Friday 4th March 2016
THE business end of the season starts at the Tony Macaroni Arena this weekend when Sons travel to West Lothian to play Livingston.
Dumbarton go into a vital pair of games against Livi and then Alloa Athletic high on confidence following the 3-2 win against title-chasing Hibs in the Championship.
That powerful result has fuelled belief within the squad that a finish in the top half of the division is still possible and the players are determined to maintain that winning feeling against Livingston.
Sons have won three from the last five competitive matches against Livingston and have not lost to the Lions since January 2015.
Stevie Aitken’s men fought out a brave 1-1 draw at that same stadium earlier this season, on 19 December, when Stephen Saunders turned to scramble home the equaliser towards the end of a second half where Sons dominated.
Of course, when discussing current form, we must mention striker Christian Nade who has given the Sons frontline a boost of real quality.
Manager Stevie Aitken is most certainly aware how big the next couple of games are for Sons.
He said: “Not being able to play on Tuesday against Alloa was disappointing. Momentum is everything, but we have to deal with the cancellation and concentrate on tomorrow. It’s a crucial period in the season and we are all aware that three points gained against Livingston will be welcome.”
In teams news, Christian Nade was substituted during the second half of last Saturday’s match with Hibs after taking a tough shift upon return from injury. He will be in tomorrow’s squad.
Grant Gallagher missed that game through injury and it remains unclear when he will return. Jon Routledge is available again following serving a one-game suspension and new signing Sebastian Osei-Obengo waits on international clearance. Kler Heh is out, having pulled a hamstring in last Monday’s 20s match against Morton.
Alan Findlay & Simon Barrow