Airdrie's poor home form continued as two goals in nine minutes earned Dumbarton a vital win at New Broomfield on Saturday.

Ryan Donnelly put the Diamonds in front with his fifth goal of the season but Jim Lister and Marc McCusker earned the Sons all three points.

Boss Jimmy Boyle made one change to the side that defeated Dunfermline Athletic 3-1 with Kenny Arthur replacing Grant Adam after his return to St Mirren following a loan spell.

And the home side continued from where they left off at East End Park by taking the lead in the 10th minute.

Willie McLaren's corner was won in the air by Gregor Buchanan with the ball falling for Donnelly who fired past keeper Jamie Ewings.

Arthur blocked from ex-Albion Rovers striker McCusker before Jamie Bain fired wide after a terrific ball from McLaren in behind the Dumbarton defence.

The Sons equalised in the 24th minute. Lister beat Buchanan to a ball in the air and flicked on for McCusker who escaped from Ricki Lamie to fire home.

And it was 2-1 to the Sons nine minutes later. A great run from Scott Smith saw him deliver a low cross to the back post which was squared by Mark Gilhaney for Lister who made no mistake.

The Diamonds created opportunities to level. Buchanan drove an effort over the bar after an impressive foray into opposition territory while Donnelly just failed to get on the end of a McLaren delivery.

In the 52nd minute, McLaren had a fantastic chance to make it 2-2 but his effort was blocked by Ewings to the frustration of the home faithful.

The Sons soaked up a lot of pressure and played on the counter-attack. Alan Lithgow had a shot deflected over the bar before bundling the ball into the net late-on.

However, his effort was ruled out by linesman David McGeachie who spotted a foul on Arthur as he challenged in the air.

Airdrie had one last chance to equalise in the fourth minute of injury-time but McLaren's corner was nodded wide by Lamie.

Dumbarton stay bottom of the First Division table because they have scored one goal less than Airdrie who remain in the relegation play-off position.

Colin Paterson at New Broomfield.

Photographs © Robert Dalzell. Click to view full size.