Friday 2nd April 2021
DUMBARTON face a major test tomorrow as Premiership Aberdeen provide the opposition in the Scottish Cup for the second consecutive season.
Sons ran the Dons very close in last season’s fourth round tie at Pittodrie, beaten only by a late penalty conversion.
The quarter final tie between the sides in the Granite City in 2014 also ended 1-0 to Aberdeen – could it be third time lucky for Dumbarton tomorrow?
Manager Jim Duffy hopes so as his troops prepare for another battle with only a 39-hour turnaround since their last fixture at home to Airdrieonians.
He said: “Ideally we would be facing this fixture having had more preparation time, but we have to get on with it.
“Despite the demanding schedule I have no doubts our players will once again work hard tomorrow and give it everything they possibly can.
“We are under no illusions as to the challenge we face, but we must approach the game confidently and ready to give as good as we get.
“The top flight opposition and the game being live on TV will be a big incentive for us to perform well, and I know our players will give it their best shot.”
Midfielder Ross Forbes will be absent tomorrow through suspension after his sending off against Airdrieonians, and will also be on the sidelines against Montrose, as he is banned for two games.
He joins Joshua Bradley-Hurst, Daniel Church and Isaac Layne (who is cup-tied) on the sidelines tomorrow.
BBC One Scotland’s coverage of the game will start at midday, 15 minutes before kick-off. The C&G Systems Stadium has been a busy place this week, with gantries and LED lighting being put in place.
Due to the game being on TV, our usual streaming service will not be operating tomorrow. The match is, of course, behind closed doors.
Don Robertson is the referee tomorrow and will have David Roome and Alastair Mather running the lines. Peter Stuart is the fourth official.
Andy Galloway