Geoff Jones’ first tentative steps in management had encouraged Dunbar United followers, with the club joint top of the South Division table after wins over Tranent Juniors and Harthill Royal, but they figured an away fixture at Blackburn United would provide a sterner challenge.

Before the game most Dunbar-minded individuals wouldn’t have been unhappy with a point from a team expected to figure in the promotion race. With Darryl Wilson absent, Jones brought in Grant Thomson for his first start in his third spell at the club, while Shaun Hill replaced Liam McFarlane in midfield.

Conditions were far from inviting at New Murrayfield Park, with a constant drizzle and strong crossfield wind. Dunbar forced three early corners in quick succession, but the first real chance went Blackburn’s way, with Connor Wood having to bring off a good save to keep out dangerman McQuillan. At the opposite end Hill saw a half-volley saved by Wightman, while Cowan and Hill again hit shots wide.

Blackburn asserted themselves increasingly as the first half progressed, and McQuillan was unlucky not to score when he outjumped Wood, only to see his looping header hit the base of the post before leaving play. A minute later Wood saved the same player’s shot from 12 yards, and again from the rebound.

The Blackburn striker was left cursing Dunbar’s keeper yet again towards the end of the half as he pulled off yet another fine save, this coming after Wightman in the home goal had turned Keith Tait’s shot round the post for a corner. Chris Grant had Dunbar’s final chance of the first half, coming close with a shot on the turn.

Hill went close for the visitors shortly after play restarted, then McQuillan headed wide at the other end before Keith Tait shot past.

Dunbar gradually began to force their way into the game more, and on 71 minutes they made a vital breakthrough. Steven Girdwood played the ball into the feet of prolific marksman Sam Young, who held off his defender before firing a fierce strike past the helpless Wightman.

The lead was to last only four minutes, though, as the referee awarded Blackburn a penalty for handball against Thomson, a decision which incensed Dunbar players and supporters – Campbell netted from the spot, and the ref dished out bookings for dissent to Danny Taylor and Shaun Hill.

Recovering from this setback, Dunbar went close with a Hill effort which Wightman saved, then with 11 minutes left they regained the lead. Ross Cowan’s throw-in was flicked on by Young and Girdwood was first to react, heading the ball powerfully into the net.

Taylor came close to extending the visitors’ lead, and play swung from end to end in the closing stages.

Deep into injury time Wood was the Seasiders’ hero when he turned a goalbound effort from Somerville onto the bar with a fingertip save, sealing the three points for his team.

It’s some years since Dunbar started off a league campaign with three straight wins and they’ll have high hopes they can make it four on Saturday when Livingston United visit New Countess Park. The New Town outfit were relegated after a season in the Premier League but results thus far indicate they’re unlikely to be challenging for a quick return upstairs.