Dumbarton travel to the capital this evening for match day four of the Premier Sports Cup and a test against Heart of Midlothian [kick-off 7:45pm].
Sons will be looking for a response from Saturday’s 4-0 defeat against Dunfermline Athletic – but go up against a side who are in red-hot form in front of goal already in the competition having won 4-1 against the Pars themselves before further 4-0 successes against Hamilton and Stirling Albion.
The Jam Tarts have all but confirmed their spot in the next round of the competition but will be looking for at least a point tomorrow to guarantee progression, whilst a victory for Sons would keep their hopes of getting through alive.
Dumbarton started brightly on Saturday and perhaps should have found the opening goal before finding themselves behind, and despite eventually being on the end of a defeat boss Stevie Farrell insists it was a good test for his side.
Speaking post-match on Saturday, he said: “We got more out of Saturday than we did from the game on Tuesday against Stirling Albion.
“I was pleased with us in the first-half, we started really well but Dunfermline deserved to win the game in the end.
“I didn’t get carried away with the win against Stirling Albion and I won’t get despondent with the defeat to Dunfermline.
“We know what kind of test awaits us this evening but it’s one we are embracing. There are a lot of young players in the dressing room and going up against one of the top sides in the country at an arena like Tynecastle will be a great experience for them.
“We need to make sure it doesn’t overwhelm us though and whilst we will be going there with a plan, we have done our homework and know areas in which we feel we can hurt them.”
In team news, both Dom Docherty and Adam Livingstone return from injury and are available for selection meaning that Brett Long remains the only absentee.
Tickets are not available to purchase at Tynecastle before this evening’s match and there are no online sales. Those looking to attend should contact the club before 1:30pm this afternoon on 01389 762 569 to pre-pay for tickets that can then be collected from the away ticketing pod up between 6:45pm and up kick-off.