Friday 7th February 2020
THIRTY-NINE days into the calendar year, Dumbarton finally have their first home fixture of 2020 against Airdrieonians tomorrow.
With the Clyde match last month having been postponed, Sons are on home turf for the first time in six weeks.
And a first victory of the year is sought, against a side who have beaten Dumbarton in each of the sides’ previous two meetings.
Despite a fine fightback from 2-0 down, Sons could have no complaints at losing 4-2 to East Fife last week and it is something they are determined to put right.
Manager Jim Duffy said: “Last week was very disappointing with the manner of the goals we lost which cost us any chance of a result.
“Even allowing for the fact that we had a new-look side, it was a match where we could and should have done better. But it is in the past now.
“We have worked hard on the training pitch this week and it will be good to get back to our own arena tomorrow.
“There are all sorts of reasons why we need the points tomorrow and although we know it will not be easy, we must trust in our ability and look to turn things around.
“I trust the players to do that and we are definitely capable of a result tomorrow.”
Striker Isaac Layne remains out for Sons, but is edging closer to fitness. Other than that, a full squad is available.
Referee Lloyd Wilson is in charge of tomorrow’s game, with assistance coming from Andy Milne and David Ingram.
Turnstiles will be open at both ends of the stadium and Airdrieonians fans should use the ones at the west end of the stand – the ones further away from Castle Road.
Sons fans will have access to Bar 72 prior to kick-off. It is in fact a busy day all round, as our sponsors the Lennox Brewery will launch their Sons Pale Ale in The Captain James Lang in Dumbarton High Street earlier in the day. See our previous story for more details.
Copies of the club’s award-winning matchday programme, Sons View, will be available from outlets around the ground, priced £2.50.
Don’t forget that a calendar signing session, slightly belatedly due to the postponement of the Clyde match last month, will take place in Bar 72 after the game.
Andy Galloway