SPFL: Deja vu for Dishington as Spartans share the spoils against Sons

Posted on Sunday, August 13th, 2023

The Spartans maintained their unbeaten start to life in the SPFL with a defiant comeback display against Dumbarton and it was Jamie Dishington for the second week in succession who popped up with a point earning equaliser.

Douglas Samuel made one change from the opening day side that faced Clyde with Kieran Watson coming in for Ayrton Sonkur at the heart of the defence.

Both teams kicked off the campaign with draws and were keen to get their opening win of the season in the bag early and it was the visitors who were looking lively from the off in the hunt for three points.

Jamie Dishington and Cammy Russell making early runs at the home defence however the final piece of the penetrating jigsaw couldn’t be put in place.

At the other end, Dumbarton forced a pair of corners in quick succession, looking to use their height at set pieces however it was Blair Carswell who came out on top in those tussles.

Cammy Russell scooped a cross into the box that found Blair Henderson however the striker just couldn’t fully dig the ball out from under his feet and his effort was deflected wide.

As the game stuttered towards the interval, Blair Carswell raised a strong arm to somehow deny the opener and the The Cat needed to look sharp in order to collect the rebound at this near post.

HT: Dumbarton 0-0 The Spartans

The groundstaff delivered the half time entertainment with the big hose as they watered a section of the pitch with the Spartans subs showing nifty footwork to avoid getting a good soaking!

Spartans started the half in fine form taking the game to last season’s runners-up and Mikey Allan was unlucky with his effort from inside a congested box that narrowly went wide.

It was to be quite the start to the second half for the defender as he then picked up a caution after a robust challenge in the middle of the park that Referee Whyte deemed was contrary to the laws of the game.

Dumbarton were then awarded a penalty kick after a cross into the Spartans box saw Mikey Allan look to use the full length of his body to seek a way to prevent its pathway, unfortunately the ball hitting an arm on the way.

The spot-kick was converted and Spartans found themselves, perhaps rather unfortunately on the balance of play, behind.

Summer recruit James Craigen was next up to have a chance to open his Spartans account and his effort offered oooohs from the crowd as it narrowly whizzed past the post.

Now, when you are defending a slender lead, game management is fundamental. Dumbarton keeper Brett Long certainly living up to his surname with the goalie in no rush to resume the game whenever the ball went beyond the byeline.

Danny Denholm then replaced Jordan Tapping who had another staunch performance and this was followed shortly after by Sam Jones swapping with the industrious Bradley Whyte.

A teasing corner into the crowded back post by Rhys Armstrong was met by the head of Kevin Waugh who just couldn’t direct his header another 15 degrees to the right to trouble the keeper.

Cometh the hour (and a half) cometh the Dish. For the second week in succession, it was Jamie Dishington who came up trumps with the equaliser.

Cammy Russell’s deep corner saw the ball come off the Dumbarton defender who was under pressure from Mikey Allan. It dropped into the path of Jamie Dishington who was situated in line with the penalty spot and his volley blasted through two Sons players before it tested the strength of the net pegs.

Gavin Morrison replaced Rhys Armstrong before play resumed for an added time period where neither side could find a winner.

FT: Dumbarton 1-1 The Spartans

Malt and Hops Man of the Match: Jamie Dishington