Friday 28th October 2022
DUMBARTON are away from home for the fifth time in six matchdays tomorrow, returning to the scene of a glorious afternoon in 2009 to play Annan Athletic.
It is our first visit to Galabank on league business since the May of that year when we were presented with the former Third Division trophy.
However, if this season is to have a similarly joyous ending, Sons are only too aware of the need to resume putting results on the board.
After an enjoyable win at Cumnock last Friday evening, manager Stevie Farrell is looking for his squad to kick on.
He said: “Last week was certainly a pleasing evening, but it is done and dusted now and we have worked hard this week towards getting back into league action. It is important we get back to winning ways in that arena too.
“I was at Newlandsfield on Monday to see Annan play Pollok and while they were beaten, there was certainly plenty to show that they will give us a tough game.
“But hopefully victory last weekend, and two goals from open play as part of the result, can drive us forward from here.
“The Scottish Cup campaign is now on the back burner for the next few weeks and we must concentrate on getting results on the board in the league once again.”
However, player availability has taken another blow with the news that striker Declan Byrne is out for eight weeks, requiring surgery.
Stevie added: “We have been trying to manage Declan in recent weeks, but he had a scan this week and requires to undergo the operation.
“It goes without saying that we wish him well and a speedy recovery.”
Availability issues do not end there, with Ryan Wallace suspended for one game, and John Gemmell out long-term with injury.
Edin Lynch and Ally Love will also not feature tomorrow, but it is hoped that Lynch could return to the squad next week, and Love is expected back in two weeks.
In more positive team news, Michael Garrity (pictured) returns to the squad after missing the Cumnock match under the terms of his loan from Morton.
Tickets can be bought in advance of visiting Galabank by clicking here – away fan sections are the last two listed.
You can also pay at the turnstile tomorrow. Admission prices using either method are £14 for adults, £10 for concessions and £5 for children aged 12-16.
Children under 12 are free but will not be admitted without a paying adult.
The supporters’ bus will leave Church Street in Dumbarton at 11am – see our previous story for details.
Annan start tomorrow’s game ninth in cinch League Two. However, Stirling Albion are the only away team to win at Galabank in the league to date.
Like Dumbarton, Annan go into tomorrow’s game off the back of a 1-1 draw in their last league outing, theirs having been at home to Stranraer two weeks ago.
Tommy Goss is Annan’s top scorer to date, with eight goals in the league and 12 in all competitions. Robert McCartney scored twice at Pollok on Monday.
If you cannot make the trip to Galabank, then keep up to date on the game with live commentary on our Twitter feed @dumbartonfc.
Lloyd Wilson will referee tomorrow’s game, and the assistants are Scott Anderson and Mark Harris.
Dumbarton Football Club