Rovers are left with a mountain to climb

Mar 5 2008 Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

Scorers ~ Dumbarton : Canning (74). Attendance : 329

JIM Chapman all but ended Rovers’ play-off hopes on his first match at Cliftonhill following his sacking in May.

The Dumbarton gaffer saw his side move from the bottom of the league thanks to Mark Canning’s late goal.

And after losing in midweek to Forfar, Rovers now have a mountain to climb if they want to capture a play-off place. They now lie 11 points off fourth-placed Arbroath and are now surely out of the race.

It’s been a tough period for boss John McCormack with his squad stretched to bursting point with a host of first-team players out through injury.

Jamie McKenzie though warmed up before the match and looks close to returning to the fray which is at least one positive.

But the Wee Rovers started this one well, despite their problems and former fans’ favourite Gordon Lennon pulled off a great tackle to thwart Pat Walker in the opening exchanges.

Canning then fired a long-range effort which home keeper David Scott managed to gather at the second attempt.

But the game petered out after this and nothing of note happened as both sides struggled against the elements and heavy surface.

John Gemmell headed a Richie Buckley cross over as the half ended.

But Rovers had a golden opportunity to open the scoring on 53 minutes when they were awarded a penalty after Canning brought down Michael McGowan. Ciaran Donnelly was the man to take the spot kick and he placed it at the keepers left-hand post but David Crawford guessed correctly and saved the shot. Gemmell had a follow-up opportunity but was leaning back towards goal and the ball was lofted over the Sons crossbar.

Rovers huffed and puffed to get back on level terms but Gemmell couldn’t find the target with a close range effort. Michael Moore then had an effort saved by Scott.

But the visitors got in front on 73 minutes when Canning scored with a wind-assisted cross-cum-shot which deceived Scott.

Gemmell tried with an audacious overhead kick before the match ended controversially when Lennon appeared to have controlled the ball with his arm in the box but the ref waved away the home side’s appeals.

This was another disappointing match and one which Rovers should have at least got a point from.

Dumbarton: Crawford, Potter, Brittain, Lennon, O'Byrne, Canning, Geggan, Tiernan, Moore (McNaught 85), Orrstrom (McPhee 60), Stokes (Russell 72). Subs Not Used : Evans, Nugent.

Referee: Craig Charleston