Monday 17th May 2021
DUMBARTON face the final two-legged obstacle to securing a place in League One this week, starting with tonight’s playoff final first leg away to Edinburgh City.
Having successfully overcome Stranraer in the semi-final, Sons now have the League Two runners-up standing between them and a fourth season in League One next year.
The match also carries a bit of history as the club’s first meeting with City since they entered the SPFL in 2016.
However, there is more than history at stake for Dumbarton, with manager Jim Duffy (pictured) looking for one last positive push over the 180 minutes this week.
He said: “We want to head into Thursday’s second leg with a positive result from tonight’s game to back us up.
“The players, as ever, worked hard in training on Saturday and we are all anxious to take the last step to secure our place in League One.
“But we are only too aware of the opportunity Edinburgh City have as well. They have successfully navigated a semi-final themselves and will be just as keen as us to overcome the final hurdle.
“It will not be easy, but our usual workrate will stand us in good stead and if we can continue scoring goals, we will be well-positioned ahead of Thursday.”
However, the gaffer has not had it all his own way on the injury front. Jaime Wilson has not shaken off the hamstring injury he sustained against Stranraer on Tuesday and is likely to miss out.
Ryan McGeever and Isaac Layne did take part in training on Saturday but the game may come too soon. PJ Crossan, Sam Wardrop, Daniel Church and Joshua Bradley-Hurst are all out injured as well.
Although some restrictions are eased in Scotland from today, tonight’s game is behind closed doors. Despite their best efforts, City were unable to fulfil the criteria to safely allow supporters to return to Ainslie Park.
The match is live on BBC Alba on Freeview channel 7 (Scotland only). However, if you wish to live stream the action through City’s online portal instead, you can do so at www.ecfctv.com
Colin Steven is the referee for tonight’s game and will be assisted by Ross MacLeod and Alastair Mather. Duncan Williams is the fourth official.
Tonight’s game, as well as Thursday’s second leg, has a 7.35pm kick-off.
Andy Galloway