Dumbarton continue to rock the Championship

FOR many of the Championship’s so-called unfancied teams, making a positive early impression is crucial. Step forward, Dumbarton. While victory against Hibernian on day one was a super start, defeating Ian Murray’s St Mirren was extra special. Garry Fleming, linked with a move to the Buddies in the summer, was the hero with his winning penalty five minutes from time. Willie Gibson’s deflected free-kick put the visitors in front but they were pegged back in the second half following former Dumbarton midfielder Scott Agnew’s stunning volley. However, the stage was set for Fleming to maintain his side’s 100-per-cent start to the season. ‘Obviously it is good to get the winner against your old manager,’ he said. ‘It was great to step up and take the penalty. St Mirren were interested in me. ‘I spoke to Ian but the move wasn’t for me at the time. I was happy to stay at Dumbarton. It’s my home club, I stay in Dumbarton and I love playing with the team. I get on well with all the fans so I was happy to stay. So it was great to step up and score the winner. Hopefully we can keep it going.’ Fleming is not surprised Stephen Aitken’s side have picked up maximum points so far. ‘With the squad the gaffer is building we have nobody to fear. As long as we stick to our game plan we can always get the win. ‘It’s another great victory. The gaffer is digging it in to us to believe we can beat teams like St Mirren. We hope to carry it on.’ The Paisely side, still without a point, now turn their attention to tomorrow’s Petrofac Training Cup second-round tie at Annan in search of a morale-boosting win. Youngster Calum Gallagher, a recent arrival from Rangers on a one-year deal, admits they have to give the fans something to cheer about soon. The 20-year-old said: ‘Dumbarton came here with a game plan. They did well to stop us playing and make it an unattractive game of football. I think they’ll do well this year. But we’re confident we can bounce back.’