Dumbarton0–0QOS

Eight league games into it, and none involving Dumbarton have had more than one goal separating the teams.

There have also been a total of 19 goals, for and against, in Sons' eight fixtures. Twelve of them have been scored or conceded in Fife.

And there have been four goals in as many matches at the Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium.

It all shows how closely contested this season's Championship is shaping up to be. As did this goalless stalemate with Queen of the South.

Neither keeper was beaten and, in truth, nor did they look like conceding that often. But it was engrossing, interesting, and a contest where every break of the ball had to be earned.

For Sons, the point was one they would have taken before kickoff, facing the league leaders off the back of last week's 3-2 defeat at Raith Rovers.

With a far tighter defensive display, they probably won the first half on points. After the restart they had more to deal with from the visitors, but saw it off.

They've bounced back from Kirkcaldy. Now all roads lead back to Dumbarton in a fortnight's time for the first of four fixtures which are the most important of the season for Sons and Ayr United. The ones against each other.

The first half was a slow burner, with the first clear chance coming on 22 minutes. It fell to Queens' Steven Rigg, a late replacement for the injured Derek Lyle, but he fired wide when well placed.

Sons soon turned things up and were the stronger side for the rest of the half, starting when Robert Thomson's narrow angled shot was beaten away by the keeper at close range.

Then Daniel Harvie's corner saw the ball flicked across goal and on to the post, with Darren Barr unable to put the loose ball away.

Craig Pettigrew was next to test the keeper, but that probably wasn't the plan. His cross from the right swung towards goal and was punched clear.

Early in the second half, a Sons corner almost resulted in a goal - for Queens. The visitors cleared and broke upfield, only for Alan Martin to save Rigg's header at close range.

Stephen Dobbie, back at the home of his former club 10 years after he wore the black and gold, had a subdued afternoon, but did go close with a 20 yard shot which rolled narrowly wide.

A dangerous free kick by Jamie Hamill was also just off target before Thomson headed over from Harvie's cross.

With 13 minutes left another chance fell to Rigg, but his header from six yards was wide.

The rest of the afternoon was not short of effort, but lacking in any sign that either side would snatch two late points.

So it proved. Now for the biggest game of the season so far, in two weeks' time.