Sunday 1st January 2017
MARK DOCHERTY may never have to buy a drink in Leith again.
His goal in Dumbarton’s win over Dundee United ensured that Hibernian start 2017 at the top of the Championship table.
It was his second winner against the Tayside club this season and the points dropped by United could make a difference in the title race.
But the midfielder has a clear warning for the Edinburgh side – they’re next at the Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium on Saturday, January 14.
And there’s no reason for Sons not to be confident in that fixture. United were beaten in G82 twice in 2016 while Hibs, St Mirren and Falkirk were also sent away empty-handed.
It may now be a New Year, but Mark hopes that after travelling to face Morton next Saturday, Sons can continue to surprise people at home.
He also had an honest admission about his 28th minute goal which gave Dumbarton victory over the Arabs.
Mark said: “I have to be honest – it was a cross.
“I was simply looking to put the ball into a dangerous area and Josh Todd’s run may have distracted the goalkeeper.
“It’s my fourth goal this season, although my first from open play. Even if most of my goals are from set pieces I’m happy with that.
“In the last couple of weeks it’s been tough with the weather but we’ve managed to pick up four points.
“Ayr United is always a tough place to go to, and playing against the league leaders yesterday was always going to be difficult, so we’re delighted with the result.
“We’ll go to Cappielow on Saturday full of confidence and hopefully we can pick up more points.
“Then we have Hibernian here. We seem to make a habit of beating the big sides at home and hopefully that can continue.”
Mark was rewarded for his goal and performance with a man of the match bottle of whisky to toast the New Year after the game.
But he added: “My wife and I are having a quiet one to celebrate the New Year.
“My dad has a couple of bottles of whisky that I’ve won this season. He’s got a big cupboard for them all!”
Andy Galloway