Published: Tuesday, 30th June, 2009 11:00am

WE WON"T FEAR LEAGUE RIVALS

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Hero Clark says Sons can cut it in the Second Division

ROSS CLARK insists Dumbarton will have no problems making the step up as the Sons already have a team capable of competing in the Second Division.

The Dumbarton team sheet is laden with First Division - and even SPL - experience that will surely come in handy when the Sons welcome Partick Thistle and St Mirren to the Rock next month.

And midfield dynamo Clark (pictured) is confident his side will not simply be making up the numbers next year.

The Sons broke their record of consecutive clean sheets in a seven-game spell towards the end of last season, recording six wins.

And as they also scored more goals than any other side in the Third Division, Clark"s sentiments may just be proven right.

He said: 'We had a squad that was capable of playing in the Second Division last year so I think we"ll manage fine.

'Some people may feel we have sort of a young squad but there are guys here with plenty of experience like myself, Ryan McStay, Stevie Murray and Mark McGeown who has bags of experience.'

Dumbarton return to training this week and Clark admits he is ready to get back to work.

He said: 'We just can"t wait to get started.

'I missed the early session just there after flying back from holiday on the Friday night.

'Obviously, we had a good end to last season and we want to get back to training.'

Dumbarton face a six-week wait for the return of league football to Strathclyde Homes Stadium but with some fairly tasty fixtures in the coming weeks, there will be plenty for Clark and his team-mates to look forward to.

He said: 'We have a few friendlies to look forward to.

'It"s a chance to play against opposition like Middlesbrough and it"s always good to compare yourself against those types of guys.'

Dumbarton face a tricky start to their Second Division campaign with a vist from Alloa Athletic, followed by an arduous trip to Abroath before fellow new-boys Clyde make the trip to the Rock.

Dumbarton also have a Challenge Cup match with Morton on Sunday July 26 and a League Cup 1st round tie with Dunfermline on August 1 to deal with before the curtain-rasier the week later.

Meanwhile, Dumbarton gaffer Jim Chapman has added some new faces to the squad for the up-coming campaign.

Striker Darren Gribben has joined from Berwick Rangers after a fruitful season in front of goal, finding the net 15 times.

Ross O"Donoghue has also joined from Third Divison strugglers Elgin City and both men have penned a one-year-deal.

Dumbarton have confirmed they are looking at trialists during pre-season training but no new deals have been made.