Tuesday 20th July 2021
DUMBARTON are set to have more options to select from in tonight’s final Premier Sports Cup sectional tie away to Partick Thistle.
The four players who have missed the ties against Stenhousemuir and Dunfermline Athletic due to isolation are set to return for tonight’s visit to Firhill.
Ultimately tonight’s game will make no difference to Sons’ chances of progress to the knockout stages. It will be their final tie in this season’s competition whatever happens.
But in a tight group, it could impact the outcome, and manager Stevie Farrell is looking for a competitive display in the final outing before the league starts.
The gaffer said: “It goes without saying that Saturday’s match was a tough exercise for us and there are lessons which we must learn from it quickly.
“But we must draw a line under it and look ahead to tonight’s game. It is important we look to bow out of this season’s tournament positively and approach the game professionally.
“It will be another tough test against Partick Thistle but we are boosted by the players we have returning and the options we now have.
“However much it matters to our chances in the tournament, we owe it to ourselves to give Thistle as tough a test as we can, and that’s what I’m looking for us to do.”
Although the previously-isolating quartet are returning, Pat Boyle and Paul Paton remain out and Andy Geggan is doubtful.
It is hoped that all three will be available to face Clyde in the first league game in 11 days’ time.
As per our previous story, tonight’s game can be attended by home fans only. The match is available for live streaming, with details also in the previous story.
Referee Mike Roncone will be in charge tonight, and will have assistance from Colin McAlpine and Gary Hanvidge.
As always, if tonight’s game ends level after 90 minutes, a penalty shootout will decide which team takes the bonus point.
Andy Galloway