Friday 22nd November 2019
DUMBARTON’S Road to Hampden in the William Hill Scottish Cup begins tomorrow with a visit from fellow League One outfit Forfar Athletic.
The competition wasn’t kind to Sons last season, with defeat at the first hurdle away to Airdrieonians, also at the third round stage.
They are hoping for better tomorrow and form against the Loons is on their side, having picked up a 3-1 win at home to them last month.
But manager Jim Duffy is, as ever, aware of the tough task ahead as Dumbarton prepare for a third consecutive home fixture.
He said: “We felt very hard done by not to beat Falkirk last week and this is our first opportunity to put that right.
“Although no league points are at stake, it is a chance for us to get ourselves in the hat for round four, where the leading clubs in Scotland enter the competition.
“But Forfar will have exactly the same ambition and will also be out to avenge the defeat they sustained away to us last month.
“It is going to be another interesting afternoon and hopefully we will be looking forward to the draw for the next round come close of play.”
Checks will take place on the fitness of Rico Quitongo, who came off injured against Falkirk last week.
However, Joe McKee’s substitution against the Bairns was down to illness and he is expected to make it.
If tomorrow’s match ends in a draw, the replay will take place on Tuesday, December 3 at Station Park with a 7.45pm kick-off.
Sons are also back there 11 days after that for the sides’ second league meeting of the season.
Chris Fordyce is the referee for tomorrow’s game, with assistance from Graeme Leslie and Frazer Bushell.
All fans should enter the stadium via the east turnstiles – the ones closest to Castle Road – and will have access to Bar 72 before the game. Forfar fans will be taken through to the away end before kick-off.
Admission to the game costs £15 for adults and £8 for concessions. As is always the case with cup ties, Sons season tickets are not valid.
Copies of the club’s award-winning matchday programme, Sons View, will once again be on sale, priced £2.50.
The club shop will also be open in Bar 72 – and with only one further home game to come before Christmas, this may be an opportunity to stock up on presents.
Andy Galloway