Match Report - By Steven Mew

Report by Steven Mew

City slipped to a second consecutive defeat to Dumbarton in the matter of a few days at a bitterly cold Glebe Park yesterday afternoon.

A lacklustre performance from Darren Dods’ side did little to warm up the home spectators as City fell a staggering 24 points adrift of the Sons at the bottom of the Championship as confirmation of relegation grows ever closer.

There were four changes from the side that lost down at Dumbarton midweek with Gary Fusco, Craig Storie, Finn Graham and Willie Dyer coming into the side at the expense of Euan Smith, James Dale, Callumn Morrison and Kosta Gadzhalov.

City started the game brightly – with just 2 minutes on the clock Dylan Mackin laid the ball off for Liam Watt on the edge of the box but his short was saved comfortably by Gallagher. Five minutes later a cross from Finn Graham almost sneaked in at the back post but the ball landed on the roof of the net.

At the other end, Dimitris Froxylias had a shot deflected wide and from the resulting corner, the Sons opened the scoring. Froxylias swung in the delivery from the right hand side, ex-City defender Andy Dowie headed the ball back across goal for the unmarked CALUM GALLACHER who had the simple task of nodding into the empty net.

Things got worse for City after 23 minutes as the visitors doubled their advantage. Again Froxylias caused the damage with another corner which SEAN CRIGHTON could only flick goalwards and despite the efforts of Paddy O’Neil in the City goal, he was unable to keep it out.

City gave themselves a lifeline as they reduced the deficit after 38 minutes. The referee awarded City a free kick 25 yards from goal after Fusco was taken down – CRAIG STORIE stepped up to curl the set piece past a helpless Gallacher for his first goal in a City shirt.

City’s joy was short lived however as the visitors restored their two goal advantage two minutes before the interval courtesy of some shambolic defending. Froxylias made it a hat-trick of assists from corners – City failed to clear their lines from his delivery and the ball fell kindly for DANNY HANDLING who poked the ball home.

Darren Dods made a change at half time as Storie, who had picked up a knock earlier in the half, was replaced by on-loan Hearts winger Callumn Morrison.

City were first to threaten in the second period when Kalvin Orsi teed the ball up for Watt on the edge of the box but he could only screw his effort wide of the target.

At the other end, the Sons conjured up a couple of opportunities to try and extend their advantage. Calum Gallacher broke clear of the City defence but his effort was straight at the advancing O’Neil. Four minutes later, Andy Stirling stung the hands of O’Neil at his near post.

City had a chance to get themselves back in the game when they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Crighton after 72 minutes. Kalvin Orsi stepped up to take the spot kick but his effort went just wide of the post – a moment that typified City’s day and season as a whole.

Substitute Isaac Layne was next to have a go but for City when he chested down a long ball but his volley on the turn was high and wide.

The visitors had a few half chances in the closing stages but they were unable to extend their advantage, however they held out for a comfortable victory which gives them a fighting chance of avoiding the relegation play-offs.

Next up for City is another midweek match on Tuesday, this time against Dunfermline Athletic at Glebe Park with a 7:45pm kick off.

Other Results - Ladbrokes Championship

Dundee United 1 Inverness Caledonian Thistle 1

Share of the spoils at Tannadice.

Dunfermline Athletic 0 Morton 0

A point apiece for playoff hopefuls.

Livingston 0 Falkirk 0

No goals at the Tony Macaroni Arena.

Queen of the South 1 St Mirren 3

The Buddies continue their march towards the title.