Friday 4th August 2017
MARK STEWART knows how his time at Dumbarton will be judged.
His performances can be great. But it’s a number in a column that’s important.
Currently it reads zero. Despite Mark’s efforts, his first competitive goal for Sons has still to be scored.
He hopes it can come in tomorrow’s Championship opener against Morton – but is even more optimistic for three points.
After a disappointing sectional Betfred Cup campaign in terms of results, the striker is targeting a result to make up for it.
Speaking to www.dumbartonfootballclub.com, Mark said: “As a striker, the performances have been good without getting any rewards – but it’s goals that you are judged on.
“Hopefully my first competitive goal will come sooner rather than later, but as long as I’m contributing to a win, I’m happy with that. It’s always nice to get on the scoresheet but results come first.
“I’m really enjoying it with Dumbarton. Pre-season is now out the way and as a new squad we feel we are gelling together.
“The Betfred Cup results were, I suppose, disappointing, but the performances had a lot of potential in them and there were positives to take from the games.
“We’ve had goals disallowed which should have stood, and red cards and things that haven’t gone our way, but hopefully these things will drop for us.
“It’s part of football and hopefully these things will turn for us. Mistakes can be corrected on the training pitch but things were encouraging at Kilmarnock on Saturday, especially in the first half.”
In order to gain a result against Morton tomorrow, Mark insists that the disappointment of the cup ties must be forgotten about as quickly as possible.
The focus is now on facing the Greenock club, who lost on their last visit to G82, in April.
Mark added: “We wanted to do well in the Betfred Cup, but it’s behind us now and we take the positives and move forward.
“There are no heads down about it – it is just a case of sticking together, brushing the cup section off, learning lessons and preparing for the league.
“There won’t be any easy games this season. Morton were one of the better teams last time out and will be tough again on Saturday.
“But it’s a game we are looking forward to, especially as we are starting off at home.
“We’ve got to be positive and look for a result.”
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Andy Galloway