Dumbarton v Morton Preview

Morton face Dumbarton at the Strathclyde Homes Stadium in the 1st round of Alba Challenge Cup later today. This respresents the first competitive fixture of the 2009/10 season and is unusual in that it will be played on a Sunday because the Sons' stadium was rented out for a wedding before the fixtures were announced.

Funds have been especially tight this summer and, as a result, defensive midfielder Neil MacFarlane has been our only signing and the Dunoon man is set to make his debut. It will be interesting to see if this will be part of a midfield four or five. Last season Davie Irons favoured a 3-5-2 - but 4-4-2 has been his formation of choice this summer. It will be interesting to see which one he favours tomorrow but the personnel available suggests that it will probably be a 4-4-2.

Dominic Shimmin and Ryan Harding both miss out due to injury while Allan McManus is suspended because of his sending off at Ross County last season. Despite rumours that Kevin Cuthbert might not play due to injury - the reason American trialist Sean Milligan played against Unirea - the Greenock Telegraph's Andrew Forrester suggests that he will start. It has been an eventful week for Jim McAlister and although he is set to be involved at the Rock it may well be his last game for the Ton if Dan Petrescu can convince his chairman that he is worth signing.

The game is Dumbarton's first since the tragic death of club captain Gordon Lennon and the second division club have announced that there will be a minutes applause before kick-off. They include lastest signing Denis McLaughlin who is on a one month loan from Hearts.

Admisson Prices

Adults - £10
Concessions - £5

Recent Meetings

18.07.2008 - Pre-Season Friendly
Dumbarton 0 - 1 Morton

15.08.2006 - Challenge Cup 1st Round
Dumbarton 1 - 2 Morton (aet)


Possible line up

Cuthbert
McGuffie Greacen MacGregor Monti
Jenkins Masterton MacFarlane McAlister
Weatherson Wake

Betting (high street prices)

Morton are best priced at 11/10 with and .
Dumbarton are 2/1 with and .
The Draw is 5/2 with , and .


My Predicition

Dumbarton 0 - 2 Morton
8/1 with , and


dumbartonfootballclub.com - Competitive Action Begins (25.07.2009)

scottishfootballleague.com - Alba Challenge Cup Previews (25.07.2009)

oddschecker.com - Dumbarton v Morton