There was very little for either set of supporters to shout about in the first half as the chances were few and far between. In the fifth minute a good free-kick by Steve Mackay was met by Martin Johnston but the striker's header flew just wide of Stephen Grindlay's goal.
At the other end Stephen Dobbie collected the ball on the left and skipped past his marker before hitting his effort wide as neither team seemed to know exactly what the goal was for.
As if to demonstrate that, Stevie Low shot over for Elgin after a long throw-in was flicked into his path in the 24th minute and then a first-time shot from Ryan Borris three minutes before half time flew similarly high and wide taking the teams to the break with not even a shot on goal to mention.
Fortunately there were to be some goals to lighten the gloom, at least for the travelling Dumbarton fans. On the hour mark the visitors took the lead when scrappy play on the edge of the box was cleared up by Dobbie as he drilled a low shot past Kieron Renton.
Then, with seven minutes remaining, sub John Dillon fired the ball home from six yards to seal the win as the Elgin defence dallied. As if to rub further salt in Brian Irvine's wounds sub Chris Finnigan contrived to get himself sent off for two bookings in the space of a minute.