Written by John - OTR Tuesday, 04 September 2001 00:00

Not much to write about this game as large portions of it were instantly forgettable. Most of the talking points in the 90 minutes were provided by one man, referee, Cammy Melville who seemed intent on stopping the game for the slighest infringement. Even then some of his decisions were really weird.. For example, Andy Brown managed to hit a Stenny player in the face with his arm. The referree blew. Andy shook his head in digust but then was surprised, like we all were, when the ref awarded the kick TO Dumbarton.

Another good one was when Sons got a free kick in the first half on the right wing about 25 yards out. Joe Roberston stepped up to take it. The ref blew for the kick to be taken. Joe kicks the ball, a wee Stenny player jumps up and blocks the ball with his hand. The crowd roar "Handball" and then look at the ref, who is seen turning his head towards Joe, having missed the entire incident. A few moments later, Joe gets booked probably for protesting.

It was not a great match. Both sides had a fair share of possession but on the whole Stenhousemuir made more of it. Too often Dumbarton moves broke down, usually because of hopeful long balls and just plain crap passing. Things were not great in defence. Scott Murdoch, back after injury, looked unfit and very slow. Davie Stewart didn't have his best game either, but by all accounts, John McKeown was better having curbed his tendency to blooter the ball up the park.

In terms of chances, Stenny had the upper hand with John Hillcoat being the busier keeper. His stint between the sticks, included a fine save from a Stenny piledriver in the first half. Sons, however could barely muster a shot on target.

So at full time, it was 0-0 and penalties loomed.

The penalties were the worst I've ever seen. Paddy was up first and slotted his home sweetly. Bomber Brown was next, his was easily saved by the Stenny keeper. Next, Michael Dickie. His attempt ended up in the Leven after hitting the bar. Joe Robertson was next. His short run up didn't bode well and the kick was easily saved. Finally, Scott Murdoch. He had to score to keep the game alive but his attempt was easily saved by the keeper.

It's a Mickey Mouse tournament anyway.