A Scott McLean double was enough to secure Stirling Albion’s passage into the 2nd round of the Bell’s League Challenge Cup. However, the bad news from the match was the injury to Gethins late on in the first half thus reducing the already understrength strike force at Forthbank.

The match was played in glorious sunshine although, with the stand being in the shade, the spectators were unable to get full enjoyment from it.

The Binos almost took the lead in the first minute when Gethins collected a through ball but his dipping shot went just over the bar. Four minutes later Dumbarton took the lead when slack defending allowed Rodgers to get in a cross, which fell to Bonar at the far post, and his shot beat Hogarth. The Binos replied with a MacDonald shot being tipped round the post by Grindlay.

A strong run by Ferguson resulted in the ball breaking to Hay but the keeper had come out and Hay’s effort was smothered. The Binos had strong appeals for a penalty turned down by referee Young when a Ferguson pass seemed to hit a defender’s arm. This incident did not stop the friendly banter, which the Binos’ fans were directing at Young who responded in his own inimitable style.

Dumbarton’s danger man, Russell, had acres of room on the left when he cut inside but his shot, from close to the bye line, ended up in the side net. Russell again beat Devine but his shot from the edge of the 18 yard box went over the crossbar. Rodgers beat Nugent but a timely tackle from Rowe cleared the danger. The resultant corner kick eventually reached Dillon whose low shot was turned past the post by Hogarth.

Gethins chased a long ball but pulled up holding the back of his leg. 2 minutes later he was substituted with James Allan coming on. Shortly after that, the Binos should have equalised when O’Brien collected a pass from McLean and surged into the 18 yard box. However, Grindlay had seen the danger and came out to block the winger’s effort. As half time approached, Dillon became the first player to be booked for a foul on Hay. Then, just as the Dumbarton fans thought that they would go in with the lead, McLean struck to level the scores. A high ball from defence saw McLean get to the ball first and his lob over the keeper ended up in the back of the net despite the valiant efforts of 2 of the Sons’ defenders. A typical striker’s goal which McLean is always capable of scoring.

The second half was only 4 minutes old when McLean scored to put the Binos ahead. A high ball from Nugent appeared to give McLean difficulty in seeing it coming out of the sun. However, he had the confidence to half volley a shot which beat Grindlay at the keeper’s left hand post. A goal worthy of winning any match.

Dumbarton hit back and Hogarth had to turn a Bonar shot over the bar. Dumbarton then made a double substitution with ex-Bino Mark Bradley and Herd replacing Donald and Russell. A cross from Dillon saw Bonar’s header being saved on the goal line by Hogarth. Then the Binos brought on Hutchison in place of MacDonald. Another ex-Bino, Robert Dunn, became the Son’s final substitution when he replaced Rodgers.

At this point, the Binos were comfortably dealing with anything Dumbarton could offer and they were content to try and retain possession. The final whistle came and the Binos’ fans applauded their heroes off the pitch. With Dumbarton being one of the teams tipped to do well in the forthcoming league campaign, the result seems to augur well for the Binos. However, there is no doubt that the squad requires to be strengthened with at least one midfielder and one striker needing to be signed. Next week it’s Arbroath at Forthbank in the league and, hopefully, we will get off to a good start.