Match Report

ANNAN ATHLETIC 0 DUMBARTON 1
Annan lost their opening Betfred Cup match with the only goal being scored in the 65th minute after Ryan Tierney made no mistake from 12 yards when Dumbarton made the most of the fortunate situation they found themselves in after Annan ‘s central defender Steven Swinglehurst had to go off for treatment leaving Ayrton Sonkur exposed and Tierney made Annan pay with a clinical finish.
It was a game of few clear cut chances, Dumbarton started the game well forcing Annan to defend for long periods but the visitors found it difficult to penetrate the well organized Annan defence. Aaran Taylor looked a useful addition with the keeper pulling off an important double save to deny Rico Quintongo in the 21st minute. Moments later Annan had claims for a penalty brushed aside as Scott McLean was tackled on the edge of the box. Jordan McMillan’s effort on the half hour mark sailed over the bar. Annan’s only real effort on goal came via a Tommy Muir volley from a Matty Douglas cross in the 40th minute.
Annan started the second half more promisingly taking the game to Dumbarton and they carried a threat from set pieces , Steven Swinglehurst’s header from a corner went narrowly past in the 53rd minute. Dumbarton were fortunate when keeper Jordan Pettigrew misjudged a through ball and Lewis McLear failed to control the ball on the edge of the box and a glorious opportunity was missed.
The defining moment in the game arrived with Swinglehurst having to leave the field of play and Tiereny finishing with a clinical strike . The goal appeared to have a positive effect on Dumbarton and the visitors started to once again have the upper hand with Annan working hard to limit Dumbarton to more scoring opportunities.
All in all there is a lot for Annan fans to be positive about the young squad brought together by manager Peter Murphy are on the start of a journey and if they come anywhere near the squad of last season then Annan can look forward to the season with optimism.
Annan’s next match is against local side Queen of the South at Palmerston Park on Tuesday evening Kick off 7-45pm . Queens like Annan are in the process of building a new squad and manager Allan Johnston will do very well if he can steer Queens to Championship safety this season given Queens limited resources. Queens lost their opening match 3-0 against Premiership side Motherwell.
Annan- Aaran Taylor, Matty Douglas, Jamie Ballantyne, Euan Griffiths, Ayrton Sonkur, Steven Swinglehurst (Russell Currie 75 min), Scott McLean, Jordan Holt, Tommy Muir, Christain Nade (Lewis McLear ht), Kyle Wilkie (Niyah Joseph 65 min) Subs not used Lyle Avci, Harry Emmerson.
Dumbarton – Jordan Pettigrew, Lewis Crawford, Rico Quintongo, Morgyn Neil, Stuart Carswell, Kyle Hutton, Ryan Tierney, Stefan McLuskey, Mati Zata (Ruaridh Langan 79 min), Jordan McMillan, Paul Joseph Crossan. Subs not used – Connor Brennan gk, Ryan McGeever
Referee – Steven Kirkland, Assistants – Stuart Hodge and Cameron Telfer
Crowd 264