Dumbarton 1
Dundee 2
League (First Division)

Match Report

Dundee start their last rehearsal for the League Cup final before only a few hundred fansatf Dumbarton. The pitch is clear, but during warm up, appears slippy in places.

The Dens side is unchanged, which gives Andy Geddes a second chance to show how well he can fit in.

The players are uncertain about the surface at the start.But there is nothing uncertain about Fraser, who wallops a free kick 30 yards out following a foul on Sinclair. The low ball strikes a defender and is cleared.

A free kick for Dumbarton drops on to the head of Taylor, whose header is grabbed under the bar by Geddes

A Rankin cross goes through to McGrain, whose quickly-hit shot hits Fraser and goes past. Dundee don't look confident. The defence has to deal with three corners in quick succession as the reshuffled Sons push forward.

When the Dark Blues show flashes of their true skill, Williamson (twice) and Sinclair cannot keep the ball in play at the by-line.

Dumbarton are always prepared to run at the Dundee defence and this brings a goal in 19 minutes.

The ball goes from Brian Gallagher to Rankin and back to GALLAGHER in quick time. With the defenders hesitant, the big centre struts in to send a low shot to Geddes' right hand corner.

A couple of minutes later there is another alarm as McGrain runs through. He pushes the ball too far in front at the last minute and Geddes grabs it.

Young Stephen is booked following a foul on McGowan. When the youngster tumbles in the box as he gathers a Williamson cross, penalty claims are waved away by the ref.

Brian Gallagher knocks the ball wide when it seems simpler to score. Mackie robs McLeod in the midfield and runs well into the penalty area.

Challenged by the 'keeper, he squares the ball behind Stephen and Sinclair, who are up in support.

Dundee seem to be more afraid of making mistakes than they are willing to be constructive. When the ball through to give Mackie a shouting chance he sends wide.

A Stephen shot beats the 'keeper and comes back off the inside of the post.

Half-time-Dumbarton 1, Dundee 0. Reflections Dumbarton, unworried by the conditions or by next week's game, are more positive in almost everything they do.

Dundee have lost their skill against hard-working adventurous opponents.

Dundee are level in 47 minutes. Andy Geddes does good work out on the right and gives the ball to Fraser, who lifts a cross to the far post. Sinclair heads it down in front of STEPHEN, who knocks it into the net past a spreadeagled 'keeper.

Stephen later gets to a cross from Sinclair, but is boxed in by defenders. He gets a foot to the ball but can only send it wide. Dumbarton struggle to regain control against a much more confident Dens outfit.

McGowan's first-time shot from 25 yards flies wide. McGowan then passes to Williamson after racing into a shooting position. Dundee race down field for Schaedler to fire the ball across goal, but the defence clear by creating a corner.

Stephen is fouled 25 yards out and Dundee's big guns line up behind the ball. Williamson shoots wide.

Two flicks by Fraser and a good cross from Stephen almost open the way through a determined Sons' defence.

A McGowan first-time volley hits Schaedler, who needs attention. Geddes races from his penalty area to boot clear when a long ball threatens, Dundee are being pushed back.

Only Stephen is anywhere near goal when Mackie crosses. Hunter has little trouble gathering the ball. End-to-end stuff now.

A Sinclair try is knocked round the post and Mackie's corner-kick causes all sorts of bother. A shot by Coyle gives 'keeper Geddes a very tricky moment.

In 87 minutes STEPHEN gets a valuable goal by sheer tenacity. In crowded a penalty area he forces the ball past man after man before cracking it into the net. Final-Dumbarton 1, Dundee 2.

Summing Up - One Dundee player sure of his cup final place is the babe of the side, Ray Stephen. He won this game on his own to boost the Dens morale after a display that was good in parts.

Match report written by The Sporting Post