Friday 20th September 2019
DUMBARTON travel across Scotland to play East Fife tomorrow at New Bayview Stadium, with a response to last week’s defeat against Airdrieonians very much the aim.
The reverse against the Diamonds ended the recent three-match winning run, but manager Jim Duffy is keen to start another such sequence.
The Fifers currently top League One after an unbeaten start, and also qualified for the knockout stages of the Betfred Cup where they were beaten by Rangers.
But having taken all 12 points against the Methil club last season, Sons can afford to be confident, despite changes taking place in both squads since.
The boss said: “Last week’s defeat was a tough one to take, after being on top of the game for so long. An inspired Airdrie goalkeeper was the difference between us and at least a point.
“However, that match is in the past now and we aim to get back to winning ways at Methil, a trip which yielded maximum points for us last season.
“We know how well East Fife have started and if we want to take anything from the game, we will need to be on top of our game.
“We have, though, seen of late how well the team can perform and we will look to translate that into a result tomorrow.”
Some good news has already come the manager’s way, as Joe McKee is available again after missing last week’s game with a hamstring injury.
There are doubts over Jordan McMillan’s fitness after a calf strain, but he will be given every chance and otherwise a full squad is available.
Lloyd Wilson is the referee for tomorrow’s game, assisted by Gary Hilland and Scott Robert Anderson.
Sons fans will be accommodated in the usual away end of New Bayview tomorrow, with admission costing £15 for adults, £12 for concessions (over 60s and students) and £5 for under-16s with under-fives going free. There are also parent and child packages available from reception.
Car parking is free and the supporters’ bar, welcoming away fans, will be open from 12.30pm.
The Sonstrust Travel Section bus is running and will leave Dumbarton Town Centre at midday. Contact Tommy Hughes at memsecy@sonstrust.net to book any seats that are still available.
Andy Galloway