Tuesday 6th October 2020
FOR the first time in a day short of seven months – it’s matchday
It’s not the matchday Dumbarton are used to, or hoped for, for one reason alone.
Their last match, away to Clyde in March, was played in front of 767 fans. Tonight, and until further notice, the official attendance will be zero.
Covid-19 restrictions mean that there will be no supporters in the C&G Systems Stadium for a competitive match for the first time ever as we take on Dunfermline Athletic in the opening Betfred Cup fixture.
Sons will instead be cheered on by fans from the comfort of their homes, as a streaming service broadcasts the game.
Manager Jim Duffy is looking for a committed start to the season from his players as they aim to become the first Sons side to win at home to Dunfermline in almost 40 years.
Speaking to www.dumbartonfootballclub.com, the gaffer said: “Patchy is probably the best way to describe it. We’ve had issues with training and games being cancelled but that’s just the nature of where we are.
“We just need to deal with the situation and most clubs are the same. It’s not been perfect but it’s not uncommon for disruption at this moment. We’ll get on with it and see how we go.
“Nobody has played any games yet so it’s difficult to say how hopeful we are. But Dunfermline are a Championship side, have signed some really good players and have a big squad so should be significant favourites for the game.
“But it’s the first game of the season and you just don’t know how it will go. All I’m looking for is the boys to be as committed and determined as they can and there will be elements where we can learn as we go.”
Ross Forbes – set to be absent tonight. Copyright Fullarton Photos 2020.
Ross Forbes is the only expected absentee from Dumbarton’s squad tonight as he recovers from an ankle injury sustained in the friendly with Albion Rovers. All other players should be available.
A reminder hardly seems necessary, but tonight’s game is behind closed doors and there will be no admission to spectators.
Instead, our online streaming service is available for supporters of both sides to watch the game. Uptake has been healthy so far and broadcasting will start at 7pm. You must register in advance in order to access the stream.
Dunfermline Athletic’s last five games
Tuesday, March 10, 2020 – Partick Thistle 1 Dunfermline Athletic 1
Saturday, March 7, 2020 – Dunfermline Athletic 1 Queen of the South 1
Tuesday, March 3, 2020 – Arbroath 0 Dunfermline Athletic 0
Saturday, February 29, 2020 – Dunfermline Athletic 2 Dundee United 0
Tuesday, February 25, 2020 – Dunfermline Athletic 1 Inverness CT 2
Dunfermline Athletic’s last away defeat was a 3-2 defeat at Morton on Saturday, January 11 2020.
Dimitris Froxylias’ goal in the 2-2 draw at East End Park on Saturday, November 25, 2017. Copyright Fullarton Photos 2017.
The last 10 meetings of the clubs
Saturday, April 28, 2018 – Dunfermline Athletic 4 Dumbarton 0
Saturday, January 6, 2018 – Dumbarton 0 Dunfermline Athletic 1
Saturday, November 25, 2017 – Dunfermline Athletic 2 Dumbarton 2
Saturday, August 26, 2017 – Dumbarton 0 Dunfermline Athletic 4
Saturday, April 15, 2017 – Dumbarton 0 Dunfermline Athletic 2
Saturday, March 4, 2017 – Dunfermline Athletic 5 Dumbarton 1
Saturday, October 29, 2016 – Dumbarton 2 Dunfermline Athletic 2
Saturday, August 6, 2016 – Dunfermline Athletic 4 Dumbarton 3
Saturday, March 23, 2013 – Dunfermline Athletic 3 Dumbarton 4
Saturday, January 5, 2013 – Dumbarton 0 Dunfermline Athletic 1
Dumbarton last won at home to Dunfermline Athletic on Saturday, April 18, 1981. We have recorded two victories at East End Park (one of which is above) since then.
It will be tough to end that record tonight, with the likes of former Sons talisman Dom Thomas set to line up for the Pars tonight.
However, records are made to be broken, and wherever you are in the world, we hope you’ll be with us tonight.
As well as the streaming service, you can also keep up to date via our social media updates, and we’ll have the full match report online as soon as possible after the final whistle.
Gavin Ross will referee tonight’s game, with assistance from Andrew McWilliam and Gordon McCabe.
Andy Galloway