League action takes a backseat this weekend as the SPFL Trust Trophy takes centre stage across Scottish domestic football with Dumbarton set to host Kelty Hearts.
Saturday will see the first ever meeting between the sides at the Rock in the third round clash with kick-off at 3.00pm.
Sons come into the game in good form having won their last three games in League Two after consecutive victories over Forfar Athletic, Stenhousemuir and East Fife.
Stevie Farrell’s side set up the tie with their League One opposition after getting past Kilmarnock ‘B’ on penalties last month whilst Kelty enter the competition at this stage.
A Carlo Pignatiello strike [pictured] had Sons ahead at Rugby Park before Killie equalised through Bobby Wales to set up spot-kicks.
The shoot-out resulted in a 9-8 win for Dumbarton, with Harry Broun the hero as he saved the decisive effort from 12-yards to put his sides name in the hat for round three.
Faz isn’t getting carried away with the unbeaten start to the season and is keen to build on his side picking up their first clean sheet in the league last weekend.
He said: “We have been on a solid run of form and got off to a good start in the league but it’s no more than that.
“We have put in a couple of different performances over the last few weeks as we have grinded out some wins and put in brilliant attacking displays at times in others which is what we have been working towards.
“At the other end of the park, if you keep clean sheets you have a chance of scoring late goals like we did last weekend and winning games of football. The boys deserved a clean sheet before they did so I’m delighted they got it.
“Tomorrow gives me the opportunity to give some people some game time but ultimately we’ll be trying to win the tie. We had Kelty watched and we are aware of the threat they can offer and in training this week we have prepared properly as we always do.”
The Sons boss reports that other than the previously injured Callum Wilson, who has suffered a setback in his return to full fitness, he has a full squad to choose from for tomorrow’s fixture.
The Fife side have struggled for consistency in League One with a win, a draw and a loss in their last three outings as a 2-1 win over Alloa Athletic was followed up with a 1-0 loss at Stirling Albion before drawing 1-1 with Annan Athletic last weekend.
Despite it being the first ever meeting between the sides, the Kelty teamlines are sure to bring up some familiar names to Sons fans.
Stefan McCluskey played for Dumbarton between 2019 and 2021, making 35 appearances for the club, whilst the likes of Thomas O’Ware, Jason Thomson and player-manager Michael Tidser are all recognisable faces across Scottish football. Tiwi Daramola is sure to threaten in front of goal for the Fifers after he found the net for former club Bo’ness Athletic 83 times last season and has four to his name in the current campaign.
Supporters are reminded that season tickets are NOT valid for tomorrow’s fixture and we would recommend purchasing in advance. Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for concessions (over-65’s, students and under-16’s. Valid ID required). Purchase here via our official ticket partner, Ticket Tailor: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/dumbartonfootballclub/993869.
It is also set to be a great afternoon in hospitality with a tremendous deal on offer. A pre-match chicken curry with rice, prawn crackers and three drinks is available for just £30. All of our traditional hospitality benefits also remain with appearances from players pre and post match, 50/50 draws, guess the crowd competition and complimentary team sheets. To register for our hospitality deal, please contact office@dumbartonfc.co.uk.
Bar 72 will be open from 1.30pm for both sets of supporters for refreshments before and after the game. Away fans should enter through turnstiles 1 and 2 and will be taken to the away section of the stand prior to kick-off if they wish to enjoy the facilities pre-match.
If you can’t make it tomorrow, match streaming will be available for the price of £10 which is available to purchase here: https://dumbartonfootballclub.com/product/watch-match-live-v-kelty-hearts/.
Please note that this fixture is available to supporters worldwide, including the UK, with streaming restrictions lifted for this weekend.
The match referee is Duncan Williams with officials Paul McAvinue and Scott McGregor.