Tuesday 23rd March 2021
DUMBARTON have a quick opportunity to put the most recent match behind them when they play Huntly at home in round two of the Scottish Cup tonight.
With the chance to face Aberdeen at home in round three, there is no little reward at stake for Sons and their Highland League opponents tonight.
For Dumbarton, it is all about moving on from the events of Saturday, and making a positive statement with a tough schedule ahead.
Manager Jim Duffy is under no illusions as to the challenge faced by his side tonight, but is looking for a positive response.
He said: “Saturday’s result was a big disappointment and not the return to action we wanted, but we have to move on from it quickly.
“We are a hardworking side, now we must look for some reward for that hard work. Huntly will not make it easy for us but we must go into this game with purpose.
“If we perform as well as we can in all areas of the field, we will give ourselves a decent chance. The opportunity to face Aberdeen on our own pitch should be all the motivation we need – but we know Huntly will feel exactly the same.”
News on player availability tonight is that Rico Quitongo (pictured) should be fit to play, while loanees Tomas Brindley and Nick McAllister are eligible and will be included in the squad.
Sam Wardrop took a knock on Saturday and a late call will be made on his fitness, but he is thought to have a reasonable chance of making it.
Joshua Bradley-Hurst and Daniel Church remain out injured.
Once again, the match is available to stream tonight, with games continuing behind closed doors. Details are as per our previous story.
A reminder that as with all cup ties, season tickets are not valid for this game and all supporters, home and away, must pay to stream.
The match will go to extra time if it is drawn after 90 minutes, and will go to a penalty shootout if it remains level after the added half hour. Due to the nature of this season, there are no replays in this season’s Scottish Cup.
Matthew MacDermid is the referee this evening, with assistance from Calum Doyle and Craig MacRae.
Andy Galloway