Durrant can’t hide his joy at dug-out return

NEW Dumbarton assistant Ian Durrant last night praised the work ethic that saw the Sons bank three points against Raith Rovers.

The Fife side sprinted into the lead thanks to Ryan Hardie’s early opener. But three second-half strikes from Christian Nade, Daniel Harvie and Gregor Buchanan ensured the points came back to Dumbarton.

Rangers legend Durrant was handed his new dug-out role on Friday and said he enjoyed his first run-out as No.2 to Stevie Aitken.

Durrant said: “They worked very hard. I told them at half-time if they continued to work hard they would get their re- wards. And that’s the way it turned out.

“They lost a goal in the first half but the sign of a good team is one that dusts itself down and gets back in the game.

“I think we have some very good football players here and I’m looking forward to helping Stevie.

“The main thing is for the club to be successful and to stay in the league and that is what I’ll be aiming to do.

“I thoroughly enjoyed it and I have a hoarse voice for the first time in months, so that’s good.”

The Sons are now training their sights on next weekend’s six-pointer against basement side St Mirren.

Eleven points separate the teams and Aitken knows a win could go a long way to boosting the Sons’ survival hopes.

He said: “It will be a tough match. St Mirren are fighting for their lives and I know what that can do to a team.

“We have done well today but next week is an altogether different game.

“But I was obviously pleased with the boys’ response against Raith Rovers.”