Dobbie never doubted that the goals would return and says he’s ‘honoured’ by statue
A wooden statue of Queen of the South heroes Billy Houilston, Alan Ball and Stephen Dobbie was unveiled before kick-off in the Doonhamers’ 4-0 win over Dundee United.
The artist behind it will be glad their work did not include details of the number of goals scored as their artwork would need updating already.
Dobbie, pictured, had not found the net in the Championship so far this season but his drought ended from close range when he turned in a Darren Brownlie header. United knew they were up against things when Kevin Holt headed in ten minutes later.
The third came with 20 minutes remaining when Dobbie created space before firing home, with Michael Paton completing the scoring.
Dobbie said: “The statue is a great honour, and I came into the game with a spring in my step. I knew things were going to turn, and I never doubted my ability. When things aren’t working, I go away and work harder. Funnily enough things fall into place when I do that.”
Second-placed Ayr United, who are expected to unveil their new manager today, failed to take advantage of the Tannadice club’s defeat as they went down 3-2 at Dunfermline Athletic.
Greg Kiltie danced through the Honest Men’s defence to open the scoring on 28 minutes, however the teams were level at the break when Lee Ashcroft could only help a Daniel Harvie effort into his own goal. Ashcroft made amends with a thumping goal from 25 yards and Andy Ryan drilled in a late winner after Alan Forrest had curled home a delicious strike to make it 2-2.
Inverness Caley Thistle also missed the chance to go top when Alloa’s Alan Trouten scored late on to earn the Wasps a 2-2 draw in the Highlands. Liam Buchanan fired the visitors ahead after five minutes but Caley levelled when Carl Tremarco curled home. Jordan White’s header put the summit within sight until Trouten struck, with Inverness’ agony heightened when James Keating’s last-gasp free-kick hit the bar.
Any Partick Thistle fan who left Dens with five minutes to go, with their team losing 1-0, will have been kicking themselves after the Jags roared back to beat Dundee 3-1.
Paul Mcgowan slotted Dundee into the lead midway through the first half and that was that until a crazy finale that saw Kenny Miller as well as Shea Gordon shoot home and Lewis Mansell run clear to grab an injury time third.
Arbroath leapfrogged Morton in the table thanks to a 1-0 success over the Greenock side at Gayfield. Bobby Linn came up with the all-important goal directly from a freekick 16 minutes from time.