Tuesday 10th November 2020
MATCHES continue to come thick and fast for Dumbarton, with the Betfred Cup group campaign resuming this evening at home to Falkirk.
The game forms part of a tough double header to see out the sectional stage of the competition, with a trip to Kilmarnock awaiting on Saturday.
And the games are set to see the Sons squad used in full. Although their chances of qualifying for the last 16 are all but over, Dumbarton wish to finish on a high.
After a narrow defeat at East Fife on Saturday, manager Jim Duffy knows his players will be worked hard again tonight.
He said: “Saturday’s result was disappointing, especially with it being a game we felt we deserved something from.
“However, we have to look to respond. Falkirk are one of the favourites to do well in our division and a positive result would demonstrate that we can compete with them.
“With the absences we currently have, every available player will have to step up, as there is not much room for us to change things around.
“There is a fantastic attitude among our squad and we’re confident we’ll see them rise to the challenge as they need to. Tonight is a good opportunity for us.”
Several changes will have to be made to the team which played at East Fife. Chris Hamilton, Morgyn Neill and Stuart Carswell are all missing tonight due to suspension.
The latter two are out having picked up bookings in each of the first two ties. All three will be available to face Kilmarnock on Saturday.
PJ Crossan, Stefan McCluskey and Chris Smith all remain out with injury, but on a more positive note, Rico Quitongo should be OK after a knock at Methil.
Goalkeeper Chris Calder’s emergency loan has been extended for a further seven days and he will be available for the two ties.
Adam Frizzell in action against Falkirk last season. Copyright Fullarton Photos 2019.
Falkirk’s last five games
Saturday, November 7, 2020 – Partick Thistle 2 Falkirk 2
Saturday, October 31, 2020 – Falkirk 2 East Fife 0
Saturday, October 24, 2020 – Falkirk 1 Forfar Athletic 1
Saturday, October 17, 2020 – Montrose 1 Falkirk 3
Tuesday, October 13, 2020 – Falkirk 2 Clyde 1
The teams’ last 10 meetings
Saturday, January 4, 2020 – Falkirk 3 Dumbarton 0
Saturday, November 16, 2019 – Dumbarton 1 Falkirk 1
Saturday, August 10, 2019 – Falkirk 6 Dumbarton 0
Saturday, April 21, 2018 – Dumbarton 2 Falkirk 5
Saturday, February 24, 2018 – Falkirk 0 Dumbarton 0
Saturday, December 23, 2017 – Dumbarton 0 Falkirk 0
Saturday, August 11, 2017 – Falkirk 1 Dumbarton 1
Saturday, May 6, 2017 – Dumbarton 0 Falkirk 1
Saturday, February 25, 2017 – Falkirk 2 Dumbarton 2
Saturday, December 17, 2016 – Dumbarton 2 Falkirk 1
Falkirk’s last defeat away from home was earlier in the group campaign, when they lost 2-0 at Dunfermline Athletic.
On Saturday their team which drew 2-2 away to Partick Thistle was: PJ Morrison; Mercer, Dixon, Hall, Durnan, Miller, Alston (Telfer 77), Dowds (Todd 60), Francis (Sammon 85), Leitch (Kelly 76), C Morrison. Subs: Trialist; Deveney, Laverty, Sneddon.
Tonight’s game is of course behind closed doors and streaming is as per our previous story.
Streaming costs £12 for all fans and season tickets are not valid for this fixture.
There is an extra reason for Dumbarton to look for a victory tonight. Should Falkirk win, they would have a decent chance of making the last 16 of the competition.
The last 16 ties are played on Saturday, November 28 – when Sons are due to face the Bairns in a league fixture at the C&G Systems Stadium.
Scott Lambie is the referee for tonight’s game and will be assisted by Craig Ferguson and Andrew Bryson.
If tonight’s game ends level after 90 minutes, a penalty shoot-out will take place for a bonus point.
Andy Galloway