Written by John - OTR Saturday, 08 September 2001 00:00

A far better match than the Stirlingshire cup defeat the previous Tuesday although I believe the scoreline still flattered Dumbarton. Had it not been for the generosity of the Shire's trialist keeper, Stuart Robertson, the result could have been much different.

The game had a fairly dull start, understandably perhaps given the team's new shape. Stevie Bonar was now at right back, with new boy Mark Crilly getting a start in the midfield. I felt that Crilly had a good game overall. He was alert, cut out a few passes and seemed solid in the tackle. Here's hoping that continues.

Sons took the lead in the 11th minute Paddy Flannery took advantage of goalmouth stramash to head the ball into the net.

Shire drew level when McCann put in a mistimed tackle on Shire's Menelaws at the corner of the box. The referee pointed to the spot immediately and he was right. I'd hoped that Hillcoat might have carried on with his penalty saving performance but he didn't have an earthly as Menelaws blasted it high into Hilly's top right corner.

At this point, Dumbarton could have crumbled. But they held firm until half time. But half-time had only delayed the collapse and Shire took the lead following some poor defending in the box. At this point Sons were on shaky ground but Shire threw Sons a lifeline in the 62 minute when the Shire keeper punched the ball into his own net from a Martin O'Neil free kick. It was just like watching Kenny Meechan!. Spurred on by this Dumbarton opened up the game, with Joe Robertson in particular in good form.

Sons third came in the 71st minute when following another penalty box stramash, the ball fell to Joe Robertson who had no problems netting from 10 yards. 5 minutes later the game was effectively wrapped up when a Davie Stewart throw in was headed on by Bomber Brown to Paddy Flannery. Paddy took the ball inside, unleashed a shot which was parried by the Shire keeper. Steve Bonar raced on to the loose ball and scored from 8 yards.