The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Gable Endies boss praises pitch-perfect performance
LEAGUE ONE: Petrie pleased with side’s passing in important victory over Sons
MONTROSE 2 DUMBARTON 1
Montrose continued their push for the play-offs with a League One win over Dumbarton, to the delight of manager Stewart Petrie.
Petrie said: “We have won another game at home and it is a win which creates a gap between ourselves and sixth place.
“I asked the team for performances before our last two games and they have dug out wins.
“We lost a goal to the last kick but apart from that we controlled the game.
“The pitch was perfect for passing the ball with a bit of water on it and we passed it well.
“We missed two or three chances, which might have made things a bit more comfortable, but it was a vital three points.”
Play-off rivals Airdrie and East Fife both matched the Montrose win but Petrie says he is unconcerned about what any other side does.
He said: “Our focus has always been eighth place and safety, then we will try to get as far away from the bottom as possible.
“We now face four games in 10 days from next Saturday and we will use all of our squad. It will be a difficult ask as the schedule includes a midweek trip to Stranraer.
“We scored two great goals and I think Cammy Ballantyne was outstanding in midfield. We defended much better, although a bit of the shine was taken off by the goal right at the end.
“I was pleased with Alan Fleming, who took over in goal. Aaron (Lennox) was shaky last time out and that is why we have a squad.
“Alan has been waiting patiently for his chance and it is now up to Aaron to try and get his place back.”
Montrose took the lead on 16 minutes. Terry Masson crossed from the right and Blair Lyons smashed the ball high into the net.
Montrose looked for more and two minutes later, a close-range flick from Liam Callaghan was saved by Connor Brennan.
Brennan was a busy man and in quick succession he saved from Ballantyne, Craig Johnston and Andy Steeves.
Montrose had a let-off on 36 minutes. A kick from Brennan found its way through to Stefan Mcluskey and he hit the post.
The home side regained control at the start of the second half and on 54 minutes, Lyons burst through and set up Graham Webster to score.
Montrose held on comfortably and could have added to their tally, then two minutes into stoppage-time, PJ Crossan drove the ball home to give Dumbarton a consolation.