Dumbarton FC: Stevie Farrell hails ‘magnificent’ win from Albion Rovers

by Arthur · January 2, 2023

Dumbarton boss Stevie Farrell admits his side produced their worst attacking display of the season despite taking three points against Albion Rovers on Saturday.

The Sons were up against it a lot on the afternoon as the home side enjoyed a majority of possession but the visitors created the chances when Joe McKee’s free-kick was pushed away and Ryan Wallace had an effort hacked off the line before sub Ally Love found the winner to earn the Sons’ second Cliftonhill win for the season.

Dumbarton finished 2022 with a 1-0 win over Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill on Saturday (Photo – Andy Scott)

But if the character of a title-winning team is one that can crush results without setting fire to the heather, Saturday’s victory could yet prove to be one of Dumbarton’s most decisive of the season – not least because it maintains their advantage over Stirling Albion at the top of the table.

The Sons remain four points clear at the top after the Forthbank side saw off Stenhousemuir on Saturday – and Farrell paid tribute to the ribbon in the team’s dressing room.

Dumbarton finished 2022 with a 1-0 win over Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill on Saturday (Photo – Andy Scott)

Reflecting on his team’s attacking performance in Coatbridge, Farrell admitted: “We were absolutely rubbish.

– It is the worst we have played offensively. But this game is amazing, because people only think of you for a bad performance if you don’t pass the ball correctly.

“They never think of you for a fantastic performance if you defend properly and that’s what this team can do.

Dumbarton finished 2022 with a 1-0 win over Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill on Saturday (Photo – Andy Scott)

“We had to defend our box time and time again and that’s what gives you rewards.

“Ten clean sheets in 18 games is phenomenal and 40 points halfway through a season is phenomenal.

“The boys hit it back and once we go 1-0 up we are a tough team to come back against.

Dumbarton finished 2022 with a 1-0 win over Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill on Saturday (Photo – Andy Scott)

“There is a real spirit and determination about this group and it comes from an inner sanctum in the dressing room that we believe from the start of the season that we know where we can get to if we stick together.”

Dumbarton remain unbeaten at home in League Two this season as they prepare to host Stirling at the Rock this Saturday – but Farrell says despite their top-of-the-table status going into the game, he doesn’t see it any differently.