Friday 15th April 2016
DUMBARTON end a busy week this weekend when Premiership play-off contenders Raith Rovers visit the Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium.
It is the first of four important fixtures that will define Sons’ season, with the prize being continuing action in the high-profile Ladbrokes SPFL Championship.
Sons are looking to build on the encouraging midweek 4-2 win over Queen of the South.
Results permitting, a win could put Stevie Aitken’s side in a prime position to secure Championship League football for another year – but if that does not happen straight away there are three more crucial matches, two on the road.
“We played very well midweek against Queen of the South and deserved our win. We will need to again be at our best against Raith who are now in the promotion play-off zone,” commented gaffer Stevie Aitken.
Nick Walsh is the man in charge of the televised clash against Raith, and he will be assisted by Ross Haswell and Thomas Clark. Fourth Official is Gavin Ross.
In the last meeting between the two clubs, Sons grabbed a valuable point at Starks Park in January in a 0-0 draw.
The Dumbarton team on the day was: Ewings; Docherty, Saunders, Buchanan, Cawley (Taggart 72), Gallagher, Fleming (McCallum 90), Routledge, Lindsay, Wright, Walsh (Kirkpatrick 83). Subs: Brown; Waters, Hopkins.
Christian Nade (pictured), who is in a rich seam of form (6 goals in 11 appearances), is expected to be fit to face one of his old clubs tomorrow.
There are no further injury reports following last night’s training session, so boss Aitken has a full compliment of players to choose from.
Alan Findlay & Simon Barrow