Friday 20th August 2021
STEVIE FARRELL makes his return to the Dumbarton dugout tomorrow – but he’s looking for a comeback from his team against Cove Rangers as well.
After missing last week’s game against Queen’s Park due to an essential personal commitment, the gaffer will resume his usual spot tomorrow.
He is hopeful of witnessing a positive response from his team to last week’s disappointing defeat against the Spiders.
Sons won at home to Cove Rangers last season and lost to a disputed goal on their visit to Balmoral Stadium, so the gaffer is keen to see them continue to run the Aberdeen side close.
The gaffer said: “I’m looking forward to returning to the dugout, although we know what a test we have lying in wait.
“Cove’s result last week says it all about the attacking options they have and we expect them to challenge us heavily in that area.
“However, we have had two good training sessions this week and feel we have blown away the cobwebs from last week and are ready to go again.
“The players know that we will need to raise our game from last week to give ourselves a chance of taking something tomorrow, and that’s what we’ll be looking for.”
There are selection headaches ahead of the game. Kristoffer Syvertsen, Calum Erskine and Evan Maley are all ruled out of action and won’t figure tomorrow.
Additionally, there are doubts over the participation of Andy Geggan, Joe McKee and Carlo Pignatiello.
On a more positive note, Mark Lamont returns and Paul Paton (pictured) continues to progress in his return from injury. A trialist goalkeeper will once again deputise for Erskine tomorrow.
If you’re coming to the game, don’t forget that Bar 72 will be open ahead of a match for the first time since March 2020 tomorrow.
Details are available here but just a reminder of a couple of key points. Firstly, Conner Duthie and Callum Wilson will visit the bar at 12.45pm to meet fans ahead of the game.
Also, every sales point apart from the club shop will operate on a cash-only basis, so please ensure you are carrying cash with you. Please also observe the restrictions currently in place on use of the stadium.
If you can’t make it tomorrow, live streaming is available, with details as per our previous story.
Duncan Williams will referee tomorrow’s game, and will have the assistance of Graham Chambers and Regan Wallace.
Andy Galloway