Friday 16th July 2021
DESPITE a disappointing start to this season’s Premier Sports Cup, Dumbarton boss Stevie Farrell is looking for a good performance in tomorrow’s sectional tie at Dunfermline Athletic.
Again hampered by injuries and players isolating, Sons make the journey to East End Park hoping to get their first points on the board in the group.
After losing 2-1 at home to Stenhousemuir on Tuesday, and with St Mirren awarded a win by default last Saturday, Dumbarton’s chances of progressing from the group could be described as remote.
However, that doesn’t stop Stevie looking for a battle-hardened performance on what has been a tough place for Sons to go over the years.
The gaffer said: “Tuesday’s result was disappointing having taken the lead and played some decent stuff until we faded in the second half.
“But it is done now and we must focus on the next challenge, which will be a demanding one against a Dunfermline side with everything to play for.
“We know the scale of the challenge that awaits us and it will be up to us to rise to it despite the difficulties we have.
“It doesn’t matter what is at stake for us over the last two games; I want two positive performances from us tomorrow and on Tuesday, and for us to compete as best we can. If we do that we will stand a chance of a result.”
Unfortunately there has been no improvement on player availability since Tuesday. Paul Paton and Pat Boyle remain injured and the four players who missed the Stenhousemuir game due to isolation must do so again.
However, no fresh injuries were sustained against the Warriors and the same pool of players are set to battle again.
Only home supporters can attend tomorrow’s game, but live streaming is available. Visit live.parstv.co.uk to find out how to watch.
David Dickinson will referee tomorrow’s match, with assistance from Stuart Stevenson and Elliott Husband Powton.
Don’t forget that if the game ends level tomorrow, the destiny of the bonus point will be decided by a penalty shootout.
Andy Galloway