DUMBARTON are set to welcome Championship front runners Hearts to the Bet Butler Stadium tomorrow.
The tie will see the sides meet for the first time in 20 years after decades and divisions apart meaning that the pair haven’t met in a competitive fixture since 1994 — and even then it was the luck of the League Cup draw which brought them together.
Sons were swept away 4-0 at Boghead following goals from John Millar and John Robertson before an Allan Johnstone double rounded off proceedings.
With the Dumbarton ranks including former Hibees Ian Murray, Guillame Beuzelin, Colin Nish and David Van Zanten, the game may have added spice with opposing manager Robbie Neilson featuring in countless Edinburgh derbies during his playing career.
The Sons haven’t enjoyed the best of starts to their league campaign but a Chris Kane inspired victory over Livingston before the international break will provide Murray’s men with confidence going into the tie.
Meanwhile, Hearts have slotted into life in the Championship with ease.
A 100 per cent record has seen the Jambos claim the scalps of promotion chasing rivals Rangers, Hibs, Raith Rovers and Falkirk.
New signing Osman Sow has been a revelation since making the summer switch from Crystal Palace and added to the likes of the experienced Neil Alexander and Danny Wilson, Hearts have proved that they are more than capable of challenging Rangers for top spot.
Dumbarton should have a full squad to choose from with Colin Nish overcoming his bout of toothache.
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