FINLAY GRAY was back among the goals as Dumbarton booked their place in the third round of the Scottish Cup last Friday.

The Cardross youngster’s stoppage-time strike – his fourth of the season in all competitions – rounded off Sons’ 3-1 win over Cumnock at Townhead Park in front of the BBC’s live TV cameras on Friday night.

Stevie Farrell’s men, who went into the match off the back of a four-match winless run in League Two, will now travel to Clyde in round three on the weekend of November 26 – though Hamilton Accies, with whom Clyde are groundsharing at New Douglas Park, were also given a home draw, so the date of Sons’ tie has still to be confirmed.

Farrell said afterwards: “We’re delighted to be in the next round of the Scottish Cup, that’s what it was about.

“The underdogs always get everybody behind them and Cumnock had that.“I thought we were good and comfortable in the first half, but I thought we were a bit wasteful in the final third. Cumnock started well in the second half, and scored their goal, and we had to weather that.

“We changed the shape a wee bit and went with a higher press, and I thought that helped us, and slowly but surely we got back into the game and ran out deserved winners.”

Photo by Andy Scott

Buchanan netted the second goal to put Dumbarton in front for the second time and revealed afterwards that going into the game he was expecting a tricky contest.

The defender believes a cup run would be fitting for the club in their 150th year as they put their name in the hat for the third round draw, which took place shortly after this edition of the Reporter went to press.

He added: “It was probably the perfect scenario for me, getting the second goal and leading the boys into a victory.

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“We knew it was going to be a tough game when the draw came out, but I think the boys done really well and deserve to go through.

“It’s a special year for the club so a cup run would be the perfect occasion for us. We’re doing okay in the league as well, being joint top at the moment.

“The league is the main objective but any Scottish Cup run is brilliant for us.”