Friday 6th January 2017
SONS head to Cappielow this weekend to be Morton’s first-foots of 2017 in the latest instalment of the Ladbrokes Championship campaign.
Manager Stevie Aitken knows that this game, like all in the Championship, will be tough, as Dumbarton seek to extend their remarkable unbeaten run.
He said: “Morton are going well under Jim (Duffy). They sit third in the division and are there on merit. But we are in a good spell ourselves and don’t have any fears of who we play and it’s always a game I look forward to. Cappielow has fond memories for me and it’s a great place to play.”
Sons and the ‘Ton have shared many players over the years (including current boss Stevie Aitken).
However one player served up many memories for Dumbarton supporters of a certain age. In 157 appearances, Paddy Flannery notched 77 goals, including the first ever at the newly opened Strathclyde Homes Stadium on 2nd December 2000.
John Beaton will referee the game against third placed Greenock Morton. This will be Mr Beaton’s first game of the current season in 22 outings that involves the Sons. He was a familiar face last term, taking charge of 3 matches. Assistants will be Graeme Stewart and Willie Ferguson.
In team news, Andy Stirling has completed his suspension period relating to his Christmas Eve dismissal and is available to play.
However, on-loan (Aberdeen) full-back Daniel Harvie is suspended and will sit this match out.
International clearance will be required for Stuart Carswell to play but Lewis Vaughan is added to the squad. Still missing due to injury will be Grant Gallagher and Jamie Ewings.
Alan Findlay & Simon Barrow