Goal hero Carswell savours the Son rise

STUART CARSWELL’S stunning winner fired Dumbarton into pole position to stay in the Championship.

The midfielder’s sixth-minute strike was enough for Sons to take a vital lead into the second leg on Sunday.

Gaffer Stevie Aitken said: “We had to dig in deep and credit to them because we knew were against a good footballing side.

“If there is any criticism of my players it’s that there were chances to get another goal.

“But it was a terrific strike and I’m delighted we got our noses in front.”

Alloa started brightly as Kevin Cawley bore in on goal only to be brought down on the edge of the box by Craig Barr.

Jordan Kirkpatrick then stepped up to take a low free-kick that was deflected for a corner.

But in the sixth minute JOHN DOCHERTY Carswell gave Sons the lead when he blasted into the roof of the net from 25 yards.

Kirkpatrick was desperately unlucky not to equalise when his well-struck effort from long range was touched onto the post by goalie Scott Gallacher.

Ross Stewart then had a crack at goal but his effort never troubled the keeper.

With his confidence oozing, goal hero Carswell unleashed another drive at goal that was blocked by keeper Neil Parry. leaving him writhing in agony and having to be replaced by Liam Burt.

Barr then denied Smith with a last-gasp tackle as he burst through on goal and was just about to pull the trigger for Alloa.

At the other end, Kevin Nisbet sent a strong drive over the top as Sons sought a crucial second.

Although it was Alloa who had the bulk of possession at the end they just could not find a leveller.

Smith came agonisingly close but his header was cleared off the line by Barr as Sons again showed their resilience.

With the minutes ticking away the Wasps forward again burst through only to be denied by the heroic Gallacher.

Alloa boss Jim Goodwin said: “The first shot they had goes in which was hard to take. We just need to keep believing we can get back in the tie.”