DUMBARTON boss Alan Adamson hailed his side's defensive resolve as they booked their place in the Irn-Bru First Division play-off final with a battling draw at Arbroath on Saturday.
The Sons went into the Gayfield clash with a narrow advantage after goals from Tony Wallace and Bryan Prunty handed them a 2-1 win in Wednesday's first leg clash and held firm to set up a clash with Second Division rivals Airdrie United following their impressive 3-1 triumph at Ayr United.
Jimmy Boyle's side will head to Dumbarton on Wednesday for the final first leg before the return fixture on Sunday, with a place in the First Division at stake.
The Sons finished five points adrift of Arbroath over the course of the campaign but proved their quality during the play-off clashes and Adamson was delighted with the effort of his players as they stood firm against a barrage of attacks.
He said: "We all love to see attacking football and Arbroath threw every-thing they had at us.
"If I had been a neutral I would probably have been willing them to score but sometimes you have to accept that a great defensive performance is almost as impressive as a silky display of football.
"We are really looking forward to the final. We have got a bit of momen-tum going."
Keeper Stephen Grindlay turned in a man-of-the-match winning performance and Adamson was full of praise for his No.1.
He said: "Stephen was named in the Second Division team of the year and a lot of people wonder why.
"Well that is why. He was outstanding.
"He is a fantastic shot stopper and his saves made a real difference."