Friday 14th October 2016
SONS end the first quarter of the season this weekend by entertaining Ayr United at the Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium.
If Sons are to achieve their goal of remaining in the Championship they will not want to drop many points to Ayr – who will feel exactly the same way about Stevie Aitken’s men.
Manager Stevie Aitken enjoyed the rest from league action last week and is aware of how important this game will be.
“It would be terrific to end the first quarter of the season with a win. If we can manage this, we bounce right back up the division and will overtake Ayr. We are ready for the game having trained really well during the week,” he said.
The two teams have not met since season 2010/11 in the old Second Division (now League One). The outcomes were: Saturday 21st August 2010 – Ayr United 1 Dumbarton 0; Saturday 13th November 2010 – Dumbarton 3 Ayr United 2; Sunday 2nd January 2011 – Ayr United 2 Dumbarton 0; and
Saturday 21st April 2011 – Dumbarton 1 Ayr United 2.
Referee Gavin Duncan takes charge of this latest Ladbrokes Championship match against Ayr. Mr Duncan has been a visitor to the Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium already this season when he officiated at Sons 1-0 defeat of Dundee United in August. Ross Menzies and Graham Chambers will assist.
The lads and coaches of Ardencaple Boys Club will be our community guests this weekend. The Club is delighted to have them with us, and hope they have a good day.
In team news, Grant Gallagher will miss this game due to injury, but Gregor Buchanan is free of suspension and will be included in the squad. Frazer Wright (pictured) is also suspension and injury free and available.
Alan Findlay & Simon Barrow