But he praised the way they fought back against Ian Murray’s Championship side.

Lamb’s new-look team conceded three goals in the opening half hour as the Sons stormed out of the blocks.

The Victoria Park boss said: “They are a very good team but we allowed them to play in the first half. Their movement was good and they showed that they are a class above us.

“I warned them before the match about being caught in the headlights and that’s exactly what happened.

“We are a new team and it is all about gelling - I thought we improved as the match went on.

“We were much better in the second half and they struggled to create much.

“I was pleased with what I saw from my players tonight - there’s a lot of positives.” Jordan Kirkpatrick fired in a quick-fire double to put Dumbarton two up inside the opening 20 minutes.

The former Hamilton player threaded a pass through to Colin Nish on the half hour for the striker to slot home a third.

Scott Agnew was denied a fourth before the break as his shot was deflected onto the bar by defender James Elliot.

It had been a torrid first half with Vale struggling to get out of their own half.

But the Lowland League club came close to pulling a goal back just before the hour as Josh Morris’ header looped inches over Josh Lumsden’s bar.

And the introduction of Chris Anderson at half time also gave the home side a bit more creativity around the midfield area.

The central defensive pairing of Jack Blaikie and Elliot looked pretty solid as well with several good challenges.

But Dumbarton debutant Scott Taggart came off the bench to snatch a fourth on 72 minutes with a low shot from close range.

Sons manager Ian Murray praised his squad. He said: “Tonight was all about giving the boys a good run out and getting through the 90 minutes without any injuries.

“It was important that we started well and we did. I never have any problem motivating the players for these type of games - we are normally looked upon as the smaller club and know you have to be prepared properly for every game or you get found out.” Murray, whose team narrowly missed out on a Championship play-off place last season, believes he still has to strengthen before the league campaign begins.

He added: “We need to still add a couple of players - one at the very least, three at the most.

“I am happy with the squad I have it is stronger and there is depth but I know I still need one or two to come in to compete in this league.” Vale of Leithen. R McMullen (M Wilson 60), R Sclater (G Marshall 46), J Gill, J Elliot, J Blaikie, S Lynch (C Anderson 46), B Rixon, K O’Brien, J Ferguson, J Morris & G Tulloch (R Brady 46).

Dumbarton. J Lumsden (S Grindlay 60), D Van Zanten (M Megginson 60), S Linton, A Graham, M McLaughlin, H Murray (M Hopkins 74), C Turner (C Cook 74), S Agnew, C Nish, J Kirkpatrick & G Fleming (S Taggart 60).