Dumbarton v Forfar Athletic – match preview

The ‘Loons’ head for Dumbarton on Saturday for their third game of the cinch league2 campaign, with both sides having recorded two draws in their previous fixtures.

While the Athies have fought out two goalless draws with Stenhousemuir and Elgin City, the ‘Sons’ have recorded 1-1 score lines away to Bonnyrigg Rose and at home to Spartans.

As was the case with the game at home to Elgin last Saturday, Ray McKinnon’s charges had the majority of the clear cut chances in the Trust Trophy tie at Boroughbriggs on Tuesday evening, but just could not find the elusive goal which would have clinched victory and progress in the competition.

The manager though was delighted that the couple of players notably Darren Whyte returning from injury in the tie came though unscathed and valuable game time was also afforded to other members of what was a depleted squad on the night.

For tomorrow’s fixture in the shadow of the imposing Dumbarton Rock, the Station Park management team still have injury worries with Josh Skelly doubtful with Seb Ross and Callum Moore due to be assessed prior to kick-off.

Attempts to bolster the first team pool ahead of the fixture have to date not borne fruit but continue.

However the ‘Loons’ players will go into the contest confident that with just that wee bit ‘rub of the green’ in front of goal a first three point haul of the season can be attained.

A continuation of the form shown against Steve Farrell’s side last term would suffice, eight points gained by the Station Park outfit over Dumbarton over the course of the campaign, four at home, four on foreign soil.

The ‘Loons’ will however come against a much changed home eleven on Saturday.

Following on a poor end to last season which saw promotion slip through their grasp, the ‘Sons’ brought in ten fairly experienced new faces over the summer months from a variety of clubs, nine of them in fact participating in last week’s clash with the SPFL new ‘kids on the block’ Spartans.

As ever looking ahead to the fixture, Ray McKinnon was at pains to emphasise a close hard fought encounter against the side he considers to be one of the prime favourites for the title is a very likely scenario.

Saturday’s contest will be handled by George Calder who was in charge of our Viaplay Cup tie at Montrose last month.
Admission prices at the Dumbarton Stadium are £17 for adults, £11 concessions and £5 for under 16’s.

Tickets can be purchased in advance, see the Dumbarton FC website for further detail, but cash turnstile facilities are also available on the day.

Saturday’s other cinch league2 fixtures are;- Bonnyrigg Rose v Stranraer, Clyde v Peterhead, East Fife v Stenhousemuir, Spartans v Elgin City.