Thwarted

Great show but not our day

From the Sunday Mail:  ALAN ADAMSON last night hailed Sons’ saviour Stephen Grindlay for silencing the critics after booking Dumbarton’s place in the play-off final.

The Dumbarton No.1 produced a string of top-drawer saves between the sticks to protect a first-leg lead and set up a showdown with Airdrie.

And Adamson said: “Stephen was named in the Second Division team of the year and a lot of people wonder why. Well that’s why. He was outstanding.”

However, a modest Grindlay said: “It’s my job to make saves. We’ve now got a great chance to make the First Division and as a local boy that would be a massive achievement.”

Alan Lithgow denied Arbroath ace Steven Doris early doors with a clearance off the line before Gavin Swankie’s cross cannoned off the bar.

Doris then raced clear through only to lose out in a one-on-one with star stopper Grindlay.

Sons’ Craig Dargo spurned a gilt-edged chance as Swankie fired wide on the stroke of half-time.

And Grindlay turned on the style soon after to twice deny set-piece specialist Swankie either side of blocking Stuart Malcolm’s nodded effort.

Arbroath player-boss Paul Sheerin said: “We threw everything at Dumbarton but their keeper and defence had an inspired afternoon.”