Dumbarton’s players have dipped into their own pockets to make up for their side’s recent 6-0 defeat at Queen of the South by making a donation to the Sons Supporters Trust’s travel scheme.

The donation was presented to the Trust by club captain Darren Barr ahead of last Saturday’s match with Raith Rovers, as Stevie Aitken’s players attempt to make amends with fans for the embarrassing loss.

Explaining the move, skipper Barr said: “What happened at Palmerston was extremely disappointing and the players felt it was only right that the fans should receive some sort of compensation.

“They have been great all season and hopefully our donation can help them to keep coming to away games for the foreseeable future.

“We’re all in this together as we bid to stay in the Championship.”

Trust travel convenor Tommy Hughes was delighted to accept the money and applauded the sentiment of the gift by the Sons squad.

“This gesture by the players is very much appreciated,” said Hughes.

“While we were all disappointed by events in Dumfries, we will keep backing the players at home and away, especially during this vital stage of the season.

“The money donated will be used to help fund our bus to Alloa on 1st May.

“Hopefully this will get the fans behind the players that bit more. It certainly shows the players care what goes on at Dumbarton.”

All going well, the trip to Alloa that the players are helping to fund may be a celebration of their survival in the Championship for a fifth consecutive season.

If Aitken’s men can defeat St Mirren on Saturday at the Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium, and eleventh-placed Livingston fail to win as they visit Queen of the South, then their place in the division will be secured on Saturday.