Friday 26th November 2021
DUMBARTON start their Scottish Cup campaign tomorrow with a third round tie at home to Sauchie FC in the sides’ first ever competitive meeting.
After breaking the victory duck away to Alloa Athletic last week, Sons hope to kick on and register another victory against their East of Scotland League opponents.
While his team are three tiers higher up the Scottish football structure than their opponents, manager Stevie Farrell is guarding against complacency ahead of the challenge.
With Sauchie currently on a decent run, and sprung a surprise in beating Highland League leaders Fraserburgh in round one, the gaffer is only too aware of what could happen if Dumbarton fail to perform.
He said: “We must be wary of the challenge Sauchie will give us. We know they will be keen to get at us tomorrow and we must ensure we are on our game from the start.
“We also want to build on last week’s victory at Alloa, which has given us all a huge boost. It was no more than the players deserved for their hard work through the poor run.
“A victory could also earn us a chance to test ourselves against one of the country’s top teams in round four, which is something we would all look forward to.
“But we must earn that reward, and know that Sauchie will have their eyes on it just as much as we will. We must perform as we know we can in order to progress.”
Sauchie are currently 11th in the 18-team East of Scotland League, and have won all of their last three games with a 3-2 scoreline.
Former midfielder Darren Petrie, who was on loan to Sons from Dundee United in 2015, is on their coaching staff.
In terms of team news, Ryan McGeever and Kristoffer Syvertsen remain out tomorrow, and Ross MacLean also will not feature.
However, loanees Carlo Pignatiello (pictured), Ryan Schiavone and Kirk McKnight are all eligible to play if selected.
Admission tomorrow is £12 for adults and £6 for concessions. As with all cup ties, season tickets are not valid.
Both ends of the stadium will have bar facilities available, which are accessible through the turnstiles.
If you can’t make it tomorrow, live streaming is available as per our previous story.
Peter Stuart is tomorrow’s referee and will be assisted by Stuart Hodge and Terry Ormiston.
If tomorrow’s game ends in a draw, it will be replayed at Beechwood Park on Saturday, December 4. Our league game at Cove Rangers scheduled for that day would be rearranged.
Andy Galloway