Saturday 9th January 2016
GARRY FLEMING is one of only three players left at Dumbarton from the club’s last Scottish Cup quarter final.
He’s potentially 90 minutes away from firing them to another.
And he’s just helped Sons do something they hadn’t done for 24 years – when the striker was aged four.
His double ensured a 2-1 victory in the fourth round at home to Queen of the South – the first time Dumbarton have beaten the Dumfries side at home since February 1992.
He also became the first Sons player to score at home to the Doonhamers – who are back in town for a league match next Saturday – in over 20 years.
In more recent terms, the victory helped Garry and his mates bounce back from defeats to Falkirk and Rangers.
It’s facts like those that make the striker emerge from the dressing room and say: “I’m very delighted.
“The last two games have been tough and the boys were a bit low after last week, but at the same time, we have belief in the changing room.
“Obviously you want to try and get as far as possible in the cup. Playing in front of a full house at Aberdeen in the quarter finals two years ago was a fantastic experience for me so we’re looking forward to pushing on from here.
“I’ll be happy with anyone in the draw. You’ve always got a chance to get through to the next round.
“The boys are going to be on a high after today and we’ll train hard on Tuesday and Thursday ahead of next week’s game.
“Queen of the South will be coming out hurting from today and we’re expecting it to be a battle again. The forecast isn’t great for through the week but we’ll see how the pitch holds up and if it’s on, we’ll be ready.”
With the January transfer window now open, Garry – who has now scored five in as many home matches for Sons – reckons that the players are playing for their places.
And following the defeats to the two title chasers, he’s now hopeful of more league points being put on the board to follow up the cup success.
He added: “It’s not nice to be beaten 6-0, but we were playing a Rangers side who, when they turn it on, can really hurt you. The goals last week came at the right times for them. We will move on.
“We knew the games we’ve had would be tough but we’ve now got games ahead where we hope we can take points.
“It’s always a case of playing for your place week in, week out. When you are in the starting XI, you have to perform well to play there.”
Andy Galloway