Saturday 13th August 2022
THEY may not have been in Dumbarton Football Stadium long enough to see daddy put the icing on the cake.
But three of Gregor Buchanan’s biggest fans were with him as he went out to be part of a fantastic victory for Dumbarton over Annan Athletic.
The centre half led Sons out for the game with his son Baker, daughter Juliet and newborn son Buddy, before scoring the fourth in Sons’ 4-0 victory.
It came from an assist by Dumbarton’s trialist striker – an opponent Gregor has faced many times over the years.
And the goal was a moment to round off a very special day for one delighted dad.
Speaking to dumbartonfootballclub.com, Gregor said: “It is a great win and a clean sheet – don’t ever forget that. I’m really pleased with that and it’s been a good day all round.
“There were a few tears on the way out before the game but that was to be expected. That was a first game of football for all three of my kids together – my youngest is only eight weeks old.
“Covid played a big part in them not coming to games before, but we were all together today.
“Goals are something I try to get most weeks, but I am usually well marked. [The trialist] did really well to get the ball from Gregg Wylde back across goal and I just anticipated it.
“To be fair, I have played against him for a number of years, so I just gambled and thought he would get on the end of the cross.
“It was a solid performance by us today and we worked really hard. When Annan had a spell in the game, the way we defended our box was excellent.
“Our goalkeeper had a couple of good saves, but we know his quality, and when we went forward we really looked a threat.
“We were always confident in the team, but we had to give Annan massive respect after how they performed in the Premier Sports Cup in a really difficult group.
“They were also only one game away from getting promoted last season, but we were confident in our own ability.”
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Gregor Buchanan walks out with his young family before the game, with Declan Byrne giving him a hand. Photo by Andy Scott 2022.
It is now on to face Stenhousemuir, where Gregor will play his 125th game for Dumbarton if selected to play.
Having already won on one away day this season, against Albion Rovers, it is a trip he feels Sons will make with confidence.
He added: “As long as the boys in the dressing room keep believing, we feel that the run we are on can continue.
“We are a confident group. We know we have had some difficult days – last week at Coatbridge was much different to today but we got the result.
“There is a winning spirit in there and we need to keep going as long as possible, keeping the group together and getting more wins on the board.
“We will give Stenhousemuir the utmost respect – they have a good side and they will expect to be up there.
“But we will do our homework on Tuesday and Thursday, and we will definitely be ready to play them.”
And with that, it is off home to look to get a good night’s sleep, although he admits the chances are “slim”.
Dumbarton Football Club