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SO that’s what it feels like. The ability to relax and enjoy a Dumbarton game being played in a national competition.
And do you know what? It wasn’t that bad.
With nothing but pride at stake, Jordan Kirkpatrick’s first half goal gave Sons the lead. That was then overturned after the interval by Mark Stewart’s equaliser and Lewis Vaughan’s audacious goal from the centre circle.
But both teams went into this game having lost their last five. It was bound to end in a draw.
And so it did when, with 12 minutes remaining, Scott Agnew drilled in the goal that ended Dumbarton’s season on level terms.
This was always going to be the last time this squad of players played for Sons together, at least in a competitive game. It’s already proven to be the swansong for Scott Linton, Archie Campbell and Mitch Megginson, whose exits were announced on Tuesday.
However, they, and possibly others, leave having taken part in a relaxed finale, if one that Raith may feel they could have had all three points from, with their second half chances.
As for Sons, the hard work doesn’t start here. It started some time ago. By no means are the exits certain to stop at those three players.
In truth, the (very early) afternoon was so relaxed that the game struggled to get going before Sons opened the scoring after 21 minutes.
Garry Fleming was unlucky with a shot which hit the post and was deflected away by the keeper. In contrast, Kirkpatrick was quids in, sticking the loose ball away from six yards.
After Campbell put a promising low ball across goal there were no takers, while Danny Rogers did well to save from Ryan Conroy at close range.
Apart from those, and a Vaughan ‘goal’ which was ruled offside, that’s pretty much the story of the opening half.
The second 45 minutes were more exciting, but mainly from the visitors’ point of view to begin with. And eight minutes after the restart they levelled.
Vaughan and Conroy had already gone close before a passing move ended with Stewart applying a composed low finish.
Ross Callachan and then Conroy again nearly gave them the lead, but on the hour mark, Raith gained it in almost outrageous fashion.
Rogers’ clearance fell to Vaughan, but in the centre circle the striker still had plenty to do. He did it admirably with a high first time shot into the net.
Mark Gilhaney nearly posted an immediate equaliser but his volley just missed the target. Then Vaughan, having hit the net from 50 yards, couldn’t find it from six, heading wide.
By this point Donald McCallum had entered the action. Could the youngster get another goal? No – but he did manage an assist.
His cross was not dealt with fully by the Raith defence, and Agnew blasted home his fourth goal against the Kirkcaldy men this season.
Via near misses for both Conroy and Vaughan, Sons held out. The fair result of a point was gained.
However, this fixture will be viewed by both sides next season as one to win if possible. This campaign was hard. The next one will see Sons accompanied by just one part-time rival side.
It could be even tougher. Saturday, August 8 is the day to be there for it all to start again.
Dumbarton: Rogers; Linton, Graham, Turner (Megginson 69), Gilhaney (Clark 87), Agnew, Kirkpatrick (McCallum 75), Taggart, Fleming, Findlay, Campbell. Subs: Ewings; Petrie, Wilson, Whitefield. Booked: Fleming.
Raith Rovers: McGurn; Thomson, Watson, Anderson (McKay 75), Stewart (Robertson 90), Callachan, Conroy, Vaughan, McKeown, Matthews (Scott 84), Barr. Subs: Cuthbert; Hill, Nade, Ford. Booked: Barr, Scott.
Referee: Mat Northcroft.
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