Friday 23rd October 2020
FOR the first time in nearly eight months, Saturday afternoon is all about competitive football at the end of Castle Road.
Dumbarton are at home to Clyde tomorrow in their first home League One fixture of the season – a quick rematch with the men from Cumbernauld.
A better result is hoped for than that afternoon at Broadwood two weeks ago. Clyde were 3-2 winners in a match where they dominated the first half and saw off most of Sons’ threat after the restart.
Having by and large got things right defensively at Forfar last week in a goalless draw, manager Jim Duffy is now hoping things are in good shape at the other end of the pitch.
He said: “Although we were indebted to keeper Kevin Dabrowski for some fine early saves last week at Station Park, we grew into the game and after the early scares we looked comfortable at the back.
“Now, while we have to maintain that standard there, we hope we can add goals to our game, and give ourselves a better chance of putting wins on the board.
“We know from a fortnight ago just what tough opponents Clyde can be and we expect they will make it difficult for us again tomorrow.
“But last week we managed to avoid some of the bad habits which resulted in us conceding goals that day. If we can keep that up and threaten well in attack, we’ll stand a decent chance.”
Stefan McCluskey’s dislocated shoulder keeps him out of tomorrow’s game and there remains a question mark over PJ Crossan, who missed last week’s draw.
However, Chris Hamilton (thumbnail picture), one of the scorers against Clyde two weeks ago, is available after returning from suspension, although his ban is not complete as he also misses the Betfred Cup tie with Falkirk on Tuesday, November 10.
There is also hope of a new addition to the squad before the game.
The manager added: “Hopefully we can get that deal over the line, but it’s like everything else – we’ll just have to wait and see.”
Action from the cup tie two weeks ago. Copyright Andy Scott Photos 2020.
Once again, Dumbarton are in the regrettable position of not being able to welcome supporters to the C&G Systems Stadium due to ongoing public health restrictions.
The match will be streamed live online, and supporters can find all the information they need here.
Season ticket holders will not be charged further to view the game, while supporters paying on the day, including Clyde fans, will pay £12.
Since beating Dumbarton two weeks ago, Clyde have had mixed results. They lost 2-1 at Falkirk in their second Betfred Cup tie during the following midweek.
However, they started their League One campaign with an eyebrow-raising result, winning 1-0 at home to newly-relegated Partick Thistle.
Their team that day was: Mitchell; Bain, Shiels, McNiff, Cuddihy, Syvertsen (Howie 77), Goodwillie, Love (Johnston 90), Cunningham, Lang, Jack (Lamong 85). Subs: Vajs; Rumsby, Robertson.
Duncan Williams is the referee for tomorrow’s game, assisted by Stuart Stevenson and Ross Haswell.
Andy Galloway