Dumbarton 3
Dundee Utd 2
Friendly

Match Report

ONLY two of the goalscorers were known, at least by the public.

It was the three anonymous men who made the difference.

All three of Dumbarton's goals against Dundee United were scored by trialists as the first open-door fixture of pre-season ended in victory.

Lawrence Shankland and the man who later replaced him, Louis Appere, equalised twice for the Championship visitors, but the goal by a third man on trial was not to be levelled.

Pre-season it undoubtedly was, but it was still exciting enough stuff, although the first half dropped few hints as such.

Two of the trialists went close for Dumbarton, but neither found the target, while at the other end, Shankland glanced a close range header wide.

The lack of goals was made up for in the second half, starting in the 48th minute when Lewis Crawford's cross caused a scramble in the United area.

The ball fell to the number 16 trialist, who finished from close range.

Within 11 minutes the visitors were level. After Robson hit the post from a rebounded shot, Sons looked to have escaped, but the ball was sent back into the box and Shankland headed home.

But a further six minutes later, another Crawford assist had Sons back in front. His through ball found the number seven trialist, who ran in to score.

On 76 minutes it was all square again. A bit of a 'six and two threes' incident involving Morgyn Neill and Appere saw the Sons player penalised for excessive grappling, and the United sub scored from the spot.

However, with 10 minutes left, the number 17 trialist, who came on at half time, robbed United of possession and ran in to get what was to be the winner.

Match report written by Andy Galloway