Birthday boy Finlay Gray’s first-half strike was enough for Dumbarton to see off in-form Stenhousemuir, in a vital clash at the top of League Two.
The Cardross born midfielder celebrated turning 21 by driving home the only goal of the game against the Warriors, ensuring Sons go into tonight (Tuesday’s) game with Stirling Albion at the summit of the League Two table.
And after watching his side flop against Elgin City three days previous, boss Stevie Farrell was delighted with his squad.
The boss said: “We were unfortunate to be only one ahead at half-time. Our patterns of play were good and we caused Stenny all sorts of problems.
“We answered a few questions. It was a fantastic performance and result, and it’s another clean sheet.
“16 clean sheets is the club record for a season. That’s us at 14 with a third of the season still to play.
“We’ve hit the 50 point mark too. We’re not having a bad season.
“The players know they are in a championship chase. They are putting demands on each other.
“It was excellent to have the fans right behind us and the atmosphere was really good.”
Missing Stuart Carswell, Ryan Wallace, David Wilson and with Russell McLean only fit enough for the bench, Farrell made four changes to his side - with Peter Grant handed a full debut, and Declan Byrne making his first start since October.
Ross MacLean and Gregg Wylde also earned recalls.
The changes looked to have the desired impact as, back in their 4-1-4-1 shape, the Sons dominated the first-half.
Only a superb Curtis Lyle save denied Joe McKee an early opener, with Ryan Blair having an effort fumbled onto the post and Declan Byrne blasting the follow-up over the bar with the goal gaping.
Finlay Gray then had an effort held by Lyle, before an outstanding Adam Corbett clearance on the line denied Byrne with a clever hooked shot from a tight angle.
Sons wouldn’t be denied for long however, as they took the lead five minutes before half-time.
Kalvin Orsi’s cross reached Ross MacLean at the far post, and he tee’d up Finlay Gray - who drilled into the bottom corner for his first goal since October.
The joy was almost short lived as Stenny nearly found an instant reply, but Nicky Jamieson was denied at close range by a gaggle of navy shirts.
And Sons almost added a second before the break as Kalvin Orsi surged in on goal, but he was denied by the legs of Lyle.
The second-half saw the visitors grow into the game more, but they created just one serious chance.
A corner dropped to ex-Son Nat Wedderburn at the back post, but Brett Long reacted superbly to deny the Englishman - and keep his clean sheet intact.
