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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Fraser Clarke

Dumbarton boss Stevie Farrell hails players for giving him a selection headache

Sons boss Stevie Farrell hailed his side’s “phenomenal” showing against Clyde - admitting he now faces a selection headache.

First-half goals from David Wilson and Ryan Wallace had the Sons – who also had a goal ruled out and two efforts cleared off the line – cruising at half-time.

After Olly McDonald had halved the deficit midway through the second half, substitute Ross MacLean sealed a cup upset for the Sons in injury time, leaving Faz delighted with his players.

The boss said: “It was excellent. I thought in the first half we were phenomenal, I’d say it’s the best we’ve played all season. We’re working in a shape that’s been defensively good all season, but we’re now working better when we’re turning the ball over and attacking now.

Gregor Buchanan's early header was ruled out by referee Stewart Luke. (Lennox Herald)

“Players are understanding where they need to be and the runs they need to make.

“All the things we work on and talk about in training were evident in the first half. I could’ve sat back and watched it, I didn’t want half-time to come.

“When we go in front in games it’s very rare that we’re pegged back. We’ve got a bit of discipline about us and we understand what we need to do.

“I said to the players in the dressing room that every single one of them has now given me a headache. They are all competing to play in the team every week.

“Div Wilson had to wait for his chance. He got another goal and was excellent. Gregg Wylde was excellent again with two fantastic deliveries in the first half.

“Everyone is at it because there is such competition for places in the team. I don’t mind chaps at my door at this stage, I’ll have those conversations because it’s a good position to be in.”

Ross MacLean came off the bench to score a superb third goal in injury time. (Lennox Herald)

There was one concern for the Sons, with vice-captain Gregor Buchanan forced off in the second half with a nasty looking head injury.

Farrell continued: “Gregor’s got a bad one and was advised to go up to A&E as a precaution to make sure everything is okay.

“Ryan McGeever has replaced him, and he’s had to be patient because Stuart Carswell and Bucky have been so good. But he came on and showed what a good player and captain he is.

“His attitude is always first class and we needed him there to make sure we got across the line.”

And the Sons boss has now turned his attention to this weekend’s league clash with Bonnyrigg Rose, as Dumbarton aim to maintain their place at the top of the League Two table.

Faz added: “No two games of football are ever the same, and Bonnyrigg will be another very different challenge. We’ve told the players that.

“We know what to expect from Bonnyrigg, they are a good side – especially at home.

“The Clyde game is gone now. It’s finished. We’ll revisit the Scottish Cup in January.”

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