Written by John - OTR Saturday, 03 February 2001 00:00

The Sons dented East Fife's promotion hopes with a another solid victory at The Rock. The main surprise of the day was Craig Brittain not being in the lineup. Later on, the same player was mentioned in rumours as one of 4 players who have been told that their playing career lies outwith Dumbarton FC. Dumbarton looked solid througout the whole match with Michael Dickie especially deserving a mention for some crisp tackling. The only player not really looking the part was Bonar who was having a bit of a 'mare.

Dumbarton threatened the Fifer's goal on several occasions, with Davie Stewart bringing a good save out of the East Fife keeper in the 20th minute and the keeper saving John Dillon's effort from the rebound. Sons' corner count was impressive. Paddy Flannery had a shot deflected beyond the post in the 27th minute. The resultant corner was cleared for another corner which Paddy headed wide. Indeed, it was via a corner that the first goal came when Bomber Brown header home in the 42nd minute.

The second half saw more Sons superiority. After about 15 minutes, the East Fife keeper made a good save from a Flannery shot after Paddy ran on to a superb through ball from Martin O'Neil. Ten minutes later from another corner, the keeper punched the ball out to Stevie Jack whose attempted lob was easily cleared. After 70 minutes, Sons scored their second and what a cracker it was. Davie Stewart, who had a fine game, strode forward and unleashed a shot from about 20 yards. The East Fife keeper managed to get a hand to put could not stop it hitting the back of the net. Dumbarton had the chance to make it three late in the half from a byeline cut back but Paddy and Dillon seemed to had lost their foot-eye coordination and the balled rolled harmlessly away.