Dumbarton3–0Spartans

Dumbarton stormed back to winning ways with a 3-0 success against high-flying Spartans.
Deryn Lang got Frank McKeown’s men off to a dream start within the opening three minutes, with a Cammy Russell own-goal and late Josiah Sowa stunner securing a welcome three points.

New additions Mason Munn and Tom Lang were handed debuts as boss McKeown made four changes to the side that had lost to Stranraer a week previous, with Josh Todd and Leighton McIntosh also returning to the side.

Following his departure, Harry Broun joined Josiah Sowa, Kristian Webster and Kai Kirkpatrick in dropping out.

And the freshened-up Sons wasted no time in making their mark - as they took the lead inside 180 seconds.

Good play from Robbie Cleary created space for the onrushing Mikey Doyle, with the skipper drilling a ball into the box which was arrowed into the corner of the net by Deryn Lang - for his first league goal as a Son.

Spartans looked for an immediate response in blustery conditions at The Rock as debutant Munn reacted sharply to deal with a ball across the face of goal, before Doyle swept up any remaining danger after the ball had pinballed around the box.

Other than a long-range Cammy Russell free-kick, which was comfortably fielded by the Northern Irish keeper, chances were at a premium, with new addition Tom Lang marshalling a solid looking Dumbarton backline - even in challenging conditions.

For all their possession, the visitors were struggling to create any chances of note - with Munn only called into serious action once in the remainder of the opening 45.

The ever-dangerous Mark Stowe breached Sons’ offside trap and raced in on goal, but was denied by the outstretched leg of the towering Rangers loanee.

There was one blow for Dumbarton as the half came to a close however, with a hamstring tear forcing Tommy Robson off - and Kristian Webster taking the full-back’s place in the unfamiliar surroundings of left-back.

That didn’t disrupt Sons however and, early in the second period, Leighton McIntosh whistled an effort from 20 yards narrowly over Paddy Martin’s bar as they pushed for a killer second with the winds at their back.

And Dumbarton weren’t to be denied for long.

Robbie Cleary’s corner caused panic in Spartans’ box, hitting Cammy Russell and bouncing into the net via the post.

With 15 minutes remaining, Sons, now playing with real confidence, passed up a golden opportunity for a third of the afternoon.

Substitute Owen Hartington pinched possession and drove towards goal, but skewed his effort off target.

After Russell and Jordan Tapping had both forced Munn into action, Sons sealed the game in real style with the final kick of the ball.

David Craig picked up possession in the middle of the park and spread it wide to substitute Josiah Sowa, who had looked a major threat down the left after replacing Scott Honeyman with 20 minutes remaining.

The Canadian, on loan from Queen’s Park, drove right at his man, before cutting inside and arrowing a spectacular effort from the edge of the box beyond Paddy Martin and into the top corner of the net. Capping a perfect day at the office in fine style.