DUMBARTON READY FOR NEXT CHALLENGE

Friday 20^th January 2017

DUMBARTON face their next test of the 2016/17 Championship campaign with a home game against Queen of the South tomorrow.

It’s been another busy week for manager Stevie Aitken with more squad changes ahead of what is a vital game against the Doonhamers. He said: “Donald (McCallum) is off to Arbroath on-loan till the end of the season and we now have Calum Gallagher’s registration through, so he comes into the squad for the Queens game. After last week’s excellent performance against Hibs, we will be looking to build on that but as ever we know that the match won’t be easy.”

In terms of team news, Grant Gallagher remains sidelined but his namesake Calum (pictured) is available for selection and Sam Stanton returns to the squad. Jamie Ewings is struggling with his ongoing back problem and a doubt for tomorrow is Garry Fleming.

Tomorrow’s game is a re-arranged fixture with both clubs out of the Scottish Cup and it is vital who claims the points. Queens are one place above the Sons and a win for Stevie Aitken’s team will mean a one point gap between the teams with Dumbarton looking up the division instead of down.

Steven Kirkland will be the match referee tomorrow. Mr Kirkland was in charge of our match against Dunfermline Ath last October (2-2 draw). He will be assisted by Gavin Harris and Chris Mctiernan.

Returning to the Cheaper Insurance Stadium tomorrow will be a couple of recognisable faces to Sons fans, but both wearing Queens colours. After 19 appearances for Dumbarton pre-January transfer window (with 2 goals), on-loan Celtic midfielder Joe Thomson will be looking to put one over on his old teammates. Striker Stephen Dobbie played for Sons in the 2006/07 season and in just 17 appearances grabbed 10 goals and is remembered fondly by Dumbarton supporters.

Alan Findlay