IAN MURRAY today saluted his battling Dumbarton side after they recorded their first home win of the season against Partick Thistle.

Murray's only frustration was that with Airdrie defeating Dunfermline, the Sons were not rewarded for their victory over the Jags with a rise from the foot of the table.

But with Dumbarton now having won three out of their four games under Murray it is evident that the side have rediscovered their self-belief and look to be in good shape to mount a successful First Division survival bid.

Murray said: "It was a great win for us and what was even more pleasing was that it was our first home win of the season – to do that against a fine Partick Thistle side is great.

"The only thing that takes the gloss off it for us is that with Airdrie winning we haven't come off the bottom of the table but I am delighted for the boys.

"To have won three out of our last four games against the likes of Falkirk, Morton and now Thistle is great form, and we have real momentum going into a spell when we will start playing the sides around us in the league."

Sons shot stopper Jamie Ewings had to be taken off with cramp after the break, but will be fine for Saturday's relegation six-pointer with the Diamonds.