Stenhousemuir2–1Dumbarton

A campaign unlike any other had a somewhat familiar ending, as Stenhousemuir continued their hoodoo against Dumbarton.

 

Having taken points from the other eight sides in the league, Sons knew that they could cost their hosts a spot in the playoff by getting a result at Ochilview.

 

Despite Matty Shiels’ second-half leveller, Sons again left empty-handed - with Blair Alston cracking in a winner to ensure that the home side’s season is extended by at least another week.

 

However boss Stevie Farrell refused to be downbeat, admitting that he was delighted to see the back of the most difficult season of his career.

 

He said: “It’s a difficult one, there wasn’t much in the game. Stenny were very dangerous at set pieces, they are big and strong and they play for set pieces a lot of the time.

 

“In the first 10 or 15 minutes they’ve had a lot of corners against us, and we’ve switched off for the one they’ve scored from.

 

“We tinkered at half-time and I thought that we were the better side in the second-half. So I’m disappointed with the goal we lost.

 

“It’s the only time they’ve had a shot at goal in the second-half.

 

“There wasn’t a lot in the game, did I think Stenny deserved to win it? No I don’t think so, a draw would’ve been a fair result.

 

“But I can’t thank the boys enough. It’s been the toughest season in all our careers, but it’s now over.

 

“We can now start building a squad that’s going to compete in League Two with the boys who will continue to be here.

 

“And with the boys who won’t continue to be here, then we’ll wish them all the best. Because they are a special group.

 

“I think we’re all glad to see the back of the season. It’s been a really challenging season for everybody.

 

“We’re still dealing with that uncertainty and it’s been a nightmare. It’s the most difficult time I’ve had as a manager.”

 

For the final match of a difficult season on and off the park, boss Stevie Farrell continued his rotation policy - with fit-again skipper Mark Durnan returning and Cammy Clark also back from the treatment table.

 

Jinky Hilton and Tony Wallace also returned to the starting lineup after their goals ensured that the home season ended with a victory a week previous.

 

With just three clean sheets to their name all season, Sons quickly ensured that figure wouldn’t improve further - as they fell behind inside the opening 10 minutes.

 

A short corner routine saw Euan O’Reilly have an effort cleared off the line, but Matty Aitken reacted quickest to prod into the net.

 

Sons’ response was strong, and Jinky Hilton found himself denied a 10th of the campaign by Warriors’ keeper Darren Jamieson - before Craig McGuffie was off target.

 

A brilliant McGuffie pass then sent Kristian Webster racing clear, but the Rangers loanee rushed his effort and fired straight at Jamieson.

 

The narrow lead remained at the interval, with boss Farrell replacing the booked Sena Niang with David Wilson in the hope of finding a leveller.

 

And the goal Dumbarton had been threatening duly arrived eight minutes after half-time.

 

Mark Durnan was first to attack a corner with the ball bouncing around the area before being forced home by Matty Shiels.

 

But Sons would be level against their bogey side for less than 10 minutes.

 

Shay Kelly performed heroics to deny Aitken from close range, but veteran Blair Alston gave the St Mirren loanee no chance as he cracked in via the woodwork.

 

That saw boss Farrell turn to his bench again with Finlay Gray, Joel Mumbongo and Kalvin Orsi replacing Hilton, Michael Ruth and Tony Wallace.

 

And fresh off a superb cameo against Annan a week previous, Mumbongo was right into the action - as he spun Stenny sub Kinlay Bilham, who hauled the Swede to the ground before lashing out and picking up a straight red card from referee Dan McFarlane.

 

Mumbongo and Matty Shiels were also both booked for their role in the bust-up that followed.

 

Despite a further flurry of bookings, this time for the home side who saw three players cautioned in stoppage time, Sons couldn’t find a leveller - with everyone connected with the club delighted finally consign the 2024/25 campaign to the history books.