In a commanding display, Dumbarton Riverside 2012s triumphed over St Patricks SA Whites with a decisive 4-0 victory in their cup match held at East End Park on 16 November 2024. The match kicked off at 10:10 am, and the home side's performance was nothing short of impressive, showcasing their attacking prowess and solid defensive organisation.
Dumbarton Riverside lined up in a traditional 4-4-2 formation, which allowed them to maintain a strong defensive structure while providing width in attack. Scott McCaughey was stationed in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Kyle Mcmillan on the right, Jamie Broad and Tyler McArdle in central defence, and Jack Stenson on the left. The midfield was anchored by Donald Gallacher and Alexander Park in central roles, with Finlay Stewart on the right and Lewis Carmichael on the left, providing support to the forwards. Up front, Hunter Burns and Daniel Smith formed a dynamic partnership, looking to exploit any gaps in the opposition's defence.
The substitutes for the match included James Bowers, Josh Ellingham, Harry Robertson, and Louis Brown, who would all play a role in the game as it unfolded.
The scoring opened in the 19th minute when Hunter Burns found the back of the net, giving Dumbarton Riverside an early lead. Just four minutes later, Donald Gallacher doubled their advantage, showcasing the attacking intent of the home side. The pressure continued to mount on St Patricks as Dumbarton Riverside maintained control of the game.
In the 30th minute, a tactical switch saw James Bowers replace Kyle Mcmillan, followed shortly by the introduction of Josh Ellingham for Finlay Stewart and Harry Robertson for Lewis Carmichael. The substitutions aimed to keep the momentum going and ensure fresh legs were on the pitch.
The 33rd minute brought another goal for Dumbarton Riverside, as Hunter Burns scored his second of the match, assisted by Alexander Park. This goal further emphasised the home side's dominance, leaving St Patricks SA Whites struggling to respond.
As the first half came to a close, the score stood at 3-0, reflecting a comprehensive performance from Dumbarton Riverside. The second half began with a substitution for the home side, as Louis Brown replaced goalkeeper Scott McCaughey, adding an extra layer of tactical flexibility.
In the 44th minute, Kyle Mcmillan returned to the pitch, taking the place of James Bowers, as Dumbarton Riverside looked to maintain their stronghold on the match. The 54th minute saw further changes, with Lewis Carmichael re-entering the fray, replacing Harry Robertson, and Finlay Stewart coming on for Josh Ellingham.
The fourth goal arrived shortly after, in the 55th minute, when Lewis Carmichael converted a penalty, extending the lead to 4-0. This goal effectively sealed the fate of St Patricks SA Whites, who were unable to mount a comeback.
As the match progressed, tensions flared, leading to yellow cards for Tyler McArdle and Jamie Broad in the 68th minute. Despite these cautions, Dumbarton Riverside remained resolute, ensuring that their clean sheet was preserved.
In the end, the match concluded with a resounding 4-0 victory for Dumbarton Riverside 2012s, a result that highlighted their clinical finishing and solid teamwork. The performance will surely boost their confidence as they progress in the cup competition, while St Patricks SA Whites will need to regroup and reassess their strategy moving forward.
