Friday 28th February 2020
DUMBARTON play their first fixture on February 29 since 1992 tomorrow, with leaders Raith Rovers providing a challenge at the C&G Systems Stadium.
Buoyed by Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Clyde, Sons are ready for a tough test against the Kirkcaldy men, who they have competed well against this season.
Unlucky to lose to them on the opening day of the season, Dumbarton then beat Raith 2-0 at Stark’s Park in December.
That game made it two wins on the bounce – and manager Jim Duffy is hopeful that tomorrow’s game can do likewise.
He said: “It was a hard-fought game against Clyde and although it wasn’t a classic game of football, it was important for us to get the result.
“You could see in the changing room after the game what it meant to the players to end the run without a win. Now that they are in high spirits we can be hopeful tomorrow.
“Raith Rovers are of course in a strong position but the games against them this season have been well contested and if we play as we can, tomorrow’s game should be as well.
“Confidence is always high going into a game off the back of a victory, and posting another one tomorrow would be a real sign of a corner being turned. We feel we are ready for the test.”
The boss will once again be without Kyle Hutton tomorrow, but hopes to have Sam Wardrop available after he missed the Clyde game with tonsillitis.
Kevin Graham is the referee for tomorrow’s game and will be assisted by Ivan Stankovic and Michael McCart.
Sons have only played on February 29 four times, the last two occasions ending goalless, away to Queen’s Park in 1992 and away to Clyde in 1984.
The last goals in a February 29 Sons fixture were in 1964, when they beat Hamilton Accies 2-0 at home with goals by Hugh Harra and Tommy Brown. Dumbarton’s only defeat on this date was in 1936, 5-2 away to King’s Park.
All fans should enter the stadium via the east turnstiles – the ones closest to Castle Road – ahead of tomorrow’s game. Access to Bar 72 will be available for everybody and Raith fans will be taken through to the away end before kick-off.
Copies of our award-winning matchday programme, Sons View, will be on sale priced £2.50.
Andy Galloway