Arbroath 0-0 Dumbarton (agg. 1-2): Resilient Dumbarton hold off Arbroath onslaught

HE HAS represented Scotland B and played in the Premier League, but, after playing his part in a backs-to-the-wall display that earned a goalless draw at Gayfield, Craig Dargo claims Dumbarton’s play-off final with Airdrie will be one of the highlights of his career.

The striker, who played for Scotland’s second string in 2006, is intent on getting Sons into the First Division after a 17-year absence. He said: “Arbroath threw everything at us and missed some good chances, but our ’keeper and defence stood firm.

“The worst part for me was after I was subbed because I had to watch the last 20 minutes from the sidelines and I could barely look. That was torture.”

Despite his vast experience, the 34-year-old added: “The play-off against Airdrie will be one of the biggest and most important games I have ever been involved in.”

Arbroath created several chances in the first half, with Gavin Swankie striking the bar and Alan Lithgow clearing a Steven Doris shot off the line. In the second half, goalkeeper Stephen Grindlay twice denied Swankie from free kicks.

Despite the disappointment, the Arbroath players received a standing ovation from their fans, and manager Paul Sheerin said: “I could not have asked any more of my players. To finish second in the league was great and although this is a painful result to take, we will be back trying again next season.”