Friday 26th September 2014
DUMBARTON are back at home this weekend, facing a visit from Alloa Athletic in the first of a double header against their fellow part-time sides.
For Sons it will be a case of trying to extend their recent three-match unbeaten run, as well as staying unbeaten against the Wasps since August 2009.
But it will not be easy against the team from Clackmannanshire, who have recorded some fine results of late.
A 2-1 victory at home to Hibernian was followed by last Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Rangers, when Alloa were just six minutes from victory.
It is certain to be a closely-fought game, with both Sons and the Wasps recognising the importance of the three points.
Manager Ian Murray has had concerns over a number of players. Definitely out is midfielder Hugh Murray while there are doubts over others and fitness checks before the game.
Sons have not lost in 12 games against Alloa, since the opening day of the 2009/10 season. Last season’s two home matches against the Wasps ended in a 1-1 draw in December and a 4-1 win in April.
All three trips to Alloa saw Sons triumph, firstly by 2-1 in September, then 5-1 in January. Those were league matches, while a Scottish Cup fifth round tie was also won 1-0.
Referee Steven McLean, who oversaw the Dundee derby last Sunday, is in charge of Sons versus Alloa. He only handled Dumbarton once last season, when they were beaten 3-1 at Queen of the South.
However, he was also the referee on the famous day at East Fife in August 2011 when Sons were 6-0 winners. As well as being in charge of the derby match last weekend, Mr McLean also took charge of St Johnstone’s 1-0 League Cup victory at Kilmarnock on Tuesday. He is assisted tomorrow by Sean Carr and Scott Lambie.
Andrew Galloway & Simon Barrow