Chapman buoyant on Sons' prospects

Published on Sunday 10 May 2009 22:22

THERE may well have been a deluge of rain on Saturday, but the deluge of goals required to deny Dumbarton the Third Division title never materialised and Jim Chapman's side were crowned champions after their 3-1 win at Annan Athletic.

The Sons' Ross Clark opened the scoring midway through the first half when he shot home a Ross Forbes cross and Denis McLaughlin made it two just after half-time. Peter Watson pulled a goal back from close in before Derek Carcary got the party started when he netted a late third goal.

Chapman is predicting more good times for Dumbarton followers. "The players have been fantastic all season," he said. "They have peaked at the right time but there is more to come from them and our future is bright."

Club captain Gordon Lennon added: "I cannot describe how proud I am to be the captain of this club on such a momentous day and without doubt it is the best moment of my career."

The match also brought the curtain down on Annan's first season in the SFL. "It is disappointing to finish in seventh place, however 50 points is much higher than the target we had set ourselves," said manager Harry Cairney.

East Stirling and Cowdenbeath swapped second and third places following the visitors' 2-0 win at Ochilview, the first of three meetings between the play-off rivals in the space of a week. Teenager John Ferguson grabbed late goals on his debut to gain the Central Park men home advantage in the play-off second leg next Saturday.

Danny Lennon reckons that Ferguson's performance has given him a selection problem. "John gave us plenty of pace up front and that is something we have been missing this season," said the Cowdenbeath manager. "He is certainly in my thoughts for the play-offs."

East Stirling played a makeshift team to rest players before the play-offs. "The next games will be different," said manager Jim McInally. "Today was about giving some of our youngsters a chance."

Forfar and Stenhousemuir drew 4-4 at Station Park in a match where the lead changed hands three times. Iain Thomson fired the Warriors ahead from a free kick only for Kevin Gordon to level quickly afterwards. Scott Dalziel put the visitors ahead again midway through the first half, with Gordon grabbing a second leveller before half-time.

Forfar looked on course for a win when Ross Campbell and Graeme Gibson scored to put them 4-2 up, but Dalziel netted with five minutes to go and recent signing Andy Stirling grabbed an equaliser.

Albion Rovers' long run without a win continued at Montrose as Gordon Pope's first-half goal was enough to give the home side a 1-0 victory , while Berwick Rangers fell to a 2-0 defeat after the long trip north to face Elgin. Mark Nicholson and Ally MacDonald were on target.