Friday 12th August 2022
DUMBARTON face their third test of the league season tomorrow when Premier Sports Cup shock troops Annan Athletic visit Dumbarton Football Stadium.
With a 100 per cent start made to the campaign in its first two games, Sons are keen to make it three out of three tomorrow.
But with Annan having enjoyed great success in the early season cup ties, and fancied by some onlookers to do well this season, they know they are in for a tough test.
Manager Stevie Farrell hopes, though, that the high spirits within his squad will enable the winning run to continue.
He said: “We know that the league season remains in its very early stages, but we are pleased with the start we have made.
“Nobody is getting carried away, but we are in a good position and the players are in a good place as a result.
“However, we know Annan will be in good spirits after their win over Stenhousemuir last Saturday and will want to make it two wins in a row.
“If we go out and work hard as we have been doing, we should make a good contest of it and hopefully keep the feelgood factor going.”
At least three players will not feature tomorrow. Ryan Wallace misses out due to personal commitments while Ross MacLean and Edin Lynch are not yet ready to return from injuries.
However, Ally Love (pictured) is hopeful that he will be able to play, while Kalvin Orsi and Finlay Gray have recovered from knocks sustained last Saturday and will be in the squad.
As reported earlier this week, Martin McNiff will play his 100th game for Dumbarton, and Callum Wilson his 50th, if they are selected to play tomorrow, either from the start or as a playing substitute.
Admission for home and away supporters who are paying on the day is via cash at the turnstile. Prices are £15 for adults, £10 for over-65s or students (proof of concession required) and £5 for under-16s.
Season ticket holders and Young Sons members of course only need to produce their ticket at the turnstile to gain entry.
Parking at the stadium costs £3, but includes the chance to win some money in our 50/50 half time draw. There are ample parking spaces available.
Our half time draw can also be entered electronically if you are unable to attend the game. We will post details when it has gone live.
Away supporters will be situated in their usual area of the west side of the stand – the one furthest away from Castle Road.
However, they will be able to enter through the east turnstiles and gain access to Bar 72 for a pre-match drink, along with Sons supporters. The bar is open from 1.30pm.
Annan started their season with an excellent Premier Sports Cup campaign, becoming the first fourth tier side to qualify for the knockout stage in the competition’s current format.
They defeated Queen of the South and Elgin City in 90 minutes, and beat St Johnstone and Ayr United on penalties after draws over 90 minutes.
League business so far has seen them lose 1-0 at Stranraer on the opening day, but beat Stenhousemuir 2-1 at Galabank last week.
This is our first meeting with Annan since July 2019, when a Ryan Tierney goal for Dumbarton was the only one of a League Cup tie at Galabank.
They last visited Dumbarton two years prior, when a goalless draw in the same competition was followed by victory for the visitors in a penalty shootout.
It is our first league meeting since that wonderful day at Galabank in May 2009, when a 3-1 win for Dumbarton was followed by lifting the old Third Division trophy.
However, Annan’s last visit to Dumbarton in the league saw them win 2-0 two months before that. Our other home fixture against them that season, in October 2008, ended in a 4-1 victory.
Barry Cook will referee tomorrow’s game, with assistance from Ross Nelson and Alastair Taylor.
Dumbarton Football Club