By Connor Ryan
Albion Rovers line-up: 1. Jack Leighfield, 2. Adam Fernie, 3. Blair Malcolm, 4. James McGowan, 5. Sean Fagan ©, 6. Kyle Fleming, 7. Callum Wilson, 8. Jamie Leslie, 9. Scott Roberts, 10. Lewis Kidd, 11. Charlie Reilly
Subs: 12. Max Wright, 14. Amaury Teta, 15. Devan McColl, 16. Barry Duncan, 17. Chris Smith, 18. Kieran McGrath (replaced Lewis Kidd on 71’), 19. Kieran Dolan
Dumbarton line-up: 1. Brett Long, 12. Aaron Lynas, 5. Gregor Buchanan, 6. Stuart Carswell, 23. Martin McNiff, 22. Ryan Blair, 14. Joseph McKee, 7. Kalvin Orsi, 15. Declan Byrne, 9. Ally Love, 18. Finlay Gray
Subs: 21. Harry Broun, 10. Callum Wilson (replaced Joe McKee on 59’), 3. Gregg Wylde (replaced Ally Love on 90,), 8. David Wilson (replaced Declan Byrne on 74’), 2. Ryan McGeever, 32. Ryan Wallace (replaced Kalvin Orsi on 59’)
Rovers fell to their second defeat at their first home game of the season despite another performance that should have seen them take something from the game.
Late heartbreak would see Dumbarton’s Ryan Wallace score with a couple of minutes to play, ensuring that Dumbarton would leave Coatbridge with all three points.
The first ten minutes of the game would be quiet with both sides not having many chances, however the next ten would see the game explode into life with Rovers on the front foot.
Scott Roberts would be the first to close in the 12th minute as his left footed strike in the box was brilliantly saved by Dumbarton keeper Brett Long.
Rovers would then hit the bar just two minutes later as Charlie Reilly’s delightful ball was met by Jamie Leslie who was extremely unlucky not to give Rovers the lead with his headed effort.
The deadlock would finally be broken for Rovers on the 17th minute as Lewis Kidd would grab his first goal of the season with a tap-in. This was the result of a brilliant counterattack from Rovers which allowed Charlie Reilly to use his pace to get in behind and square the ball to Kidd to score into an empty net.
Between the 20th and 30th minute, the game would go from great to shaky for Rovers as Kyle Fleming was given a straight red following a mistimed challenge just outside the box on the 21st minute.
A penalty would then be awarded to Dumbarton just two minutes later, with Stuart Carswell converting by sending Jack Leighfield the wrong way to tie the match up at 1-1 in the 24th minute.
There would only be one more chance for Rovers in the rest of the half as the game eventually died down following a chaotic twenty-minute display. This chance would come through Charlie Reilly with an attempt from the edge of the box, but there isn’t enough in it to trouble Long.
Just before half time, Rovers would have a penalty claim as Jamie Leslie looked to go down in the box, but referee Steven Kirkland waved away any protests from the players and home support. Kalvin Orsi would also be booked for a challenge on Reilly.
It would be Rovers who would have the first chance of the second half, and it would take ten minutes for that to happen, with Kidd playing Reilly in behind but his resulting volley was blazed over the bar.
Ally Love would then become the second player to go into the book for Dumbarton as he was booked for a challenge on Scott Roberts.
Declan Byrne would also go into the book for Dumbarton with twenty-five to play following a foul on Sean Fagan.
The first substitution for Rovers would see Kieran McGrath come on to replace Lewis Kidd as Rovers looked for alternative attacking options as they chased a winner going into the latter stages of the game.
For the last fifteen minutes of the match, both sides would see little chances as the main battles were occurring in midfield with Rovers mostly keeping the Dumbarton pressure at bay, as well as sneaking a couple of opportunities in themselves. Ryan Blair would also receive a booking for a foul on Jamie Leslie around this time.
Callum Wilson would find himself in on goal with five minutes left to play but his left footed shot was easily held by Long in goals.
The next chance of the match would turn out to be Dumbarton’s winner through Ryan Wallace as his free kick from the left-hand side which looked like a cross ended up finding it’s way into the net to give The Sons a late lead.
Captain Sean Fagan would receive a late booking in stoppage time for a foul on Finlay Gray, and that would be the last action of the match as Dumbarton saw the game out to win 2-1 at Cliftonhill despite Rovers great performance.
Rovers now turn their attention to Celtic B at home on Tuesday as they are in first round Challenge Cup action.
Goal scorers: Lewis Kidd (1), Stuart Carswell (1), Ryan Wallace (1)
Bookings: Sean Fagan (yellow), Scott Roberts (yellow), Kyle Fleming (red), Declan Byrne (yellow), Ally Love (yellow), Ryan Blair (yellow), Kalvin Orsi (yellow).
Referee: Steven Kirkland
Assistant Referees: Graeme Leslie, Ross Cooper
Attendance: 372
