Spartans 2-2 Dumbarton - Sons win promotion on Friday night to remember

Stevie Farrell hailed his promotion winning Sons, as they secured a return to the third tier.

After playoff heartbreak in the previous two seasons, Sons gave their fans a Friday night to remember in the capital sunshine - during a tense and pulsating final second leg with Spartans.

And delighted boss Farrell said his players had earned the right to play third tier football in the new season.

He said: “We’ve lost one game in 12. This group of players have been on a magnificent run. And we’ve thoroughly deserved it. We’ve played four games against tough opposition and come through that.

“I knew the two games with Spartans would be difficult. But we were absolutely excellent.

“We took the game to them. Our reaction to the early goal was brilliant and we were unlucky not to be in front at half-time. We started the second-half really well.

“When we got the lead I felt totally comfortable.

“It’s a magnificent achievement and they deserve it.

“When I came back to the club we had one signed player. Continuity is everything in football.

“The best teams in the lower leagues have continuity.

“When I came back there were some haters. People said I was too loyal to players.

“That’s not the case. Having consistency and continuity is vital to building the fabric of a football club.

“Now what we add will be important in terms of next season. We were speaking to players before the playoffs, we’ve got to get in early and make sure we do things right.

“I always knew the club would have to take a step back to go forward again and I’ve been proven right on that front.”

Farrell made just one change to the side which had defeated Spartans three days earlier, as Jinky Hilton replaced David Wilson.

In front of more than 2,200 fans packed into