First division round-up: Dumbarton take caretaker boss Jack Ross on rollercoaster ride

By CRAIG P STEWART
Published on 29/10/2012 02:42

DUMBARTON’S caretaker manager Jack Ross received a quick introduction to the up and down nature of football management on Saturday as his side went down 4-3 to Airdrie at the Bet Butler Stadium.

The Sons’ assistant boss, who took over the winless club when Alan Adamson was dismissed a week ago, saw a stirring first-half performance pegged back before his side edged in front again. The Diamonds equalised with less than 90 seconds left and then grabbed an injury time winner that moved them eight points clear of their hosts to leave Ross floored.

Bryan Prunty volleyed Dumbarton in front midway through the first half and Jim Lister made it two when he headed home shortly afterwards, however Kieron Stallard and Josh Watt had Airdrie level midway into the second half.

Ross appeared to have called it right when substitute Steven MacDougall slotted home with 15 minutes left, however the fall from joy to despair was quick.

A combination of Nathan Blockley’s shot and Ross Forsyth’s deflection saw Airdrie level before Blockley dived to head home the winner.

Ross said: “It was a very disappointing end and we now find ourselves in a very difficult situation at the bottom, but not an impossible one. It was a day of mixed emotions but it does not change anything as I still want the job.”

Airdrie boss Jimmy Boyle was pleased that his men bounced back from their 7-0 mauling from Partick last weekend saying: “The players rolled their sleeves up and got back into the game twice.”

Dunfermline moved back to the top of the table after their 3-0 Fife derby win over Cowdenbeath in a game that highlighted the lack of fourth officials in SFL games.

Referee Kevin Clancy was injured in an early collision with the Blue Brazil’s player/manager Colin Cameron and he did not appear for the second half. The game was delayed for half an hour as an assistant was found from the crowd to avoid abandonment.

Assistant referee Douglas Ross stepped into the Match Official’s role and G4S steward Jock Campbell, who is Category 6 official, volunteered for duty, but was under instruction not to give any offside decisions.

Joe Cardle opened the scoring in the first half and his goal could have been added to by Stephen Husband’s penalty had Thomas Flynn not produced a fine save.

A John Armstrong own-goal put the Pars two up with 13 minutes to go before Craig Dargo scored the third.

Elsewhere, Partick Thistle lost top spot as they were held to a goalless draw at Falkirk in a game of few chances.

A controversial Iain Russell penalty 11 minutes from time secured a 2-2 draw for Livingston against visitors Morton, who had been leading through an Archie Campbell double.

Finally, Raith won 1-0 at Hamilton Accies thanks to Allan Walker’s delicate chip a minute before the break.