EXCELLING AT EXCELSIOR

01-Feb-2011

DUMBARTON showed their best form of the season in a fine win over Airdrie United at the brightly-lit Excelsior Stadium.

The winning margin of 2-1 did not tell the whole story as Sons dominated the match from start to finish with some exciting wing play and an increasingly potent threat from strikers Pat Walker and Jon McShane.

Both had chances to open the scoring, but instead it was Mark Gilhaney who cut in from the wing in the 20th minute and shot home from a tight angle — the side's first away goal from open play this season.

Airdrie rarely looked dangerous, but at the other end both McShane and new on-loan signing Jordan Halsman from Motherwell hit woodwork.

The second half had barely begun when Pat Walker broke through the middle and stroked the ball past the keeper to make it 2-0. Further chances soon arrived, but were not taken.

Airdrie pulled a goal back with 11 minutes left when Sons keeper Stephen Grindlay made a reckless challenge, saw a yellow card, then was sent the wrong by Ryan McCord from the penalty spot.

It made for an anxious finish, but Sons held on comfortably for three points which narrowed the gap at the foot of the league table to one point.