Dumbarton Preview

Ok the mighty head across the water today to take on Dumbarton at the Rock - Its never really been a happy hunting ground for us

We've won 1 and lost 3 at the Rock and we never seem to have a run of the mill game we've either been excellent or shocking.

I know it sounds cliche'd but the form book usually goes out the window when we head to the Rock. Had a great result and peformance in the corresponding fixture in 2004 but then when Mcinally came in tightened up the defence we managed to throw away 3 goals with some woeful defending in our 2nd visit to Dumbarton last season.

At present we probably look a better team than that of last year but we must prove that by taking 3 points at places like the Rock, Station Park & Balmoor.

Team news is that Alex Walker is out due to the injury that forced him off last week - 1st reports were of medial ligament damage which we're scorched later in the week - he's hoping to back for the Gretna game on the 10th September but may take a few more weeks.

In Alex absence Jim has his 1st big selection decision of the season (dropping Temps was a bit of no-brainer) there appears to be 2 options

Alter the formation to the more defensively sound 4-4-2 formation although with Mclaren and Millar in central midfield we may be short in there - however would give McAlister & Finalyson more security to go forward. Changing to this formation means also finding someone to play left back (Mcgregor?)
Stick with the 3-4-1-2 formation that has got us this far and go for straight replacement of Alex with either Keenan, Adam or Mcgregor
I reckon the 2nd option is the more likely with Keenan the favourite to step in - Dean does the defensive side of the game reasonably well and will not be found wanting in the tackle however lacks the poise and passing of Adam. Certainly whoever comes in will have to be on top form as Chris Millar's form has shaded this season - Although maybe with Keenan alongside Chris will be the more advance of the central 2 and we will see more of the old Chris.

Up front Jason Walker has done enough to merit his place in the starting 11 but hopefully bouyed by his subs appearance last week Temps will be knocking on the door should Jason or Vialli be toiling. Last week when Chris came on the crowd got behind him and his was noticably lifted by this - hopefully Chris can make the most of the skills he has an silence the boo-boys once and for all

The Strathclyde Homes Stadium is a relatively big park and hopefully that will benefit the likes Walker, Finlayson & Mcallister to use their pace to full effect.

We go into the game with a 100% league record having taken 9 points out of 9 and no goals conceeded during this time but I reckon now that i've mentioned it one if not both these record will go. I think a 3-2 is on the cards keep us up there with Gretna and the 1st big clash of the season at Cappielow on 10th September.


Mon e' Ton

Likely Line-up (3-4-1-2)

---------------- Mcgurn -------------------

Weatherson---- Greacen --- Harding -----

--------- Millar -----Keenan ------------

McAlister------------------------Finlayson

---------------Mclaren--------------------

--------- Lilley --- J. Walker -------------

Other Fixtures

Forfar v Peterhead,
Gretna v Ayr,
Partick v Raith,
Stirling v Alloa,