Friday 10th January 2020
AFTER a tough couple of weeks, Dumbarton look to get going again when Clyde are the last team to visit the C&G Systems Stadium for four weeks.
Sons’ next three fixtures are all away from home, with the round trips over those three Saturdays totalling roughly 850 miles.
The chance of home comforts is therefore one to look to make the most of, and that is the aim of manager Jim Duffy and his squad.
Having beaten the Bully Wee when the sides last met only seven weeks ago, the gaffer is looking for a repeat.
He said: “We knew that last week was going to be demanding, especially with the way injuries took their toll on us.
“It is a mixed bag in terms of players recovering from those injuries for this week, but we have to face the game whatever the situation.
“Having recovered well from the loss of an early goal to beat Clyde the last time, we have to feel confident ahead of tomorrow’s encounter.
“However, they will have exactly the same ambitions, having done likewise to us on their previous visit. It will come down to who is the better team on the day and I’ll be looking for that to be us.”
The manager added: “We are only too aware of the numbers we have in our squad and everybody should rest assured we are working hard to boost these.”
Sons are boosted by the return to training of Matthew Shiels, while PJ Crossan and Joe McKee are hoped to be available after missing last week’s game against Falkirk.
However, Isaac Layne and Adam Frizzell remain out, and as reported previously, Reghan Tumilty has returned to Morton after the expiry of his loan deal.
Referee Lloyd Wilson will oversee proceedings tomorrow, with assistance from Andy Milne and Robert Thomson.
All supporters should enter the stadium via the east turnstiles – the ones closest to Castle Road – and access to Bar 72 will be available for all pre-match.
Clyde supporters will be taken through to the away end before kick-off.
Copies of the club’s award-winning matchday programme, Sons View, will be available before the game, priced £2.50.
Although conditions have been favourable in Dumbarton this week, we are aware of the overnight weather forecast for the area.
Should anything change in terms of the game’s chances of going ahead, we will inform supporters via our website and social media channels.
Andy Galloway