Dumbarton get their road to Hampden under way tomorrow with the visit of Highland League outfit Banks O’Dee in the second round of the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup [kick-off 3.00pm].
It is set to be the first time that the sides have ever met with a place in the third round of the competition up for grabs at the Rock.
Whilst Sons are playing in the competition for the first time this season, The Rechabites have one game under their belts which was a 6-0 victory over Dalbeattie Star last month in the first round.
The Dee have been beaten just once this season in the Highland League, a 1-0 loss against Brechin City, and currently sit in fifth place in the table.
Faz knows his troops will be in for a difficult afternoon and warned his side not to be on the wrong end of a cup shock.
Speaking earlier in the week, he said: “It will be a difficult game and we won’t underestimate them at all.
“They are in the top end of the Highland League which is a tough league and we have been using our contacts there to get footage.
“We’ll do everything in preparation like we do every week but we know we’ll need to be at our very best on Saturday if we’re to progress to the next round of the cup.
“When the senior teams and the SPFL teams come in there is always a shock and we’ve got to make sure that it’s not us.
“We’re used to playing lower league opposition in recent seasons with Sauchie and Cumnock and they’ve been difficult games and I don’t expect anything other than that on Saturday.
“I think they are a step up in terms of where they are so we know it’s going to be a difficult game but we know if we play the way we have for the majority of the season then we’re going to give ourselves a chance.”
Long-term absentees Callum Wilson and Greig Young remain on the sidelines for tomorrow and will be joined by Mark Durnan (ankle), David Wilson (thigh) and James Hilton (hamstring).
Season tickets are not valid for this game with admission costing adults £10 and concessions and under-16’s paying £5. Buy in advance at the following link: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/dumbartonfootballclub/1044719?_gl=1*1wc5j3n*_ga*MjA4OTUyODcyMS4xNjk1MTIwNDk0*_ga_0P4MS6DXN0*MTY5ODM1MTUyOS4xOC4xLjE2OTgzNTE2OTkuMzIuMC4w.
Our hospitality offer also remains available for £50 where you can enjoy a two-course lunch, three drinks, directors box seating and all of our other hospitality benefits. For more information visit https://dumbartonfootballclub.com/scottish-cup-match-day-hospitality/.
Bar 1872 will be open from 1.30pm with home and away supporters welcome to enjoy a drink pre-match. Visiting fans should enter through turnstiles 1 and 2 if they wish to make use of the facilities where they will be taken to the away section of the stand before kick-off.
Shire Shine will also be in attendance offering their car washing and valet service with Sons fans able to enjoy a 20% discount. Visit here for more information: https://dumbartonfootballclub.com/matchday-car-washing-and-valeting/.
Remember, the Scottish Cup trophy will be in town this evening as part of the SFA’s ‘An Evening with the Scottish Cup event’. Supporters can have their photos taken with the trophy and enjoy a host of Scottish Cup memrobillia, with a question and answer session with Andy Graham and Ray Montgomerie also taking place. Full details can be found here: https://dumbartonfootballclub.com/an-evening-with-the-scottish-cup/.
Extra tickets have been made available after a terrific uptake from the local community, though they won’t last long. Secure your spot for free here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-with-the-scottish-cup-dumbarton-tickets-736444714967.
Tomorrow’s referee is Ross Clark and he will be assisted by Cameron Telfer and Chris Gentles.