Saturday 5th May 2018
FOR a player who has served Alloa Athletic for three different spells, Dougie Hill is now in quite a position.
The Dumbarton defender was in the Brechin City squad who, last season, condemned the Wasps to another season in League One.
It happens, of course. But keeping your former employers down twice in a row?
Dougie is now placed to do exactly that this week when Sons face Alloa in the Championship play-off final.
Wednesday at the Indodrill Stadium, and Sunday at the C&G Systems Stadium, will decide who takes their place in next season’s second tier.
Dumbarton’s place was secured by a 1-1 draw with Arbroath, where Dougie headed the opening goal, giving them a 3-2 aggregate victory.
Now allegiances to his former club go out the window again for the defender, who is aiming for back to back promotions.
Speaking to www.dumbartonfootballclub.com, Dougie said: “It takes bottle and composure, and you can’t let your emotions get the better of you. You just have to turn up and play — it’s a game like any other.
“I didn’t play much of last year’s play-off final, but it’s not all about me. The boys at Brechin did their job over the two legs and I’m confident Dumbarton can as well.
“Myself and Alan Trouten had each been out injured in the build-up to the play-off final and only came back in on the day. We helped to steady the ship. Even though I only played the second half, it was a day I really enjoyed.
“Brechin have obviously struggled this season after losing some experienced players. It’s been a tough time for them.
“As for us, it’s irrelevant who we play. Alloa were good to me and I’ve had three different spells with them, which I’ve enjoyed. But I’m going there on Wednesday, and then playing against them at home on Sunday, to do a job for Dumbarton.
“If the shoe was on the other foot, they’d be doing exactly the same.
“It must be a record how many games we’ve played this season! The boys are leggy after all those games — we’ve all got jobs during the week and some have got young families as well.
“So to play two games a week, for seven or eight weeks, has been demanding for us. We’ve also had injuries to deal with. We’ve had central midfielders and wingers playing at full back, and we’ve had myself, Andy Dowie and Craig Barr playing through injuries.
“We’ve stumbled over the line and the gaffer did the right thing resting players in the final scheduled league games.”
Sons were pushed all the way by a battling Arbroath side, and Dougie admitted he and his team-mates were glad finally to pass the test.
He added: “It was a tough, tough game, and fair play to Arbroath for coming here and going for it.
“We could have had the game wrapped up early doors with three or four good chances. After that we were under pressure, but I always felt comfortable and we got the job done.
“Nobody will look at how we played in a few weeks’ time. We’re just glad to get the result.”
Dougie Hill heads home the goal which gave Sons a 3-2 aggregate win.
Andy Galloway