Stenhousemuir4–0Dumbarton

Matty Yates bagged a hat-trick as Stenhousemuir made it a day to forget in Larbert.


The former Stranraer man’s early free-kick and two second-half penalties were added to by Aaron Steele’s tap-in, as Stevie Farrell’s men suffered a first loss since early November.


Already trailing 2-0, referee Napier left the Sons bench incensed after sending off Finlay Gray just before half-time for a cynical foul on the half-way line - before dismissing keeper Brett Long and awarding the Warriors a penalty in bizarre circumstances with 20 minutes remaining.


Another Yates penalty, this time a more clear cut decision, with two minutes to go completed the scoring.


Frustrated boss Farrell said: “The annoying thing is that it didn’t feel like there was anything in the game. Brett Long hasn’t had a save to make, and neither has Darren Jamieson for Stenhousemuir.


“We’ve conceded two poor goals in the first-half, Brett holds his hands up for the first goal. And the other two are penalties. We’ve not conceded a chance in a game that was about more than just the football. And that’s the disappointing thing for me.”


Farrell was forced into changes from the side which had drawn with Alloa midweek, as injury ruled out Sons’ strikeforce of Jinky Hilton and Michael Ruth. Kalvin Orsi returned to the side, with Joel Mumbongo earning a first League One start of the season.


Swedish forward Mumbongo didn’t take long to make an early impression, showing good footwork before dragging a shot wide - and then just overhitting a pass to the onrushing Finlay Gray allowing Stenny keeper Darren Jamieson to smother the ball.


But the table topping hosts were in a clinical mood and, fresh off the back of a 3-0 away victory against Cove midweek, took the lead with just eight minutes on the clock.


Mark Durnan tripped Matty Aitken 25 yards from goal, with Matty Yates’ free-kick flying over the wall and catching out Brett Long to find the net.


After Mumbongo had twice gone close to finding a leveller for Sons, the Warriors doubled their lead - with star-man Yates again playing a key role.


His wicked corner was perfect for the totally unmarked Aaron Steele, who had the simplest of tasks to smash beyond Long from point blank range.


Aside from a tight offside call that denied Mumbongo as he looked to race in on goal, that was that for chances in the first-half - but there were two further moments of controversy.


First a frustrated Mark Durnan challenge clattered Aitken, with a ruckus ensuing that saw Matty Yates shove Sons’ Finlay Gray to the ground. Once tempers had settled referee Napier booked both Durnan and Yates.


Then, as the game neared half-time, Stenny looked to break from a Sons corner - with Gray taking down Euan O’Reilly just by the half-way line on the left flank. Referee Napier had no hesitation in racing over to brandish a straight red card.


Despite their numerical disadvantage, Sons started the second period well - buoyed by a change of shape and the introduction of Matty Shiels. With the former Rangers youngster testing Jamieson from inside the area in the best chance created by either side in the opening exchanges.


Just as the game started to fizzle out, another flashpoint arrived - leaving those in the away terrace incensed.


Brett Long caught a cross and looked to be impeded by Stenny sub Ross Taylor as he went to send the ball up the park, barging the winger out the way. Referee Napier’s whistle went, but he pointed to the penalty spot and showed the Northern Irishman a straight red card.


After a deliberation with his assistant, the decision stood - meaning Sons found themselves down to nine men, with Paddy O’Neil rushed into action to pick the resultant penalty from Yates out his net.


Yates went close to a hat-trick soon after with a dipping effort from the edge of the area - before only a brave Mark Durnan block denied Corey O’Donnell.


But a perfect day for the hosts would end with Man of the Match Yates securing a ball for his collection - with his second penalty of the game.


Taylor got on the wrong side of Aron Lynas and hit the deck, with referee Napier again pointing to the spot - and Yates making absolutely no mistake with a perfect penalty to seal the points.