DUMBARTON welcome Bonnyrigg Rose to Dumbarton Football Stadium tomorrow as the cinch League Two campaign resumes.
After the heroic, but fruitless, effort in last week’s Scottish Cup tie at Kilmarnock, the rest of the season is about the main goal in the club’s 150th anniversary season.
And manager Stevie Farrell wants his players to respond to the cup fixture by putting another three points on the board in the first home fixture of 2023.
However, he knows it will not be easy after two tough games against the SPFL newcomers, although Sons have taken four points from those two games.
Stevie said: “The players’ efforts at Kilmarnock were a credit to themselves and the club and deserved a better reward – but that game is done now.
“One competition is now at an end for us but another is very much alive, and we must strive to ensure we remain in our current position.
“That will not be easy and Bonnyrigg certainly will not make it easy for us tomorrow. They have given us two demanding games so far and we expect the same.
“If we repeat the application and hunger we showed at Kilmarnock we will hopefully get what it merits – but any result tomorrow will be hard-earned.
“The players have trained hard once again despite a tough workout last Saturday and are all raring to knuckle down to the league challenge once again.”
Striker Declan Byrne could be welcomed back into the squad after missing the match at Rugby Park with a slight knock.
However, Ryan McGeever is suspended for one game after being sent off in the last league outing against Forfar Athletic. Joe McKee will face a fitness test ahead of the game, and John Gemmell remains out.
Work has taken place on the Dumbarton Football Stadium pitch over the last fortnight, when no games have been played on it. This has included verti-draining the surface.
As is usual practice, we will monitor weather conditions, but the forecast is favourable and no problems with the pitch are anticipated.
Admission for fans paying on the day costs £15 for adults, £10 for over-65s and students (valid ID required), and £5 for under-16s.
You can purchase a ticket in advance of your visit to the stadium. Season ticket holders and Young Sons members need only produce their cards to gain entry.
Away supporters will be situated in the west stand, but are welcome to enter through the home turnstiles and make use of Bar 72 before the game.
There is also the chance to win a cash windfall in our half time draw, which you can also purchase a ticket for in advance.
Bonnyrigg’s top scorer this season is ex-Sons striker Kevin Smith, who has seven goals to his name in all competitions.
Five of those have been in the league, the same tally as Neil Martyniuk, whose penalty opened the scoring when Sons last faced Bonnyrigg at New Dundas Park last month.
Alan Newlands is the referee for tomorrow’s game, with assistance from Graham McNeillie and George King.
