Season 2001-02 began with a sense of confidence - this would be the first full season at the new home ground and followed the appointment of Tom Carson as manager which brought about a change of fortunes to Dumbarton's campaign the previous season. The league season itself would be full of ups and downs but in the end it came down to the final game against one of their oldest opponents, Queen's Park. A draw would be sufficient to gain a promotion place, but at 1-1 in stoppage time, Queen's Park were awarded a soft penalty. Fortunes were on Dumbarton's side however, as John Wight made a magnificent save and promotion was secured.
In Scottish Cup, Dumbarton lost out to Alloa Athletic in the first round.
In the League Cup, an excellent win over near neighbours Clydebank was followed by a second round exit to Premier Division Dundee United.
Finally, in the Scottish Challenge Cup, Dumbarton returned to old habits and lost in their first outing against Ross County.
Locally, in the Stirlingshire Cup, Dumbarton won both of their group ties, and progressed to their first final in six years, but failed in a penalty shoot out against Stenhousemuir.
The League match against Elgin City on 9 February marked Andy Brown's 100th appearance for Dumbarton in all national competitions - the 122nd Dumbarton player to reach this milestone.