Wednesday 11th August 2021
LEAGUE action takes a back seat for Dumbarton tonight as the SPFL Trust Trophy gets underway at home to Rangers B.
After a season’s break, the competition is back in the schedule, with several first round ties having taken place last night.
Sons reached the final of the competition in 2018 – and started that campaign against the same opponents as tonight.
With the draw bracketed, it is known that the winners will be at home to Ayr United in round two. Manager Stevie Farrell wants that tie to be earned with victory tonight.
The gaffer said: “Although the league is the bread and butter of our season, we want to progress through the cup competitions as well.
“We’ll be going out to win tonight’s tie and and take another step forward as a team.
“Our opponents have made a positive start to their Lowland League campaign and want to prove their ability to play against senior sides, so we expect a tough game.
“We know what is on offer for the winners of tonight’s tie and we’re keen for that to be us, but we can’t think about facing Ayr United until we have secured victory tonight. Our concentration is on the task in hand.”
Midfielder Joe McKee is expected to be the only injury doubt for tonight’s game. Sam Ramsbottom’s self-isolation period continues tonight but is expected to end in time for Saturday’s game with Queen’s Park, while Mark Lamont is also currently self-isolating.
As per our previous story, admission to each end of the stadium tonight is by cash at the turnstiles. Season tickets are not valid.
We’ve also updated our guidance for attending matches in view of changes to public health guidance – details available here. If you can’t get to the stadium then details of how to stream the game are available here.
Steven Reid is tonight’s referee and will be assisted by Steven Traynor and Chris Rae.
If tonight’s tie ends level after 90 minutes, it will go straight to a penalty shootout with no extra time.