However, Sons will be hoping for a different outcome this time round, following last year’s disappointing 4-2 defeat. Last July goals from Garry Fleming and Kevin Smith were not enough to save Ian Murray’s men as they tumbled out of the cup at the first hurdle, however, this year the Sons boss believes his squad go into the game in better shape.

He said: “I think we are further on than we were this time last season.

“I think our players look stronger and I don’t know if that comes from the players being more confident with the way they ended the season but we need to go down there and win.

“We touched on it with the players before Saturday’s friendly — last season was a sloppy start to the season in the cup with Stranraer beating us and then the league start was a little inconsistent which ultimately cost us a play off place at the end of the season.

“So this time around we want to go to Stranraer and win there and then go up to Brechin and win there to give us confidence going into the opening day of the league season.”