Wednesday 15th August 2018
DUMBARTON will need to score many goals this season to hit their big target.
Iain Russell aims to help them do it. But he only needs to score another twice to reach his goal.
Once he has put the ball in the net a couple more times – and there are not many strikers in Scotland more familiar with that feeling – he will have 200 career goals.
Of the current 198, 37 have been for Sons – the most recent coming in last night’s 2-1 win over Morton.
Unless you were one of the hardy souls who travelled to Peterhead in midweek in January, you have not seen Iain score for Dumbarton in person since March 2006.
Last night’s result was one Sons needed to bounce back from Saturday’s defeat to Forfar Athletic.
And for Iain, it was one product of a pre-season of hard work, which has got him prepared for the season ahead.
Speaking to www.dumbartonfootballclub.com, Iain said: “I’m delighted firstly with the result, and to win the game after how Saturday went.
“The result on Saturday wasn’t great but the really disappointing thing was the performance. We looked quite flat, so it was important we started well tonight, and we certainly did that.
“It was really enjoyable to play in. We started sharply and with high intensity, and I was glad to make my first start of the season.
“It’s been brilliant in pre-season. It was exactly what I needed.
“When I joined in the middle of last season I hadn’t done pre-season and it was very difficult. I was up against it most games, against very good full-time sides.
“I feel a lot better after doing pre-season and a bit sharper. I got a couple of goals in the friendlies as well and that always helps.
“It gives you confidence and it’s great having Michael Paton and Bobby Barr on the wings as they’ll create chances.
“I’d love to get to 200 goals but I’m not thinking too hard about it. I was thinking about it after I came back last year but I didn’t score in the league.”
Now, for Dumbarton, comes league matchday three on Saturday, at home to Arbroath.
Iain hopes for the chance of more goals, but firstly it is all about making things up to the supporters and getting more points posted.
He added: “I’m not even thinking about forcing my way into the plans for Saturday. I’ve had a chance tonight and hopefully I’ll have done enough. The boys are doing well but I worked hard to get a contract in pre-season.
“Hopefully I’ll get another opportunity on Saturday, but if not I’ll be patient and bide my time.
“Saturday’s game is a lot bigger than the Morton game. We’re looking forward to it. We know there’s a lot of pressure on us after being at home on Saturday.
“We need to put in a performance for the fans because Saturday wasn’t good enough.
“Arbroath have made themselves early favourites after winning the first two. We know how tough it will be but it is important we start well.”
Andy Galloway