Thursday 18th July 2013
DUMBARTON make the short trip across to Glasgow this evening for a closed doors friendly fixture against Queens Park from the Third Division.
The game, which kicks off at 7.30pm, gives Sons boss Ian Murray and his staff the opportunity to run the ruler over more players and to to further address issues ahead of the new season.
Queens Park kick off their season in the Ramsdens Scottish Challenge Cup on 27th July with a visit from Ayr United, while Dumbarton face a trip to Stranraer on the same Saturday.
Sons come into this latest game on the back of a 1-1 draw against Brechin City on Tuesday night. Prior to that they lost 4-3 to Partick Thistle at the Rock on Saturday, following a 3-0 away win against Civil Service Strollers in Edinburgh and a 1-1 draw at home to Hibernian.
It is performance and planning that is most important for friendly matches, rather than the final result, stresses gaffer Murray.
That said, the manager was less than pleased with conceding four goals against the Jags last weekend.
Though he has expressed satisfaction at pre-season progress, Ian Murray has warned his squad that they need to sharpen up to compete in the First Division and to enjoy a decent Cup run or two.
He has also made it clear that while Dumbarton have been offering training facilities to former Hibs striker Derek Riordan, nothing further should be read into this.
“We were just giving Deeks fitness, he won’t be playing for us on Thursday,” Murray confirmed in an interview after the Brechin game.
* A match report from the Brechin City game is now online here.
* Those wanting to book a place on the bus to Stranraer for Saturday 27th July should do so a s soon as possible. Details here.
* Next Tuesday, 23rd July, Dumbarton play Falkirk at the Bet Butler Stadium to decide the 2012/13 Final of the Stirlingshire Cup. Kick-off 7.30pm. Admission £6, concessions £3.
Simon Barrow