Dumbarton 1-2 Stenhousemuir

Aug 24 2008 Brian Henson At Strathclyde Homes

A LAST-MINUTE Andrew Shirra goal snatched the points for Stenny and left Jim Chapman's side ruing a host of missed chances. After being behind for most of the game Dumbarton drew level through sub Paul Keegan but they were undone in the dying seconds when Shirra's fine shot beat keeper David McEwan.

Both teams went into the game missing key players. Stenhousemuir striker Rob Love was injured while the Sons were without Derek Carcary and Michael Moore.

The Warriors made the brighter start and Scott Dalziel tested McEwan with a decent shot but the keeper got down to save.

However, McEwan had no chance in 20 minutes when Stenny took the lead. Midfielder Chris McGroarty's effort was blocked before Kevin Motion volleyed home the rebound.

The Sons tried to force their way into the match but all they could manage were a couple of fruitless corners and wayward shots from Fergus Tiernan and Raymond Logan that flashed well wide.

At the other end Steven Desmond had a good chance when the midfielder just failed to connect with McGroarty's cross.

Dumbarton's Ben Gordon was then booked for bundling Andrew Brand off the ball as the striker burst through the home defence.

The second half started as the first had finished - with a booking.

This time McGroartywas cautioned for a foul on Gordon Lennon.

The home side came agonisingly close to equalising in 49 minutes after Man of the Match Lennon fired a low cross into the box.

Iain Chisholm met the ball and volleyed in a crisp shot that keeper Kieron Renton did well to push over the bar.

Chapman threw on two subs with David Gray and Tiernan making way for Alan Gourlay and Keegan in a bid to freshen up the Dumbarton attack.

Sons' fiery winger Stevie Murray gave his side a great chance to level with an in-swinging corner that was met by Keegan.

The striker's header was flapped out by Renton and fell back at the sub's feet but his shot came off the woodwork.

At the other end Dalziel brought a great save out of McEwan when he tipped the striker's drive past the post.

Renton again came to the Warriors' rescue when he blocked Ross Clark's shot as Dumbarton pushed forward.

And the Sons got the reward for their efforts in 71 minutes when Keegan slid in to net Craig Brittain's cross from close range.

Dumbarton then survived a late scare when Steven Ferguson almost put the ball into his own net but McEwan saved his blushes.

It looked as if the home side had done enough to earn a point.

But with seconds left midfielder Shirra took possession at the edge of the box and planted his shot past the helpless Dumbarton keeper.

Stenny boss John Coughlin said: "I'm delighted at the way we took our goals."

Dumbarton gaffer Chapman moaned: "We started the game too late as we only began to play after the break."