Promotion for Dumbarton

By Iain Roy

It’s been a superb season for the Sons (Image: Getty Images)

Dumbarton earned promotion to Scottish League One after drawing 2-2 in the second leg against Spartans away from home, resulting in a 4-3 aggregate win for the Sons. The visitors were able to hold a 2-1 advantage after the first leg and needed to make sure to avoid defeat to win promotion.

 

Despite Spartans scoring only a couple minutes into the game, their advantage was quickly disrupted when Dumbarton player of the season Michael Ruth fired in the equaliser from close range a few minutes later. Ruth went on to score from an incredible run shortly after the second half commenced, slotting it bottom corner from outside the box using his weaker foot.

 

Ruth went through the second goal and had this to say: “It was probably one of my best goals I’ve scored this season. After I controlled the ball, I looked round and saw lots of space in front of me, so I just ran until the defenders began to step towards me, I saw the gap and took the shot.”

 

Blair Henderson slotted in a penalty to equalise late into added time but couldn’t find another to level the aggregate score.

 

Ruth joined Dumbarton at the start of the season and quickly won the fans over, scoring in big moments throughout the season.

 

“The brace took me to 15 goals this season, which was a personal aim for myself, so I am happy with that. Of course, the priority was to get promoted and we managed that as well, so it has been a great season as a group and for me personally.”

 

Dumbarton will look to renew Michael Ruth’s contract for their next challenge in League One, as he has proven he is a more than capable striker for them, Ruth added:“We’ve got the player awards tonight then we go away for a few days to celebrate. I’ll take some time to relax then il decide on my future, but for now I want to enjoy the way we have ended the season.”

Dumbarton fans will be hoping Ruth can remain at the club next season (Image: Getty Images)

 

Dumbarton experienced playoff heartbreak in the previous two season, so the Sons gave the fans something to celebrate this time around. Losing only once in their last 12 games, ending the season as strong as they did will give them all the confidence in the world going into next season and playing League One football.

SportIain Roy