Thursday 20th October 2022
IT is a return to where it all began for Dumbarton manager Stevie Farrell tomorrow evening as this season’s Scottish Cup campaign begins with a second round tie away to Cumnock.
The match, which starts at 7.45pm, is live on the BBC Scotland channel, but is also set to attract a big crowd to Townhead Park.
The home side are one of three teams currently joint leaders of the West of Scotland Premier Division, and are looking to make an impression on this season’s Scottish Cup.
It is up to Sons to stop them, and ensure that they are the ones looking forward to the draw for round three.
Stevie had two extended spells with Cumnock as a player, the latter of which saw him start his managerial career.
And he is very well aware of the task at hand for him and his squad.
He said: “This is the start of our opportunity to start a cup run, but we should be in no doubt that we are in for a demanding evening.
“I have experienced the Townhead Park atmosphere several times as player and manager, and I know how big a part it plays for them.
“The West of Scotland Premier Division title race is a hugely competitive one and Cumnock are right in the thick of it. We have had them watched and know just how up for it they will be.
“However, if we are at our best, and turn in a performance we know we are capable of, then we can get ourselves into the draw for the next round.
“We have shown that we are capable of winning football matches and if we rediscover the habits that helped us do that then we can get the result.
“The fact the game is live on TV will also spur the players on, and we must approach the task with confidence.”
Injury problems in the squad have increased since last weekend. John Gemmell is facing months out with a ruptured achilles and Ally Love’s injury against Albion Rovers also keeps him sidelined.
Edin Lynch also remains on the injured list, and Michael Garrity cannot play under the terms of his loan from Morton.
However, Ryan Wallace is available to play despite his red card after the final whistle last week. As the sending off was for foul and abusive language, he will miss the next league game, at Annan next Saturday.
Tomorrow’s game will be played to a finish, as there are no replays in this season’s Scottish Cup.
If it is level after 90 minutes it will go to an extra 30 minutes, and if it remains all square, it will go to a penalty shootout.
Admission is via cash at the turnstiles, with prices being £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.
The supporters’ bus will leave Church Street in Dumbarton at 5.15pm, with seats costing £10 for Sonstrust members and under-16s, and £13 for non-members.
To enquire about any spare seats, please contact Gillie Brough on Facebook Messenger, or by calling 07948 532539.
You can also find information on the Sons Supporters Trust Travel Section page on Facebook.
Cumnock were 7-0 winners over Upper Annandale last Saturday in the South Challenge Cup, with six different players among the goals.
They were awarded a walkover through the preliminary round of this season’s Scottish Cup after opponents Tower Hearts withdrew. Their first round tie saw them win 2-1 away to Highland League side Keith.
Their last league outing was a 3-3 draw at home to Beith, who are eighth in the West of Scotland Premier Division but only two points behind the three joint leaders.
Dan McFarlane is the referee for tomorrow night’s game, with Brian Christie and Elliott Husband Powton acting as assistants. Chris Gentles will be the fourth official.
Dumbarton Football Club