Friday 8th July 2022
COMPETITIVE action returns for Dumbarton tomorrow, with Stirling Albion the visitors to G82 in the opening Premier Sports Cup sectional match.
With games against Aberdeen, Peterhead and Raith Rovers up ahead, the two clubs will be looking to make a winning start to their competitive season.
With Peterhead and Aberdeen contesting the group’s other match this weekend on Sunday, the winners at Dumbarton tomorrow will top the group, at least for 24 hours.
Manager Stevie Farrell is keen to ensure that it is Sons who prevail tomorrow, but is mindful of the bigger picture of the season ahead of the cup ties starting.
The manager said: “We want to give a good account of ourselves during the Premier Sports Cup and it is absolutely our aim to register as many points as possible.
“However, we will be using our full squad during the sectional stage, with every player available getting a decent number of minutes.
“It will continue our build-up to the league season and give every player a chance to show why they should be in contention once that gets underway.
“Tomorrow we play a Stirling side who we will also face on league business this season, and that gives us a chance to put a marker down.
“However, they will feel exactly the same about facing us and will want to open their competitive season with a victory. We must guard against that and ensure it is us who get off to a winning start.”
The manager won’t be able to call on the services of Ryan McGeever, Edin Lynch or Ally Love tomorrow. McGeever is reported to be on track to be fit for the start of the league campaign.
Declan Byrne (pictured) also took a knock at Workington on Tuesday, but is said to be improving and could be in contention.
Stirling, managed by Darren Young, finished seventh in cinch League Two last season, but had a decent campaign in the Premier Sports Cup group stage.
They beat Cove Rangers and Peterhead over 90 minutes in the group stage, and also won on penalties at Inverness CT. Goal difference was all that stood between them and a place in the knockout round.
Tomorrow’s meeting will be our first with Stirling since April 2012, when we beat them 2-1 at Forthbank to clinch our place in the playoffs for the old First Division. The Binos’ last visit to Dumbarton was two months earlier – a 4-1 win for Sons.
A number of their players have moved on since last season, including of course Martin McNiff to Dumbarton. However, they have recruited ex-Sons striker Robert Thomson from Stenhousemuir, along with Danny Denholm, Aaron Dunsmore and Ross Davidson all from East Fife.
They have also retained top scorer Dale Carrick, who hit 11 goals in all competitions last season.
Supporters attending tomorrow’s game are reminded that as with all cup ties, season tickets are not valid.
Entry is via cash at the turnstiles, with tickets costing £15 for adults, £10 for concessions (over 65 or student with proof of concession), and £5 for under-16s.
Live streaming is also available for those who cannot attend in person but would like to watch the action.
Greg Soutar will referee tomorrow’s game, with assistance from John Stewart and Elliott Husband-Powton.
Should tomorrow’s game end in a draw, it will go straight to a penalty shootout for the bonus point, with no extra time.
Dumbarton Football Club