The Sons started the season with the reputation of being the best part-time team in Scotland. By the end of the season they confirmed their status again and finished 8th on goal difference. The contrast between Dumbarton and the teams below them, Ayr and Raith Rovers, was the Sons could consistently score goals. Incredibly, the Sons were the top scorers in the Championship away from home with 29 goals. They were never at the bottom of the table for the entire season either. Loan signings were again an important part of Dumbarton’s strategy with Danny Harvie (Aberdeen), Ross McCrorie (Rangers), Sam Stanton (Hibs) and Lewis Vaughan (Raith Rovers) all filling important roles during the season. The recapture of striker, Christian Nade, in the winter transfer window also proved significant.
A poor opening quarter with only one win suggested they would struggle, but also in that period they defeated title-hopefuls Dundee United (1-0). A good run with four wins as they headed into 2017 indicated Dumbarton were set to surprise the pundits again. Nobody enjoyed playing against Dumbarton as they always made life difficult with their compact style and effective counter attacks. The Sons shifted between 7th and 8th places for most of the season as consecutive wins evaded them. A 5-1 defeat away at Dunfermline in early March suggested they were starting to crumble, but they responded the following week with a 4-0 win at home over Raith Rovers. The Sons will face another rebuilding task over the summer, but they can take confidence from the fact they have proved once again that a part-time team can compete well in a mostly full-time league.
