First Challenge of the season
Published 21 Jul 2011 09:30
DUMBARTON take on Third Division outfit East Stirling for their first competitive game of the campaign in the Ramsden's Challenge Cup on Sunday.
However, the Sons will need to be top of their game as their track record of Challenge Cup at the first round stage has been poor.
In 2007 Dumbarton crashed out of the Challenge Cup after losing to the Shire.
Jim Chapman's side were knocked out the competition by Airdrie United a year later. Goals from Ross Clark and Derek Carcary weren't enough as they lost 3-2 at New Broomfield.
First Division team Morton then defeated Dumbarton a year later with a 1-0 win at the Strathclyde Homes Stadium.
The Ton then followed up that victory last season with a narrow 2-1 win.
The last time the Sons took on the Shire was in their Third Division championship-winning campaign in 2009. In wintry conditions, the Sons defeated Jim McInally's side 2-0 thanks to goals from Denis McLaughlin and trialist Paul Craig.
Allan Adamson will be keen not to slip-up on Sunday however, East Stirling, who are managed by ex-Stenhousemuir manager John Coughlin, will want to get their season off to a positive start.
Coughlin took over the side at the end of last season after resigning from his post at Stenny.
Meanwhile, Dumbarton will prepare for the cup clash with their last friendlies this week.
First up the Sons take on Partick Thistle tonight (Tuesday) before playing Clydebank at Holm Park on Thursday.
Dumbarton v East Stirling kicks off a 3pm on Sunday at the Strathclyde Homes Stadium.
This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 19 Jul 11
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