Tuesday 11th May 2021
THIS time last week, Dumbarton were hoping that it was the day their season ended. Now they hope it is anything but.
Stranraer visit the C&G Systems Stadium for the second leg of the playoff semi-final tie for a place in League One next season.
The possibilities are simple after Saturday’s first leg ended goalless. If there is a winning team after 90 minutes tonight, they are through to the final and the losers are in League Two.
A draw of any score over 90 minutes will see extra time, and penalties if necessary, to see who plays Edinburgh City or Elgin City in the final. There is no away goals rule.
It is on a knife edge for Dumbarton tonight, and manager Jim Duffy hopes it is a challenge they can rise to.
He said: “Coming away from Stair Park on Saturday with a level scoreline was not the worst result ahead of getting Stranraer back to our place tonight.
“There is everything to play for, and having been in positive form at home of late, we have to be confident.
“The players will go out on to the pitch tonight knowing what they have to do, and the opportunity that awaits them if they do it well.
“We know that the workrate and endeavour will be very good, as it has been all season. Last Tuesday we rediscovered our goalscoring ability and we have to do so again tonight.”
The team news makes for slightly better reading than it did ahead of Saturday’s first leg. Ryan McGeever has an outside chance of making the game, having missed the Stair Park tie with injury.
However, Sam Wardrop, PJ Crossan, Isaac Layne, Joshua Bradley-Hurst and Daniel Church all miss out once again.
With the game taking place behind closed doors, live streaming will be available once again and details are as per our previous story.
Don’t forget that season ticket holders get the game as part of their season ticket and simply need to log in to watch.
Once again, we repeat our safety notice – no supporters of either side should attend the C&G Systems Stadium or its grounds this evening.
The club safety officer respectfully requests that supporters (home and away) refrain from climbing up on various items such as ladders, bicycles or chairs, to view home games over the fence.
This is due to the risk of harm or injury. The fence is pointed and rusty in some areas and there is a potential risk of impalement if hit by a stray football or if they were to fall forward.
The best and safest way to watch tonight’s game is via our live streaming service. We thank you in anticipation of your co-operation in this request.
Referee Gavin Duncan is in charge tonight, and will have assistance from Dougie Potter and Jonathan Bell. Calum Scott will act as fourth official.
Andy Galloway