Friday 17th January 2020
DUMBARTON face arguably the toughest challenge of the season so far tomorrow – but it is one they hope will be a famous day.
Perennial Premiership competitors Aberdeen are opponents at Pittodrie Stadium, scene of the teams’ William Hill Scottish Cup quarter final in 2014 which the Dons won 1-0.
Six years later, and two rounds earlier in the competition, they are set to battle again, with Aberdeen having returned from a training camp in Dubai.
But the romance of the cup is regularly in evidence in Scottish football – and who knows, it might be Sons’ turn to be shock troops tomorrow.
Manager Jim Duffy said: “We’re looking forward to it, but fully wary of the challenge that awaits us.
“We know that Aberdeen are, in many people’s eyes, massive favourites to win tomorrow. They are two divisions above us, have competed in Europe for the last few seasons and are expected to challenge to win the William Hill Scottish Cup.
“But we must make the trip with the intention of competing with them as best we can. The longer we can do that, the more we will give ourselves a chance.
“I’ve seen plenty of surprise results in this competition over the years and while there is no doubting how tough the task is, who knows? We must not give Aberdeen a chance if we are to have an opportunity.”
Striker Isaac Layne, who continues to recover from injury, is the only absentee for Sons tomorrow, with all other players expected to be available including new signing Callum Wilson.
Gavin Duncan is the referee, assisted by Michael Banks and Joseph Lawson.
A reminder that if you haven’t been able to pick up a ticket in advance of making the trip to Pittodrie, you can still gain admission by paying at a cash gate.
The two Sons Supporters Trust travel section buses will leave Church Street at 10am. Details are as per our previous story.
Andy Galloway