DUMBARTON make the relatively short journey to Stirling tomorrow for another key clash as the final quarter of the cinch League Two season begins.
There is a lot at stake for Sons, who will resume first place in cinch League Two if they can post a second consecutive away victory tomorrow.
Manager Stevie Farrell has been pleased by his players’ response to a tough afternoon last Saturday, and is keen for them to be rewarded with a positive result.
The manager said: “The players’ response in training has been excellent. We had won the previous two games prior to last Saturday and we will be ready to go again.
“Last Saturday was a freak result. We have had two of those this season and we take it for what it was and move on.
“We always do our homework and we know Stirling will have done theirs as well. There are 27 points to play for and they will be the first to say that no honours are handed out in March.
“I said this week that there were 10 teams in the race at the start of the season. Now there are realistically two, and we are one of them.
“There is no other thought process – we are just thinking about winning the next game. We go after points Saturday after Saturday and are looking forward to it. It is a clash of two teams having fantastic seasons.”
The manager is set to welcome Gregor Buchanan (pictured) and Declan Byrne back into the squad tomorrow, with the pair having missed last week’s game due to illness and a knock respectively. Byrne is most likely to take a place on the bench.
However, Joe McKee and Stuart Carswell are out, and join Ryan Wallace, David Wilson and John Gemmell on the sidelines.
Dumbarton fans will be housed in the usual away section of Forthbank Stadium tomorrow, and entry is by cash at the turnstiles.
Admission prices are £15 for adults, £10 for ages 65 and over, £5 for students (valid ID required) and under-17s. Under-12s go free accompanied by a paying adult.
It goes without saying that all travelling support will be greatly appreciated tomorrow, and we hope to see as many of our fans there as possible.
But if you are unable to travel, in-play Twitter commentary is available through our Twitter feed @DumbartonFC
Tomorrow, Sons aim for their first win at Forthbank since 2012 – although the visit earlier this season was their only one since then. A late goal by Craig Dargo secured a 2-1 victory that day.
Stirling took over at the top on Tuesday evening by beating Forfar Athletic 2-0 at home. However, an away victory tomorrow will return Dumbarton to the summit.
Calum Scott is the referee tomorrow, and will be assisted by Craig MacRae and Cameron Telfer.