Friday 19th March 2021
IT will be 91 days tomorrow – but then the waiting will be over.
Dumbarton are back into competitive action with a vital home game against Forfar Athletic at the start of what will be a demanding schedule for the next month.
With 10 games ahead during that period – potentially 11 if Huntly are beaten at the C&G Systems Stadium on Tuesday – it’s going to be all hands on deck for Sons.
All that is in their thoughts tomorrow, though, is the game against the Loons, with whom they have already drawn 0-0 on the opening day of the league season at Station Park in October.
Manager Jim Duffy said: “Forfar were tough opponents for us to break down in that meeting and we expect it will be the same tomorrow.
“However, ahead of the contest our overriding feeling is relief that we are able to play football again.
“While understanding of the reasons for it, the players have been frustrated by the recent three-month pause on the season.
“Now it is at an end and they have worked hard in training. We look forward to tomorrow but know how hard we will have to work to take anything from the game.
“It will also be a demanding and challenging period for us with all the fixtures we have coming up. We will have to work hard to keep the players in shape as well as picking up results, but it’s a test we are up for.”
Goalkeeper Joshua Bradley-Hurst needs surgery on his injury and won’t feature tomorrow, with newly-signed goalie Sam Ramsbottom set for a place in the squad.
Daniel Church is also doubtful, having picked up an injury during the break, but will be given every opportunity to make the squad.
The team behind our streaming service are also itching to make their comeback tomorrow and their services will of course be available with the game remaining behind closed doors.
Details are all in our previous story and a list of troubleshooting solutions, should they be needed, is here.
We’ll have in-play Twitter commentary available, and report and reaction will be available here on our website as soon as possible after the final whistle.
Kevin Graham is the referee for tomorrow’s game, assisted by Gordon Crawford and Michael MacDermid.
Andy Galloway