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Alloa faced Dumbarton, for the first game of the post-Ferguson era. While Alloa’s form has languished at the bottom of the table, Dumbarton have picked up and have went on a good run since the transfer window closed.

For Alloa, Henderson, Riley-Snow, Scougall dropped out of the starting XI after the 3-1 defeat against East Fife. Sammon, Cawley and Boyd returned in their place. Alloa soon found their way into the game with a fine flowing move culminating in a left footed drive at the centre of the Dumbarton goal. Niang attempted a 20 yard curler but narrowly failed to find the goal as it zipped past the post. Stephen Bronksy was almost the winner from a chaotic corner from the hosts but at the back post managed to hook his effort harmlessly away from goal.

But Alloa who seemed to be freer in their movement and passing than in the last few weeks struck the first blow under the Rock. Daniel Church’s lofted ball was collected on the right wing by King. King zipped a ball across the 6 yard box and Kevin Cawley was on hand to sweep in to make it 69 Alloa career goals.

Alloa had a few ‘nearly’ attempts but as the first half drew to a close it was Dumbarton who were energised. In the 42nd minute Ross MacLean cutting in from the left wing had an effort deflected away from Hutton. While the Alloa goalkeeper got a strong hand and collected at the second attempt, the awkward save was almost followed up by Conner Duthie who proceeded to barge Hutton into his own goal with the ball. While Dumbarton celebrated the referee rightfully pulled the game back for a free kick.

This perceived injustice put some fire in the Son’s bellies and they attacked with urgency as the half closed. Finally, seconds before the end of the half they found a breakthrough. Paton was allowed space 22 yards out after MacLean squared to him and he rattled a bouncing effort beyond Hutton and into the bottom corner of the Alloa goal. The hosts were level – a kick in the teeth for the Wasps who had probably edged the contest in terms of chances and play so far.

Durnan was on the end of a glorious chance before the hour mark. King’s deep free kick was flicked on by Boyd and with a free hit at the back post, the Alloa centre half could only direct it back towards the Dumbarton goalkeeper and in combination with his centre back the ball was cleared away. While Alloa remained impressive they struggled to find the ball to unlock a stubborn Dumbarton.

That was until a gift from a combination of a terrible pitch and an eyewatering goalkeeping error. Kieran Wright, had an awkward bounce as he attempted to launch the ball forward from a back-pass. Adam King was bearing down on the goalkeeper was in prime position to capitalise on the miskick. Despite driving wide – found the centre of the empty goal and sent Alloa into the lead.

Alloa should have then put the game to bed with Sammon denied at the front post from another deft Alloa break. After O’Donnell and Niang’s link up play and the latter’s marauding run, Niang shanked an effort beyond the goal in another dangerous attack but Alloa would not come to regret it. A sequence of Dumbarton corners put on the late pressure in extra time but there was always an Alloa body to block, including a Church header off the line, to hold on for a vital victory against a relegation playoff rival.

It was a good performance from a team who looked to have shed any fear from the difficult 3 months they’ve endured. And while the next manager watched from the stand, hopefully this will be the spark to ignite a string of positive results and maybe an unlikely foray into the promotion playoff places.

Pictures from yesterday`s @cinchuk League 1 match between @Dumbartonfc @AlloaAthleticFC now up on flickr. https://t.co/AZTL3WMl0F pic.twitter.com/mWKBWAnmnz

— David Glencross (@dgxwasp) February 20, 2022