutes remaining the game was turned on its head as City were reduced to 10 men. Aron Lynas, who had an impressive game up until this point, overran with the ball and went strongly into a tackle which referee Nick Walsh deemed to be worthy of a straight red card.

This was a huge blow to a City side who had looked relatively comfortable up until this point. The sending off, coupled with the introduction of Christian Nadé for the home side, proved to be City’s downfall.

The home side immediately looked to make the most of the numerical advantage. A cross from the right hand side was volleyed goalwards by Mark Stewart but Smith was on hand to tip his effort over the bar. Two minutes later, Smith saved at his near post to deny Froxylias.

With just 8 minutes remaining, Dumbarton got the equaliser they craved in a well worked move. Nadé chested the ball down for ex Raith striker MARK STEWART and his snap-volley on the turn nestled into the corner of the net.

Things went from bad to worse for City with just four minutes remaining as the Sons grabbed what proved to be the winning goal. Nadé was again the architect, crossing low into the box for DIMITRIS FROXYLIAS to sweep the ball high into the net, giving Smith no chance.

This proved to be the last action of the match as the Sons emerged with all three points. Having led for over 80 minutes, City will feel aggrieved not to have taken anything from the game but despite defeat, Darren Dods’ men proved yet again they can compete at this level. A tough fixture against league leaders Dunfermline Athletic awaits next week.

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Excellent win on the road for Livi.

Queen of the South 1 Morton 2

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