Spartans 2-6 Dumbarton - Statement win as Sons hit biggest goal haul in 13 years

Dumbarton hit six goals for the first time in 13 years, as they blew away promotion rivals Spartans.

Ryan Blair’s brace of free-kicks was added to by first senior goals for Gallagher Lennon and James Graham, a header from Aron Lynas and 12th of the campaign for Michael Ruth.

But boss Stevie Farrell insisted he was staying fully grounded, despite making it a memorable day in the capital.

Faz said: “People get too carried away one way or the other. When results haven’t gone our way I’ve remained calm; and that’s what I said to the team during that run. Stay calm, we’re a good side and we’ve not been up there all season for no reason.

“We came to Spartans with a depleted squad and showed how good we are.

“It was a fantastic performance from start to finish. We showed a great reaction when they equalised. We could’ve gone into our shell, but we didn’t. I’m delighted.”

With Carlo Pignatiello joining Sean Crighton, David Wilson, Kalvin Orsi, Brett Long, Greig Young on an ever-growing injury list, and Marc Kelly ruled out by illness, boss Farrell handed recalls to Ryan Blair and Aron Lynas, and gave Callum Wilson a first start of the campaign- 11 months after suffering a serious ankle injury.

Despite the lack of numbers, Sons started like a team with a point to prove - and lead with just five minutes played.

A surging run from skipper Mark Durnan presented the ball to Michael Ruth, who was up-ended on the edge of the box.

Ryan Blair stepped up to curl a terrific free-kick around the wall and into Blair Carswell’s bottom right-hand corner - via the post.

Blair then looked to turn provider as he delivered a dangerous cross that was bravely held by Carswell under pressure from Michael Ruth.

Despite their strong start, Sons were