Tuesday 5th January 2016
WHILE acknowledging the damage from a heavy defeat to Rangers this past weekend, Dumbarton boss Stevie Aitken is in a determined mood ahead of the upcoming Scottish Cup tie against Queen of the South.
“It’s sore, but we have to understand we’ve been up against a team that’s probably going to go on and win the Championship – a top, top side,” the gaffer reflected after Sons’ 6-0 drubbing on Saturday.
“They took four goals off Hibs at home, and it could have been more. I feel for my players, because they gave everything and they’re shattered physically. It’s difficult for part-time players.
“Rangers were at it from the word go. Maybe there was a question about the first goal being a hand ball, but the longer the game went on the more tiredness started coming in. Their pace, passing and movement in the second half would have been difficult for any side in the Championship to deal with.
“Is it acceptable to lose by six goals? Of course not, but when a side of that talent plays to their potential, there is always a danger that can happen.
“We’re disappointed, but we’re not going to be downbeat. Were in a tough league playing against top, full-time sides. That’s the continuing challenge, and it’s one we look forward to.
“So we dust ourselves down and move forward. After losing four at Ibrox, we did just that, going on our great December run. That is again the aim,” Aitken concluded.
Now all the staff and squad are focused on the cup and league double header against Queen of the South, starting at the Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium this Saturday, 9th January.
Simon Barrow