Dumbarton 1 Ayr United 0

Last updated : 09 August 2004 By Footymad Previewer

An early strike by John Dillon gave Dumbarton the ideal start to the season as the Sons let newly relegated Ayr know just how difficult an instant return to Division One will be for the Honest Men.

Dumbarton were without strike duo Iain Russell and Steve Bonar due to suspension as the game kicked off 15 minutes late due to traffic problems.

It didn't take things long to come to a head with the Sons' Barry Donald and Craig McEwan finding themselves in the referee's book within the opening five minutes.

It was all Dumbarton at this stage and only a brilliant flying save by Ayr keeper Ludovic Roy kept out a fierce volley by Andrew Rodgers.

But the goal was merely delayed. Donald burst forward from midfield before finding Robert Dunn whose cross to the back post was turned home by Dillon from eight yards.

Ayr's cause really looked lost after 34 minutes when referee Cammy Melville had no hesitation in flashing the red card at Barry McLaughlin following a wild lunge on Gordon Herd in midfield as the Sons striker burst free.

Dumbarton continued to press forward after the restart but they couldn't find the elusive second goal as Roy once again proved his ability, with fine stops to deny both Craig Brittain and Rodgers.

As the Sons started to tire Ayr began to threaten but neither Douglas Ramsey nor Stewart Kean could make the most of late chances which fell their way.