Friday 23rd April 2021
DUMBARTON’S post-split programme of League One fixtures begins tomorrow with a trip to Methil to play East Fife.
Having ended the 18-game first stage of the season in ninth place, Sons now face four fixtures to try to finish higher and avoid the play-offs.
First up is the visit to New Bayview, and confidence will be taken from victory at home to East Fife earlier this month.
However, after defeat on the previous trip to Methil in November, caution will be exercised ahead of the vital encounter.
Manager Jim Duffy said: “Defeat to Partick Thistle was a disappointing result, but we were pleased with how the team once again went out and competed very well.
“We will need more of that battling spirit through in Fife, as we will in all remaining games this season. If we do that then we will give ourselves a chance.
“Tomorrow will be a challenge, as East Fife showed when they won at home to us earlier this season.
“But we know we can beat them and if we apply ourselves and show the killer instinct in front of goal that we did last time out, we know we can do it again.”
There is mixed news on the injury front tomorrow. Nat Wedderburn and Sam Wardrop are out after their injuries against Partick and join long-term injury victims Daniel Church and Joshua Bradley-Hurst on the sidelines.
However, skipper Stuart Carswell and striker Isaac Layne resumed full training last night, as did PJ Crossan, who missed Tuesday’s game with a niggling injury. All three are in contention to play.
As usual this season, the game is behind closed doors, but can be watched through East Fife’s streaming service as per our previous story.
Andy Galloway