THE CHAMPIONSHIP

DUMBARTON 2 Nade (56), Thomson (80) ST MIRREN 2 Clarkson (35), Davis (71)

DUMBARTON twice fought back to deny St Mirren their first win of 2017 and keep it “as you were” in the battle to avoid the Championship’s bottom two places.

David Clarkson tapped home the opener for the Paisley side in the first half but within 11 minutes of the restart Christian Nade, for the third consecutive game, equalised for Sons.

Debutant Harry Davis, on loan from Crewe Alexandra, headed what looked to be the winner for the Buddies but with 10 minutes left, Robert Thomson brought the home side back on to level terms.

Chances were limited in a scrappy match where Dumbarton would have been by far the happier team with a point while their opponents fight for their lives in bottom spot.

Cammy Smith thought he had opened the scoring for Saints on 11 minutes.

His shot was deflected past Sons keeper Alan Martin but Daniel Harvie heroically cleared off the line.

With Thomson then having a shot blocked by a defender at close range, St Mirren continued to fashion the better chances and their efforts paid off 10 minutes from half time.

When Smith cut the ball back from the goal line, Clarkson could hardly miss fromsixyards.

Sons captain Darren Barr was then forced off the pitch injured.

On 56 minutes Nade met a corner from the left and powered the ball home.

But after Martin saved well from Smith, he was beaten by Davis on 71 minutes, the defender heading home Stephen McGinn’s central free kick.

With 10 minutes remaining, Thomson connected with a ball headed down by Nade 12 yards out and turned to fire home.