Friday 29th July 2016
SONS end their BefFred Cup Group A involvement tomorrow when Peterhead visit the Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium.
The Balmoor side could win the group with a victory over Sons, so the match is sure to be competitive in nature.
With the second round draw due to take place at Tannadice on Sunday, Peterhead will be keen to be involved.
For Dumbarton, a win would boost confidence ahead of next Saturday’s Ladbrokes Championship opener at Dunfermline Athletic, with all attention now turning to the vital league competition.
The last meeting between the two sides was back in April 2011, when Sons defeated Peterhead 5-2 at home with goals from Jon McShane, Pat Walker, Jordan Halsman, Mark Gilhaney and substitute Craig McLeish.
The full team that day was: Michael White; Jordan Halsman, James Creaney, Nicky Devlin, Paul Nugent, Ben Gordon, Ryan McStay, Andy Geggan, Mark Gilhaney, Jon McShane, Pat Walker, Subs: Stephen Grandly; Iain Chisholm, Martin McNiff, Craig McLeish, Jordan White. The referee was Craig Charleston and the attendance was 526.
Manager Stevie Aitken is keen to finish off what has been a disappointing Betfred Cup campaign with a win.
He said ahead of the tie: “We want a victory over Peterhead on Saturday as well to give the place a lift. The players are feeling the effects of a difficult time over the past fortnight, but there have been circumstances which have led to it.
“It would be good to end the cup group stages with a positive performance and result and if we do that we can look forward to the league campaign starting.”
Referee Alan Muir is the man in the middle for tomorrow’s fixture. Assisting him will be Willie Conquer and David Doig. Mr Muir officiated at two Sons games last season – against Rangers (2-1 loss in September 2015) and Queen of the South (1-0 loss in November 2015).
Sons team news is that Darren Barr is recovering well from his recent back problems, and could be in line to return to the squad tomorrow however ‘keeper Jamie Ewings is out. Also sitting out the game is suspended Grant Gallagher.
Alan Findlay & Simon Barrow