Dumbarton came from a goal down to collect their first three points of the season with a commanding showing against Arbroath.
Tam O’Brien’s early opener had Sons fans fearing the worst, however Stevie Farrell’s much-changed side quickly levelled through Carlo Pignatiello – before second-half goals from Kilmarnock loanee Ethan Brown and Finlay Gray clinched a first victory back in League One.
And the boss saluted his side for their efforts, saying: “There were probably a few eyebrows raised at the selection. But we knew that Scott Stewart likes to play in the space behind full-backs, and Ryan Blair is so disciplined there. He doesn’t move.
“That was probably the quietest Scott Stewart has been this season and he’s a very big player for them.
“Div Wilson gave us a bit more discipline alongside Sena (Niang) in the middle of the park, and Mikey Miller showed how good a footballer he is at right-back.
“I thought 3-1 was a fair result on the reflection of play.
“It’s our first win, but we can also flip that and say that we’re unbeaten in seven out of the 10 games we’ve played in this league.
“The boys know their performances have been decent, but we’re always driving them to improve.”
A heavily revised team saw Ryan Blair and Mikey Miller start at full-back for the first time, whilst Carlo Pignatiello operated on the wing and Jinky Hilton partnered Michael Ruth in attack.
Ex-Lichtie Ruth had the first chance of the game, as he took advantage of a misplaced header and tested home keeper Aidan McAdams from the edge of the box, but the former Rangers man pushed the ball wide for a corner.
Gavin Reilly hit back for the hosts, but looked to be caught in two minds after racing clear – allowing Sons skipper Mark Durnan to recover and clear the danger.
Winless all season, Sons then found themselves behind with just 11 minutes played.
Fraser Taylor’s whipped free-kick from the edge of the area was perfect for the onrushing Tam O’Brien to send a diving header beyond Brett Long.
Dumbarton’s response was swift.
Strong play from Michael Ruth down the right saw him tee up Carlo Pignatiello, and the utility man bent a brilliant effort with the outside of his boot beyond the stranded McAdams and into the net.
Sons should’ve then turned the game on its head.
Superb play between Ruth and Jinky Hilton saw former Stranraer man Hilton send his strike-partner clean through on goal, but he was frustrated by two excellent McAdams stops.
After that the game settled down, with Fraser Taylor skewing a Scott Stewart cutback off target for the hosts in their main chance of note.
Straight from kick-off in the second period however Sons created an opening, as Ruth raced clear and won a corner.
After a superb touch from McAdams had denied Div Wilson, the midfielder became creator as Sons went ahead.
His wicked corner caused panic in the Lichties defence, with Kilmarnock loanee Ethan Brown forcing the ball over the line.
Strong hands from McAdams denied Ruth again, before Ryan Dow pounced on some slack defending at the other end to set up Craig Slater – but he lashed wildly off target.
After Jinky Hilton and his replacement Tony Wallace had both tested McAdams from the edge of the area, brave goalkeeping from Brett Long denied ex-Son Calum Gallagher after a scramble in the area.
And the points were finally secured as the game hit the 90 minute mark.
Tony Wallace burst clear down the left and squared for Finlay Gray, who neatly tucked the ball beyond McAdams.
It could’ve got even better deep into injury time too as David Wilson and Carlo Pignatiello combined to set up Joel Mumbongo, but the sub drilled narrowly wide with McAdams rooted to the spot.