Goals either side of half-time saw Dumbarton celebrate their 150th anniversary with a comfortable victory over East Fife.
Gregor Buchanan’s clever looping header gave the Sons the lead 10 minutes before half-time, with David Wilson’s superb finish sealing the points just seconds into the second 45.
And boss Stevie Farrell paid tribute to Wilson for making the most of his chance in the side, as he hailed his squad for sending the Sons faithful home happy.
Faz said: “There wasn’t a failure in the side. Every single player was excellent. It was a really positive, solid performance which is very pleasing.
“We like to sit in our shape and then steal the ball. Which we did. But there was also an onus on us to go and dominate the ball, which we also did.
“I thought Joe McKee, Div Wilson and Finlay Gray in the middle of the park were excellent.
“Div Wilson’s goal typified his performance. We’ve moved him from being a player who wanted to sit off the game, to that player who wants to be a real goal threat and disrupt back fours.
“He looks a real threat.
“He’s shown that if you come in and play well then you stay in the team. I don’t care what you’ve done previously.
“Up until six weeks ago he had to bide his time. He’s now a first pick.
“We’ve got a really solid understanding with the players that that’s how things are.”
On a remarkably dry pitch given the recent weather, it was the Sons who created the first chance of note.
With five minutes played a slick move saw Kalvin Orsi set Finlay Gray free.
He squared for Ryan Wallace, with only a superb Stewart Murdoch challenge denying the striker a goal against his former employers.
Gregg Wylde’s corner was then just too powerful for the diving Gregor Buchanan to direct.
The chances continued to come for the hosts, with visiting goalkeeper Allan Fleming performing heroics to keep the scores level.
David Wilson’s cross was met by the completely unmarked Ryan Wallace six yards out, with the veteran keeper reacting sensationally to block his effort.
Wallace then saw another header beat Fleming but drop onto the roof of the net, before the former Montrose stopper pulled off another incredible save.
Joe McKee’s corner was bulleted towards goal by Gregor Buchanan, with Fleming getting a fingertip to the ball to touch it onto the crossbar.
The Sons - and Buchanan - weren’t to be denied again however.
A cross was only half-cleared, with the ball spinning off Sam Denham's head to Buchanan at the back post.
The skipper took his time before looping a header over Fleming and into the far corner of the net.
After being left to rue missed chances in the first-half, it took the Sons just over a minute to find the net in the second 45.
Wallace showed superb skill to turn his former teammate Murdoch before setting David Wilson in on goal with an exquisite through ball.
Wilson made no mistake, clinically rifling in his third of the season - and second in as many home matches.
The Sons continued to press for a killer third, with Finlay Gray just off target from the edge of the box.
A superb Aron Lynas cross then picked out the onrushing Wilson, but he couldn’t divert the ball beyond Fleming.
At the other end Alan Trouten was off target with the Fifers first chance of note, before Sons were left to curse controversial offside decisions.
Strong play from Kalvin Orsi twice sent Ryan Wallace in goal, with the former Fifer netting what he thought was a deserved third - only for the flag of the assistant to cut short any celebrations.
It could’ve proved costly too, but Brett Long reacted superbly to palm away a fierce Alex Ferguson drive late on, ensuring he secured a ninth clean sheet in 17 league matches.
My players did the club proud on big day - Stevie Farrell
Stevie Farrell saluted his Sons, as they marked the club’s 150th anniversary with victory against East Fife.
Boss Farrell was delighted to see his side rise to the occasion in front of a packed home end.
He said: “We spoke to the players all week about what this weekend meant to everyone at the football club.
“The celebrations were going to be superb regardless of the result. But the icing on the cake would be what was on the pitch.
“Normally I say to the players to make it day for themselves, their families and to let them enjoy their weekend.
This week it was about the club, the people at the club and those who couldn’t be here.
“It was pleasing to get the result for everyone connected with Dumbarton Football Club; both here and now, and in the past.”
