Accies went into this match as red-hot favourites. Every fixed odds tipster in the land made them one of their "picks" for the weekend. Dumbarton were without one of their best players, Toby King, who had suffered an injury at work. In addition, the home side had yet to score a goal, never mind secure a point, at their temporary Coatbridge lodgings. So you can guess why this match reminded me to a certain extent of the recent humbling Accies suffered at Firhill at the hands of Albion Rovers. Complacency was going to be a major problem.
Accies were unchanged from the 4-1 roasting of Brechin the previous week, with Robert Prytz continuing in midfield despite his appearance for Rangers, alongside Ally Dawson, in a Sky - televised old crocks tournament during the week.
Accies started the game brightly, but it was the home side who took a shock lead after about 7 minutes. The ball was lost in midfield and played forward into the Accies penalty area. Despite there being no immediate threat to the Accies goal, Robert Prytz made an awkward challenge which the referee correctly penalised. Joe Robertson made a good job of the spot kick, hitting the ball low to Ian Macfarlane's left with the Accies 'keeper going in the other direction.
Not surprisingly, this gave the "home" team a real boost and, with the scent of Accies blood in their nostrils, they went for the kill. They had several good chances but were unable to increase their lead. The best chance was when Ian Macfarlane parried a powerful shot, the ball went into the air, but the Sons player could only head the ball over the bar. Shortly afterwards, some poor defending by Chris Hillcoat gave Paddy Flannery some room but his acrobatic shot hit the bar and bounced over the top.
There were a couple of near things at the other end too ; an excellent shot by Michael Moore which was palmed round the post and a Prytz corner kick which ran across the face of the goal being the highlights.
But Accies did equalise before half time, with a well taken goal by improving striker Michael Moore. Davie McFarlane did well to hold the ball 20 yards from goal and tapped the ball into Moore's path. Young Michael made an excellent job of his shot, which flew into the bottom corner of the goal with the 'keeper nowhere.
So it was 1-1 at half time with Accies getting into their rhythym.
Into the second half and Accies really began to dominate the game. Indeed, they took the lead thanks to an opportunist goal by Martin Bonnar. The ball was crossed in from the right to the far post. Stuart Callaghan headed it back across goal, where wee Stan beat the goalkeeper to the ball and prodded it home. He was immediately mobbed by his delighted team mates.
Accies were attacking in waves by now and Allan Russell had a gilt edged chance to put the game beyond Dumbarton. He was put clear on the right wing with only the 'keeper to beat but dragged his shot wide of the left hand post.
The home side were getting a bit restless by this time and several of them were booked, although there wasn't a serious foul in the match. Just as we all thought Accies were going to hold on to their one goal advantage, an attack by Dumbarton with 2 minutes to go brought them another penalty. In what's traditionally called a "Stramash" in the penalty area, the ball was apparently handled by Stuart Callaghan. He was booked and Paddy Flannery scored the penalty.
So now it looked as if another two points were going to be chucked away from a game which Accies had dominated. I'm pleased to report, however, that this Accies team believes in fighting through to the end of the game. Just as at Methil two weeks earlier, they scored a winner late in the game, although on this occasion they left it even later than against East Fife. Accies won a corner on the right. The ball was crossed in and, with the sun in his eyes, the home goalie could only flap at the ball. It fell kindly for Gary Clark, and he knocked it in from a couple of yards out.
The fans went crazy and the ref blew his whistle just as soon as the game restarted. The players were giving a standing ovation (all the fans were standing anyway), but this was a real triumph for Accies. Although they're not the best Accies team ever (slight understatement there!), they certainly don't give up until the end of the match.
Top man for Accies was Michael Moore, who took his goal very well and annoyed the Dumbarton defence throughout.
So that's four wins in a row now and Accies have closed to within one point of Brechin, who could only draw at Elgin. Cowdenbeath continue to march on though, with a 3-0 win over East Stirlingshire at Central Park.
Accies : Macfarlane, Nelson, Callaghan, Hillcoat, Gaughan, Maclaren, Russell, Prytz (Clark), Moore (Eadie), McFarlane and Bonnar.
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