Saturday 23rd December 2017
IT’S all continuing to come together for Andy Dowie.
Five clean sheets in eight games. Only three of the last 12 outings ending in defeat.
When you’re part of the defence, those are a huge positive. When you’re team captain, they’re even better.
And after the fifth of those clean sheets, in Saturday’s goalless draw with Falkirk, Andy was delighted to add to the tally.
But he remains aware of the challenges which lie ahead – some of them without the services of Chris McLaughlin, who went off with an ankle injury against the Bairns.
Speaking to www.dumbartonfootballclub.com, Andy said: “We came into the game knowing that a point would suit us better than Falkirk and on the balance of play, a draw was about right.
“Falkirk dominated the first half while we were on top of the second, but the wind made it difficult for the two sides. I can’t imagine it was a good game to watch.
“It’s an excellent stat to have kept five clean sheets in eight games and it pleases me. It pleases the defenders more, but it’s the team that takes part.
“Chris has been ever present this season and has done really well, so we’re hopeful that his injury isn’t too bad. However, David Smith did well at left back when he came on.
“I don’t think the injury changed our approach. The desire is always there among us and although we weren’t under any major pressure, we got the result.
“We’re almost halfway through the season and I think we’d have taken our current points total at the start. But we know in the next half of the season, we’ll need at least the same number of points.
“We reckon Falkirk’s fortunes will improve, and against them and other teams around us, we will have to pick up a good few points.”
Andy doesn’t have to wait long for the next challenge, with Livingston visitors to the YOUR Radio 103FM Stadium on Boxing Day.
And despite being a family man, he had no problems with the game being arranged only last week.
He also had Season’s Greetings to extend to the Sons support.
He added: “The manager spoke to the players about the Boxing Day game to get their thoughts on playing it that day. We were all for it and we’re looking forward to it.
“It’s difficult as a part-time team to play on a Tuesday night.
“Livingston lost heavily today, but I don’t think that will have any bearing on Boxing Day. It’ll be a difficult game and they’ve surprised everybody with where they are in the league.
“We’d like to wish all our fans a Merry Christmas and thank them for their support.
“I’m not sure how they feel about the Livingston game being on Boxing Day, but hopefully we’ll see them there backing us, and we can put on a good performance.
“There’s a lot to look forward to in 2018 – including a cup semi-final. We’re also still in the Scottish Cup, the manager may bring in one or two players, and hopefully we can kick on.”
Andy Galloway