Friday 29th July 2022
DUMBARTON face a quick rematch with Stirling Albion at home tomorrow, sponsored by Graeme Ramage Football Academy, as the cinch League Two campaign gets underway.
The Binos were 2-1 winners at Dumbarton Football Stadium in the opening Premier Sports Cup tie three weeks ago.
But tomorrow is a blank canvas, and a chance for Sons to make a positive start to their first campaign in the fourth tier for 13 years.
Manager Stevie Farrell, who oversaw a 3-0 win at Clyde on last season’s opening league day, wants his team to build on a positive pre-season after the initial Stirling game.
He said: “We have had a good week at training and we are ready to begin the journey of what, all being well, will be a good league season.
“We know that Stirling will be confident about coming here, having already won as part of a very decent Premier Sports Cup campaign on their part.
“But we also know the opportunity that we have to make a positive start to our league season and it is our full intention to do just that.
“After resting a few players at Irvine last week, we should have greater numbers available and we will have a team we feel is capable of winning the game.”
While Ryan McGeever has trained, he is not yet ready for selection. Edin Lynch also remains out and Finlay Gray will serve a one-match suspension carried over from last season.
Ryan Wallace, Ross MacLean and Gregor Buchanan could all return after not being risked in last week’s friendly at Irvine.
Admission to tomorrow’s game is via cash at the turnstiles, with away fans housed in the usual west end of the stand.
For non-season ticket holders and away fans, admission costs £15 for adults, £10 for students and over-65s (proof of concession required) and £5 for under-16s.
If you are a season ticket holder or Young Sons member, don’t forget to collect your season ticket before tomorrow’s game if you haven’t done so already, or received it through the post.
Dumbarton Football Stadium will be open from 11am (and is open until 1.30pm today) if you have yet to collect.
Stirling’s victory over Dumbarton was the start of a decent Premier Sports Cup campaign which saw them only miss out on qualifying for the knockout stages on goal difference.
Their other games in the group were:
Raith Rovers 1-1 Stirling Albion – Stirling won on penalties – Kieran Moore, who scored the winner against Dumbarton, scored for Stirling again to level at Kirkcaldy. Despite a late red card, and missing the first penalty of the shootout, the Binos went on to claim the bonus point.
Stirling Albion 0-5 Aberdeen – All the Dons’ goals came in the first half, with Stirling’s resistance having better luck in the second.
Stirling Albion 3-0 Peterhead – A Dale Carrick hat-trick ended Stirling’s campaign on a winning note, but despite finishing second in the group, they did not qualify for the last 16.
This is our first meeting with Stirling in a league fixture since April 2012, and their first visit to us on league business since February of the same year. We are meeting in the fourth tier for the first time since March 2002.
Duncan Williams will referee tomorrow’s game, with assistance from Chris Rae and Jamie Wilkie.
As well as Graeme as match sponsor, we also extend a warm welcome and thanks to You’ll Love Our Home Bakes, who are tomorrow’s match ball sponsor.
Dumbarton Football Club