Partick Thistle3–0Dumbarton

DUMBARTON picked up their third loss in a row in their 2012/13 SFL First Division campaign, with a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Partick Thistle at Firhill this afternoon.

A first half goal from Kris Doolan and a couple of goals in the second half by Chris Erskine and Stuart Bannigan made the points safe for the hosts.

There was just the one change for Sons following last week's defeat to Cowdenbeath. A trialist under the familiar name of Ross Forbes stepped in for Scott Agnew, who dropped down to the subs bench.

Dumbarton got the game underway in front of a lively crowd of home and away supporters, edging the opening encounters.

Garry Fleming had a hopeful shot from 35 yards after Thistle 'keeper Scott Fox came way out his box to clear a loose ball. It was destined for the net, but then took a deflection off a Partick defender before going behind for a corner.

From then on, it was near enough domination from the home team. Dumbarton did, however, defend most of it very well.

The Jags stood strong when they forced a goalmouth scramble, with Alan Lithgow and Andy Graham putting everything on the line to keep the ball out for Sons.

It was soon 1-0 to the home team, though. After good work on the left-hand side from Bannigan, Kris Doolan was there to head the ball into the far top corner of the net, giving Steven Grindlay no chance.

Sons frustration at losing another early goal was showing, with Garry Fleming and Nicky Devlin both picking up bookings.

Dumbarton had a short spell where they had Thistle on the back foot. Mark Gilhaney and the trialist (ex-Son Ross Forbes) worked well on the right-hand side to set up Jim Lister. He won the header, but 'keeper Fox got across brilliantly to tip the ball over the bar.

From the resulting corner, the ball fell to Graham. He probably should have done better, but ended up firing over from 10 yards.

Partick Thistle came right back at Dumbarton. The Jags' Man of the Match, Stephen O'Donnell, went on a mazy run before cutting back to Chris Erskine. Grindlay was beaten, it seemed a certain goal, but then Alan Lithgow popped up and kept the deficit at 1-0.

The half time whistle blew and Dumbarton were thankful to get to the break only one behind.

The second half proved to be a quieter affair. Dumbarton again started well, but failed to create any major chances. Ross Forbes floated a free kick into a dangerous area, but the ball evaded everyone.

From then on it was near domination for the Jags once more, with Sons sneaking in the odd counter-attack, but never quite finding the crucial pass to break through.

On 62 minutes, Thistle got the goal that killed the game off. Paul Paton went on a run before cutting back for Chris Erskine, who sidefooted into the net to make it 2-0.

Just seven minutes later, Partick added a third. It was a goal of similar fashion to the second, this time Erskine turned provider, while Stuart Bannigan slotted home.

In between the goals, Dumbarton gaffer Alan Adamson introduced Scott Agnew and Phil Johnston, but neither of them was able to make the impact he hoped for.

There was a late chance for Thistle to make it a rout, when substitute Christie Elliot cut in from the left; but his shot was denied by Grindlay.

Overall, Dumbarton gave a reasonable account of themselves against a full-time team, but fell short once more.