Alloa Athletic 1 Dumbarton 0

Last updated : 22 April 2006 By Footymad Previewer
Alloa were thrown a lifeline in their fight for league survival when they beat Dumbarton in a hard-fought match as they moved three points clear of relegation.

Dumbarton started the stronger side and in the opening minutes had the Alloa defence pinned back and in the 16th min the visting players and fans thought that they had taken the lead when Andy Rodgers was on hand to knock in from close range a Paul McQuilken cross but the far side linesman indicated that the ball had gone out of play before the cross was taken.

Alloa fought back in the second half and this strong play was rewarded with an outstanding goal from James Stevenson in the 64th minute.

Stevenson, playing in his last home game for Alloa before transferring to Morton, was perfectly placed to connect with a Robert Sloan pass and his fierce from 15 yards out beat the Dumbarton defence and keeper Stephen Grindlay low to his left-hand post.

In the 77th minute Stephenson was involved in the incident which led to Dumbarton's Mark Dempsie being shown a red card by the referee. Stephenson was thorough with only the keeper to beet but Dempsie's illegal tackle resulted in Stephenson being stretchered off the field.

Alloa striker Graham Brown stepped up to take the penalty but his poor spot-kick was brilliantly saved by Grindlay in the Dumbarton goal.

Alloa held on to their slender lead despite being put under pressure by the Dumbarton forwards and in the end deserved to take the three points.