Reaction

Victory at Dumbarton was just what the team deserved after staying focused in a game they never let their concentration dip at any part of the game. Having not won at Dumbarton since 2009 it was never going to be an easy game, but in the end a great team performance gave them a vital first victory in the SPFL Championship this season. The first half was disappointing with the ball being in the air and out of the ground more than on the park. The home side had plenty possession but never threatened David Crawford. Indeed the visitors went closest to taking the lead early in the second half when a Connor McManus volley was well saved by Mark Brown, seven minutes later Alloa scored the important first goal, McManus taking a quick free kick and Graeme Holmes turned in the box to slip the ball into the net, catching out the Dumbarton defence. Alloa always looked dangerous on the break with Robbie Crawford & substitute Eddie Ferns looking for openings. Into time added on Eddie Ferns slipped past Frazer Wright, who was making his home debut for “The Sons” to clinch the three points with a well taken goal.

DANNY LENNON AT DUMBARTON

It was ‘the perfect blend’ of a performance from his squad that was key to their victory.

This victory was very, very pleasing because it was a real team effort.  The way that the boys have worked throughout what has been a difficult start for us, so it was great to see them get their reward for that. The shape with all the new boys coming in has been difficult for us to get right, but I think we got the balance right in this one and I was absolutely delighted to see the players finally be rewarded for their efforts. It was a perfect mix for us in terms of the qualities of when we look to play and when we had to defend.

There was a stronger wind than you think out there so we were pleased to get in at 0-0 at half time. In the second half, we got the ball down and played well when we got our chances and to a man we were excellent in defence as well. It’s ok working on things in training, but when you get to the big occasion of the game itself you must deliver. Luckily for us, every single one of them did that and played a massive part in the victory.

We are thrilled to come away with our first three points because we knew it was a massive game coming in here. It is a long hard season in this division and a lot of people were saying us being bottom of the league is where we should be with the start we have had, but then that is what they have said for the last three years about Alloa.

What this football club have done, time and time again is defy those people and been able to punch well above our weight and prove everyone wrong. If we are able to bring those same qualities along with the type of football that I know we are capable of then hopefully we can once again earn the right to survive in this division again. There will be a lot of twists and turns before then and it is up to the players to go out there and write their own future. If we can continue to produce the type of performance that we did at Dumbarton then we will definitely be the cause of those twists and turns.

Michael Chopra will be ok, he took a bump to his hip and was struggling to move. We were disappointing to lose him from the game. Gerry went on and treated him and it says everything about him that he carried on played for almost an hour with the injury. He is a quality player and you saw the way he links the play for us so hopefully it is not too serious.

We now look to build on this result and I am excited to see the quality players that we have to come back in now. Iain Flannigan has had no reactions to his training and things are starting to settle down for us now so it is important that the players enjoy the feeling of the Dumbarton win and hopefully that spurs them on for more. As soon as we get back to training though, then the hard work will begin again for the difficult trip to Hibs.”

I was delighted with the performance of Robbie Crawford. I don’t like to single out individuals, but in terms of coming in for his debut and having only met the players on Tuesday, then I thought he was terrific. You can see the qualities he has. He showed great energy and desire in his performance and that was typified by him busting a gut to get up to support for Eddie’s goal. Fair play to Eddie for the goal and we’re delighted for him, but that energy from Crawford showed us what he is all about. He will do well for us, I am absolutely convinced of that.