Deryn Lang is already looking forward to Dumbarton’s KDM Evolution Trophy clash with Clydebank as we prepare for a decisive cup clash at Holm Park on October 13.
Our 3-2 victory over Banks o’Dee made it three wins in a row and leaves us needing one final victory in our final league phase game against the Bankies to secure qualification for the latter stages.
Lang, who has scored in each of his last three appearances, is relishing the prospect of a derby encounter between the sides for the first time in over a quarter of a century.
“Obviously, I heard about the wee Clydebank derby with the U20s,” Lang said.
“So, I’m looking forward to actually playing in it because it’s been a long time since the teams last met. I’ve got a few people that I know that play with Clydebank as well, so we’ve exchanged some messages as well.
“So, I’m looking forward to it. It’s a rivalry, but hopefully, we will get the win when we go away.”
The forward believes the three consecutive victories have given the squad valuable momentum heading into the derby next month.
“We’ve just got to keep building momentum and build the confidence,” he said.
“Obviously, three goals in three games for myself, so quite happy with it.”
Lang was forced off against Banks o’Dee with what he hopes is only a minor hamstring issue, having felt he was beginning to find his rhythm.
“That’s just my luck,” he added.
“Hopefully, this is just a wee one, a wee strain, but we’ll just need to take it as it comes and see how my rest goes for the next few days.”
Lang has also been encouraged by the developing understanding between himself, Leighton McIntosh, Robbie Cleary and Scott Honeyman.
“That was one thing we were missing at the start,” he said.
“Obviously, it’s taken time to rebuild a team with a lot of new boys, so creating that connection with each other and obviously playing regularly is key, that’s how many games in a row now we’ve played together and you can see it starting to click.
“Obviously there are some things to improve on. Well, quite a few things to improve on, but I’m sure we’ll get there.”
Lang also backed strike-partner Leighton McIntosh to bounce back from his recent penalty misses after Scott Honeyman successfully converted from the spot against Banks o’Dee.
“Obviously, you just need to be around your teammates, trying to be positive because I know sometimes, you’re just as a striker, you go through a rut and you don’t get a few goals, but it’s good to get a wee goal on Saturday,” he said.
“We were having a chat before the game and I was like, listen, you’ll get a goal today, get you kicking on.
“Hopefully, if I’m not there next week, one of the other boys will jump in and act as if they’ve been playing, so not be out of place.
“So, we’re just looking to build that confidence and it’s a confidence game, that’s football, isn’t it.”
The Sons have another home fixture to look forward to against Forfar this weekend, with Lang highlighting the confidence the team gets from playing at The Rock – sponsored by Marbill Coaches.
“We enjoy both playing home and away,” he said.
“Obviously, we know we’ve not won away for home in a wee while, so when we get that away win, that’ll be good as well. Hopefully, that away form turns.
“But obviously, playing at home, that’s our strong point. We don’t want to lose at home and obviously that’s the last three games we’ve won here. So, hopefully we’ll get that onto the fourth this weekend.”