Saturday 9th July 2016
AS if Stevie Aitken hasn’t had enough Dumbarton matches this week, he had more to watch right after today’s game with Motherwell.
The Sons gaffer immediately headed across to Cappielow to watch Morton’s friendly with Partick Thistle after his side took on the Steelmen, who narrowly won 2-1.
Once again, Stevie felt it had been a positive workout for his players, some of whom were playing their third game within five days.
It was the last fixture before next Saturday’s first Betfred League Cup sectional match, away to Forfar Athletic.
He said: “It’s not disappointing to lose as pre-season isn’t about that.
“We gave a really good account of ourselves against a very good Motherwell side, and it proved a great test for us.
“If Robert Thomson scored normal goals we probably wouldn’t have him! It was another fine moment for him.
“The structure has been good and overall it has been a positive pre-season for us. We feel confident about the competitive games starting next week.”
Stevie was also pleased to come out of the match with no long-term injuries, despite knocks sustained by some players.
Defender Gregor Buchanan had to go off injured, while Andy Stirling took a hefty challenge in the first half, but both walked away from the stadium in good health.
The manager added: “The players have taken a few knocks over the last few weeks. Frazer Wright could only play 45 minutes today and Darren Barr has been injured.
“Gregor took a few bumps to the head, but he’s a centre half and that will happen. He is fine, as is Andy.”
Andy Galloway