Dumbarton 1-0 Stenhousemuir - Birthday boy Gray secures priceless victory

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Birthday boy Finlay Gray’s first-half strike was enough for Dumbarton to see off in-form Stenhousemuir, in a vital clash at the top of League Two.The Cardross born midfielder celebrated turning 21 by driving home the only goal of the game against the Warriors, ensuring Sons go into tonight (Tuesday’s) game with Stirling Albion at the summit of the League Two table.And after watching his side flop against Elgin City three days previous, boss Stevie Farrell was delighted with his squad.The boss said: “We were unfortunate to be only one ahead at half-time.

Our patterns of play were good and we caused Stenny all sorts of problems.“We answered a few questions. It was a fantastic performance and result, and it’s another clean sheet.“16 clean sheets is the club record for a season.

That’s us at 14 with a third of the season still to play.“We’ve hit the 50 point mark too. We’re not having a bad season.“The players know they are in a championship chase.

They are putting demands on each other.“It was excellent to have the fans right behind us and the atmosphere was really good.”Missing Stuart Carswell, Ryan Wallace, David Wilson and with Russell McLean only fit enough for the bench, Farrell made four changes to his side - with Peter Grant handed a full debut, and Declan Byrne making his first start since October.Ross MacLean and Gregg Wylde also earned recalls.The changes looked to have the desired impact as, back in their 4-1-4-1 shape, the Sons dominated the first-half.Only a superb Curtis Lyle save denied Joe McKee an early opener, with Ryan Blair having an effort fumbled onto the post and Declan Byrne blasting the follow-up over the bar with the goal gaping.Finlay Gray then had an effort held by Lyle, before an outstanding