Tuesday 9th February 2016
DUMBARTON gaffer Stevie Aitken was full of praise for the commitment and determination of his players following the hard-fought 0-0 draw on Saturday against Dundee in the fifth round of the William Hill Scottish Cup.
“I’m delighted to have earned a replay against a very good Dundee team, a top six Premiership side,” he told reporters following the game.
“We competed very well. The shape and work rate had to be right to get something out of this game, and we did.
“I’m proud of the character our players showed. Dundee move the ball very quick, and they score a lot of goals, so we knew that defensively we had to get it right – all over the park, not just the back four. Even the strikers, as well – so credit to the players for that.
“Maybe we didn’t do enough at the top end, but you have to understand what a quality side we were up against. They’re full-time, we’re part-time, and we’re punching above our weight.
“Also the pitch was heavy and the conditions were tough for the two teams, but we coped well. Our fitness was spot on through to the end of the game.”
Commenting on how his new signings are fitting in, the boss said: “Tom Walsh is giving us a real threat and looking very lively. It takes time to adjust, but he’s doing that.”
Aitken continued: “Christian Nade did well. For 60 minutes he showed a real threat, too. He’s not played a lot of football lately, being on the bench for Hamilton Accies. But from now until the end of the season he’ll be a big player for us.”
Sons face Dundee again in the replay at Dens Park on Tuesday 23rd February. The prize would be an away quarter-final tie at either Rugby Park or Ibrox.
Simon Barrow