The final quarter of the 2023/24 cinch League Two season comes to an end tomorrow with Dumbarton making the journey to Hamilton to take on Clyde at the ZLX Stadium [kick-off 3.00pm].
Sons returned to winning ways last weekend as a 3-1 home victory over Stranraer brought a run of back-to-back league defeats, and three in all competitions, to an end.
Stevie Farrell’s side were knocked out of the SPFL Trust Trophy by Kelty Hearts prior to losing in Elgin and at home to Peterhead before Tony Wallace, Ryan Wallace and Michael Ruth earned three points against Scott Agnew’s side at the Rock.
The Bully Wee, meanwhile, will also come into the contest in good spirits after getting their season started in the last fortnight.
They picked up their first win of the season two weeks ago with a 2-1 victory over Elgin City before coming back from 2-0 down at Ochilview to earn a point against, then league leaders, Stenhousemuir.
For Faz, it’s no surprise that things are turning around for tomorrow’s hosts after a couple of smart signings in recent weeks adding to an already talented squad.
He told the clubs website: “We started the game really well last weekend and it’s probably the best we have been for 90 minutes this season.
“I was really pleased with how we started and then they score but the one thing we were screaming on towards the players was don’t change.
“We just kept calm and we didn’t want to change anything because we knew if we were disciplined and patient and just kept moving the ball from side to side to find the pockets that we were then it would come and that’s what happened.
“When you go down 1-0 after losing your last two and you’ve not been taking your chances it would be easy to go into a shell but we never.
“I thought all over the pitch we were very comfortable and that’s not disrespectful to Stranraer, I just thought we looked like a real good side.
“As for Clyde, they are going to keep getting better because they have signed good players and good experience to add to the players who were already there.
“It doesn’t surprise me that they have turned a wee corner and we’ll give them every respect. We’ve watched countless videos of Stranraer last week and it has been the same with Clyde this week.
“We know if we go and play like we did against Stranraer then we’ll give ourselves a chance in most games”.
The sides haven’t met on league duty since the 2021/22 league season, but Sons did travel to Hamilton last season on Scottish Cup duty.
The visitors were electric that evening with goals from David Wilson, Ryan Wallace and Ross MacLean securing a comfortable 3-1 win [pictured].
Greig Young and Callum Wilson continue to miss out for Sons whilst Ross MacLean has been unwell all week but will be given every chance to make the squad tomorrow. Finlay Gray returns from suspension.
As per our news story yesterday, Sons supporters are advised to buy their tickets in advance ahead of tomorrow’s fixture. All the details can be found at the following link, courtesy of Clyde’s ticket partners: https://clydefc.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/clyde_v_dumbarton__spfl_cinch_league_2_2324
And if you’re still stuck with a way of getting to the ZLX Stadium tomorrow, why not travel on the Sons Supporters Trust Travel bus? The bus departs from Castle Street in Dumbarton town centre at 12.15pm and costs £10 for Sonstrust members. Contact Gillie Brough on 07948532539 to book your seat.
Tomorrow’s referee is Alex Shepherd and he will be assisted by Steven Wilson and Filippo Mazzoni.