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Match Preview - Dumbarton

This weekend, on Christmas Eve, the Fifers make the 165-mile round trip journey to “The Rock” to face league leaders Dumbarton. McDonald’s men will certainly be hoping for a “Miracle on Victoria Street”.

Neither side played last week due to the adverse weather conditions as the Sons were set to host Stenhousemuir in Dumbartonshire, while we were ready to welcome Stranraer at Bayview. The week before, Fife played out a goalless draw when they hosted bottom of the table Bonnyrigg Rose. Funnily enough, the last time Dumbarton played, which is now be three weeks ago, they travelled to New Dundas Park to face the aforementioned Bonnyrigg Rose. They played out a 1-1 draw, with Neil Martyniuk scoring a penalty on the stroke of half time, before Josh Grigor scored an own goal in the second half to pulling the league leaders level.

The ho-ho-hosts have won 4 in their last 6, including an impressive Scottish Cup win, against cinch League 1 side Clyde. They have also not been beaten since the 8th of October, when they were on the receiving end of a 6-0 drubbing at the hands of title chasers Stirling Albion.

On the other hand, we find ourselves in a sticky patch of form, last winning a game in October, when we overcame Elgin City. Hopefully this can be broken to give the Fifers some festive cheer.

Team news

We have no fresh injuries going into the fixture this weekend, and our long-term injury list is beginning to shrink week by week. Summer signing Rabin Omar has entered the squad for the first time since his arrival at the club and is available for selection against top-of-the-table Dumbarton. Brogan Walls is also making good progress, as he returned to non-contact training this week with anchor Conor McManus is set to return to non-contact training in the new year too. Scott Gallacher is also off the treatment table, and is back in training, however the stopper is not quite ready to return to the squad.

Team Colours

At the weekend, both sides will be partaking in and sharing their support for the #NoHomeKit campaign, in conjunction with Shelter Scotland. The campaign raised awareness surrounding the scale of households made homeless in Scotland. All SPFL clubs are showing their support for the campaign and those in the SWPL are also taking part. The campaign is also endorsed across English Football.

As a result, Fife will return to action in the away kit, donning the green and white top, with matching white shorts and socks to boot. The shot-stopper on the day will be in the all Turquoise Goalkeeper kit.

Dumbarton will be in their away colours too, wearing a navy shirt with matching shorts, with red socks, completing the kit. The home goalie will be clad in all Grey for the encounter.

Previous encounter

The Fifers last met the Sons on matchday 6 of the cinch League 2 season, at Bayview. When they met, both sides were at the sharp end of the table, with Fife sitting in third position.

The game was quick paced, but no side was making any clear-cut chances, and neither keeper having to do anything in the opening 30 minutes. However, in the 35th minute, Dumbarton showed why they are sat top of the league and pounced on a chance that came from a defensive mishap. Declan Byrne was there to capitalise, and slotted past Fleming. The game was then primarily controlled by the visitors and fizzled out slowly.

In their last 6 games against one another, Dumbarton and East Fife have won 3 games each. Dumbarton having won both of our last visits to “The Rock”. It would be a great result for the Black and Gold to take all three points this visit, and would for sure leave supporters saying, “It’s a wonderful Fife”.

Match Tickets

There will be cash turnstiles at the game this weekend, however if you would prefer to purchase in advance, you can buy a ticket from Dumbarton’s Ticketco page.

Adults: £15

Concessions (Seniors and Students): £10

Under 16s: £5

Officials

Our on-pitch official on Saturday will be Graham Beaton, and his assistants on the day will be Brian Christie and Jamie Andrews.

Live Stream

There will be no Live Stream for British and Irish-based viewers, however, our international supporters can watch the game on EFTV with a monthly or season pass.

Catering.

The stadium bar will be open from 11am tomorrow! Supporters can enter once through the home gate.

To celebrate 150 years since the Sons were founded (23rd December 1872), both teams will be piped out pre-match. On top of this, the matchday programme will be sold at a one-off price of £1.50 to mark the celebrations.